Rush Rush

on December 28, 2010
in All Posts

Hey friends!  I’m rushing around today – I’m officially back to work until Thursday, and man – things are crazy.  My email is overflowing, I have a backlog of freelance projects, my book is begging to be attended to… Ouch.

 

However, I did make time to go to Y2Yoga for the always soul-crushing Superflow class.  It was one of the hardest Superflows in recent memory!  90 minutes of one million and one push ups and side planks.  But I left feeling refreshed and calm.

 

Lunch:

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Ciabatta bread with hummus, tabbouleh, and tofu (all store-bought from Trader Joe’s):

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And 1/2 an apple and 1/2 a pear:

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So, earlier today I was thinking about my work schedule.  It’s kind of weird to me that I consider Healthy Tipping Point a “job” because it started out as my personal blog, but it has become a job for me (here’s my blogging tips).  I also consider Operation Beautiful / writing the second OB book the other half of my job, plus there’s freelance writing and working as the secretary at the clinic.

 

Here’s what a typical day looks like for me:

 

  • 7:30 AM: Wake up
  • 8:30 – 11:00 AM:  Work
  • 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM:  Exercise
  • 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM:  Lunch break
  • 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Work / Go into the clinic
  • 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM:  Dinner break
  • 8:00 PM – ??:  Work / Stare at the television / read a book

 

On the weekends, I work about 5 hours a day usually.

 

When I worked as an urban planner, I woke up at 6 AM and would work out before work.  I’d work from 8 AM to 6 PM, and then I would have the whole evening off.  I worked 10 hours a day because they gave me every Friday off per a flexible work schedule (instead of 5 8-hour days).

 

What is your work schedule like?  If you could create your schedule, when would you work and exercise?  Do you work in an environment that allows flexible work schedules?

{ 91 comments }

 

  • Amy December 28, 2010, 2:01 pm

    What kind of freelancing do you do? Sounds like fun.

    • Caitlin December 28, 2010, 2:08 pm

      Right now, I’m doing stuff for SparkPeople.com but I’ve worked for the Wall Street Journal Classroom Edition and Unigo.com in the past.

      • Baking 'n' Books December 28, 2010, 3:40 pm

        That sounds so busy with everything else you have going on! Wow!

  • Kate (What Kate is Cooking) December 28, 2010, 2:05 pm

    I like working out in the morning. I work part time in a daycare, so thankfully my hours are very flexible!

  • Madeleine @ Stepping to the Bright Side December 28, 2010, 2:09 pm

    I work as a waitress 3 nights a week and spend the rest of my time hustlin’ for acting/modeling work- phew! i LOVE having so much time that’s not spent at a desk but sometimes i really YEARN for structure and a surefire paycheck… i suppose the grass can always be greener. i definitely prefer working out earlier in the day- gives me tons of energy and allows me to get it out of the way before other priorities take over.

  • Brittany (A Healthy Slice of Life) December 28, 2010, 2:13 pm

    Now that I own a business, I’m constantly trying to figure out what kind of schedule works best. It’s great because I have the flexibility to be able to work out at 11am instead of 6am, but I often find myself working longer hours… and after dinner because there is still stuff I could be working on.
    It’s hard to find the separation when my office is a few steps from the kitchen!

  • Carla @ Will Run for Health December 28, 2010, 2:15 pm

    I miss working in a hospital setting just because the flexibility in my schedule. I am working in an office (out patient) setting right now and I find it soul crushing. I am looking forward to getting back into a hospital setting one day.

  • Jenn @ LiveWellFitNow December 28, 2010, 2:19 pm

    My schedule is very similar to yours actually since I also run my own business from home. Being a wellness/fitness coach allows me to schedule clients according to what works for them AND me. It’s been coming together nicely but here is how I am moving these days…

    6:30 am wakeup
    7-8 workout OR email/catch up
    8-11 work/coach/blog
    11-12 exercise or play with new recipe
    12-12:30 lunch/email/play break
    12:30-4 work/coach/market
    4-5 specific new projects/create goals/todo list making/scheduling
    5-7 finish up work from the day!

    I usually do not work on the weekend unless I have pressing things. Though I am building a new business I’m a big believer in balance. Balance for me means weekends devoted entirely to my husband, friends, family and FUN!

  • Kelly December 28, 2010, 2:24 pm

    Being a teacher is not flexible at all. I work from 6:30 am until at least 3 every single day- most days I tutor after school or stay at school to catch up on work until 5 or 6. I can’t leave in the middle of the day or even take a day off, but what I do like is that I do get vacation time obviously (like right now) and I like that if I plan ahead and get all my stuff done, sometimes I can be out at 3 (just not too often). I also don’t have to work on weekends unless it’s report card time or I’m behind on planning/prep. I would not be good at working at home, I’m more productive (and feel more productive) going to work.

  • Beth @ Beth's Journey to Thin December 28, 2010, 2:25 pm

    I work a 9 – 5 and usually workout after work. I try to get up in the mornings to workout but it doesn’t usually happen for me. I wake up at 7:30, leave for work at 8:30, get home at 5:30, and then workout and make dinner, watch tv or read, and then bed.

  • Lisa December 28, 2010, 2:31 pm

    I work 8-5 Mon-Friday. I wish I could get up early to work out!

  • grocery goddess jen December 28, 2010, 2:32 pm

    My “pay the bills” job is 8 am to 4 pm Monday through Thursday, which is the best schedule ever, and then I am also building my wellness coaching business, and of course I blog, which isn’t a job but is something I enjoy and is related to my business. So I workout first thing, go to work, and after work blog/work with cleints, etc, and then on weekends I usually blog more often and also work on my website and business a few hours a day. Working on my own stuff is fun, though, and doesn’t feel like work!

  • Kimberly @ Healthy Strides December 28, 2010, 2:38 pm

    I have a good ole desk job, but have a bit of a later schedule. I go in about 10 a.m. and leave around 6:30 p.m. I can go in a little later if need be depending on what meetings I have to attend but hate staying later so I usually stick to 10 a.m. The later arrival time allows me time to work out before heading to the office, which I love, though I do sometimes go a for run or yoga class at lunch.

  • Amanda (Eating Up) December 28, 2010, 2:38 pm

    I would love to work 8-4 M-F. That would be ideal for me because I work best in the morning, and I like to work out before dinner!

  • Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) December 28, 2010, 2:39 pm

    Funny how you work more when it is your business! Holidays included on most occasions. I get up at 5:50am M-F to work out and then we work all day long until 6pm. My husband works longer if he has too since he is the illustrator and he is the only one to do the work. I would always find time to work out. It is a part of me and it goes in the schedule!

  • Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine December 28, 2010, 2:39 pm

    I’m still a student, and I have to say that my schedule for the upcoming semester is pretty awesome- only three jam-packed afternoons a week, no class before 12:30, and 4 day weekends. I SERIOUSLY lucked out, but I’m just gonna enjoy it for my last semester of college!!

    • Caitlin December 28, 2010, 2:47 pm

      One semester, I had all 5 classes on Tuesday and Thursdays. It. was. epic.

  • Ilana December 28, 2010, 2:41 pm

    I’m pretty lucky in my teaching right now. I wake up, am in my Pilates studio by 9am for clients and classes, then I babysit in the afternoons from 330-6, then either home or back to the studio for my clients. Once a week I also take class at a college nearby – next semester, it’s gonna be anatomy. Breakfast is at 10:30-11ish between clients (I cannot eat in the early AM, I get sick), lunch around 2, dinner around 7 or 8.

  • Tracy December 28, 2010, 2:41 pm

    My work schedule is similar to what you had as an urban planner. I work 9 hour days Mon-Thurs, every other Friday off, my Friday’s on are 8 hours. I also have flex hours which allows a lot of versatility. I work out after work, and on my days off in the morning. I’m not a morning person at all, but I want to enjoy my weekends off so I try to get to it first thing when I wake up. I wish I had the same motivation for my work week.

  • Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg December 28, 2010, 2:44 pm

    My work schedule is pretty great for me– it’s intense on the days that I teach, but I’ve kept my classes confined to Tuesday and Thursday, which is REALLY nice– four day weekends every week!

    Glad you got a good yoga class in!

  • carlee December 28, 2010, 2:45 pm

    I would want to exersise in the morning!

  • Beth @ Will Run for Books December 28, 2010, 2:47 pm

    Right now, my work schedule is 8:30-4:30, M-F, not flexible. My daily schedule looks somewhat like this:

    If working out in the morning:
    5:15 – wake up
    5:30-6:30 work out
    6:30-7:30 get ready and eat breakfast
    7:30-8:30 commute
    8:30-4:30 work (with a 30 min to 1 hr lunch break)
    4:30-5:30 commute
    5:30-9:30(ish): eat dinner, do household chores, pack lunch and breakfast for next day, hang out with friends, relax, walk dog, etc.

    If I work out in the evenings, it looks mroe like this.
    6:30-7:30 get ready and eat breakfast
    7:30-8:30 commute
    8:30-4:30 work (with a 30 min to 1 hr lunch break)
    4:30-5:30 commute
    5:45-6:45 work out
    6:45-10(ish) eat dinner, do household chores, pack lunch and breakfast for next day, hang out with friends, relax, walk dog, etc.

    I would love to have a more flexible schedule! The hour commute each way really gets me and I don’t particularly like either of my workout time options. If I could, I’d come in later and work later so I could get my workout out of the way in the morning. Or, I’d take a 2 hour lunch and work out then (if I had access to a shower.) A girl can dream….

  • Camille December 28, 2010, 2:49 pm

    I’m a student, so my schedule is pretty lenient. Aside from my required time at school, being home is all about balance and time management.

  • Meaghan December 28, 2010, 2:53 pm

    I work 8.5 hours a day, M-F, but we are on a flex schedule so what time I get here and leave depends on what I have going on that day. We can get in as early as 6:30 and leave at 3, or as late as 9:30 and leave at 6, or any time in between, of course. I like to get up around 515/530, run or hit up a yoga class, and then work 815-445, so I can have my evenings free to play with my dogs, cook, read, and have quality time with my boyfriend. Other things often get in the way of that ideal schedule though!

    • Shannon December 29, 2010, 8:32 am

      I’m the same way and I love the fact that I don’t have to put in ‘seat time’ at the job. I feel like employers who allow your work schedule to ebb and flow also appreciate that everyone needs work/ life balance and therefore their employees work a little harder. No complaints here 🙂

  • Val @ Balancing Val December 28, 2010, 2:57 pm

    My work schedule is MWF 12 hour shifts . . . then I have school Tuesday nights and all day Sunday.

    I only have one full day of which is Thursdays, but its barely a day off as laundry, food shopping and cooking need to be done.

    As far as blogging. I have an ipad so I just try and scrape together moments through the day where I can work on posts and pictures but its not easy as I really want it to be successful!

    Luckily I have been snowed in for 2 whole days and I am getting things better organized for the year ahead. 🙂

  • allison @ livingoneday December 28, 2010, 2:57 pm

    my work schedule is 8:30-5:30 m-f. i would LOVE to work 10 hour days and have off fridays, but that’s not an option for me at this job. im also ~45 min from work so i am home around 6:15 and then i feel like the rest of my night FLIES

  • Maryann December 28, 2010, 2:58 pm

    Im a student and work part time when im not in class. I hate going to the gym in the evening because its always SO busy! So I like to try to get my workout in early in the day if my schedule allows.

  • Michele @ Healthy Cultivations December 28, 2010, 3:02 pm

    I generally get up at 6am and do bloggy stuff (reading, commenting) until 7am. Then, work 8-12, break for lunch, then work 1-5 or 6. Then, I do dinner, exercise, life in general, and writing in the evenings. I’m in bed early too… usually about 9:30pm to read for a while.

  • Sarah for Real December 28, 2010, 3:02 pm

    I work a 30 hour week which means 6 hours a day, from 8-2. I love love love this schedule (requested 30 hours instead of 40). I get the whole afternoon to spend with my husband, run errands, go to the gym, cook, etc.

    When it’s not dark for 18 hours a day, I really like getting up early before work to go to the gym. Lately I just cannot drag myself out of bed though, so it’s nice to have the time in the afternoon.

  • Lacey @ Lake Life December 28, 2010, 3:02 pm

    I read your post title and automatically thought “Paula Abdul” 🙂

    Funny you should ask about work schedules. I’m pretty PO’d right now that my boss isn’t allowing me to come in to work this Friday. The hospital considers it a holiday since Saturday is the actual holiday. I would rather work and stay caught up.

  • Victoria (District Chocoholic) December 28, 2010, 3:05 pm

    My work schedule is either really rigid (filled with travel and meetings) or somewhat flexible (no meetings/travel). If I coach in the evenings, I work out before work – sometimes as early as 5 am – and since that’s most days, I’m just in the morning workout habit in general unless I’m working out with a group in the evening. I like the morning workout thang – then nothing else gets in the way no matter what happens that day.

  • Ashley @ Ashley's Adventures in Alaska December 28, 2010, 3:08 pm

    My schedule isn’t terribly flexible, but I do get to control what hours of the day I work, so long as I’m in the office Monday through Friday. For me, 8-4 is great because then I have the afternoon and evening to do what I want. So… We plan to cross country ski a few days a week now (best Christmas gifts ever!) and always enjoy making dinner together and relaxing. I quite enjoy this schedule in the summer when we have seemingly infinite sunlight because you can get so much done!

  • Sana December 28, 2010, 3:08 pm

    Sometimes I feel like being in college is much harder thenbeing in the real world- because you still have to do work AFTER the day is done!

  • lucie December 28, 2010, 3:13 pm

    Wow – i really admire you working out before work! I dont think i could do that AND work 10 hours, woah! Wonder woman!

    x

  • Kacy December 28, 2010, 3:13 pm

    My work schedule is 7-4 M-F. I like it because it gives me some evening hours (and daylight) to work with. I typically work out after work, but sometimes I’ll force myself to get up at 4:30 and do it before. That’s never my favorite though. I also have a PT job at a running store so that takes up usually one week night and one weekend day. I love it though.

    In an ideal world I’d work for myself and would exercise whenever my favorite yoga/fitness classes were and work whenever I felt most productive. As for running, I’d probably do like you and work in the morning and take a pre-lunch break for a run. That’s my ideal running time.

    I wish my company offered a flexible work schedule/Fridays off. That would kick ass.

  • Heather December 28, 2010, 3:20 pm

    Ideally I would love to work from home. I would start my day around 8AM, work until 11 and then take an extended break for working out/lunch. I would then complete work by 4 or 5. Right now I typically work 8-5 or 8-4 if I don’t go anywhere for lunch. I would love, love, love to work 4-10’s and have Friday off!

    Right now I exercise after work, just so not a morning person to get up early and do it.

  • Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga) December 28, 2010, 3:32 pm

    I am an independent contractor and my hubs is self employed which is why we “can” create our own schedules…to a point. You have to work when the clients/money/projects are there. Especially in this economy! So yes, we do have leeway…but….not ultimately; the clients who are paying us do 🙂

    And yes, today is a workday and i feel ya, super slammed!

    Love that you did yoga…i just got done w/ some garage yoga 🙂

  • Baking 'n' Books December 28, 2010, 3:42 pm

    Impressed with the yoga. Must do that sometime next year 😉 Hah! Since you have your own schedule – do you prefer to workout later in the morning now versus your early morning like you used to?

    • Caitlin December 28, 2010, 5:15 pm

      Def in the afternoon. It takes me a while to wake up!

  • Anne December 28, 2010, 3:42 pm

    I feel like I have a work/life inbalance, which is something that I hope to correct in 2011. I’m an organizational consultant, and I average about 60 hours of work per week. I also travel fairly regularly for work, which tends to throw my routines off. While I can’t imagine a world without smart phones and the internet, I can “connect” to work at any time and get sucked in. It really is a double-edged sword. I ignore my phone when working out so I really work hard to keep that piece of my schedule. Now if only I’d treat the time I spend with my husband the same way… 🙂

    • Baking 'n' Books December 28, 2010, 3:43 pm

      Oooh – I hear ya on that…I hate getting phone calls when I’m trying to chill out or something…

    • Caitlin December 28, 2010, 5:15 pm

      Girl, I feel you!! I need to turn off my phone more.

  • Wendy December 28, 2010, 3:43 pm

    I am a first year high school science teacher, and here’s what my current schedule is like:
    6-7 a.m. wake up, get self and kids ready and out the door
    7-7:15ish drop kids off at sitter/bus, arrive at classroom
    7:15-3:45ish work at school
    3:45-4:15 pick up kids, go home
    4:15-8:30 evening routine – do homework w/DD, do some laundry, make supper, pack bags for next day, clean up dishes, put kids to bed (yes, this usually takes 4 hours!)
    8:30-11:00(at least!) work on school work at home

    T,W,F evenings I workout, so the after-school schedule is a little different, but I always end up working a good 2.5-3 hours in the evenings on school stuff, plus another 8 hours or so every weekend. Hopefully when I am no longer a newbie, I won’t have to work quite so much outside of school on school work! I love my job, but talk about soul-crushing…

    • Melissa December 28, 2010, 9:22 pm

      I was the same way my first year doing hours of work at home for elementary school though. I’m now in my sixth year and I rarely bring work home though I work 45 minutes away from my home so I spend enough extra on driving. It gets better; hang in there!

  • Heather December 28, 2010, 3:43 pm

    I generally get up, check blogs/email catch up then run or workout, then come back and work till 3, eating as I work. sometimes I work again from 5-7, people need travel agetns all hours of the day so that is a tentative schedule.

  • Samantha @ Mama Notes December 28, 2010, 3:44 pm

    Just wanted to say something about running in the cold/bad weather. I live in Alaska and went for a run the other day in 6 degrees. 🙂 It actually wasn’t that bad! The only thing that got cold was my face and my hands but my face warmed up after about 10 minutes.

    • Jazz December 28, 2010, 11:06 pm

      I have a sweet facemask which works well, I look like a ninja to boot!

  • Stephanie C December 28, 2010, 3:45 pm

    I am starting my second semester of grad school next week, but right now I am BORED out of my mind! Relaxing for about a week was good, but now I feel like I am wasting time.
    For next semester I have night classes either from 4-7 or 7-10, 3 days a week. I was running 2-3 times per week, but got sick, it rained for a week and then went on vacation.
    I am planning on buying a package at a ballet-yoga studio so that I can do that before going to class and take care of my household chores Thursday and Friday.
    But my husband is self-employed, and like you, he pretty much works almost every day. When we’re both busy, he takes off Sunday so we can have it as ‘our day.’

  • Paige (Running Around Normal) December 28, 2010, 3:45 pm

    Ha! My work schedule is a little wonky.
    I’m very fortunate that the company I work at was willing to allow me to drop down to part time – about 22 hrs/week in order to pursue personal training.
    So…typically I work at the insurance company Tues, Weds, and half of Thursday. On a couple of those days I’ll also train a client or two or three afterward. On Monday and Friday I’ll work at the gym for about 4-6 hrs/day. I try not to work at all on the weekends. Then I also “work” on my blog by posting twice a day. It’s crazy but I LOVE it!

  • Sara @ OurDogBuffy December 28, 2010, 3:49 pm

    I get up at 6:30 on weekdays-I work from 8 to 4:30. I live 30 minutes away from my job. When I get home it’s time to do laundry, cleaning, exercise, blog … whatever comes up. It must be hard to balance it all while working at home!

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat December 28, 2010, 3:52 pm

    My work (as in, non-blog) schedule is very much 9-5, but the company I work for is fairly flexible so employees can come and go about an hour inside/outside of those times depending on their needs (kids, appointments, etc). It works well for me and usually means I can kick back and relax (and blog!) in the evenings.

  • Wondering December 28, 2010, 4:12 pm

    Hi Caitlin,
    Great question and I really admire your schedule. In fact, its given me a rough outline of a possibility to hope for!

    My work schedule is not great, but it could be worse. I work 8-10 days starting at 8 am. I get up around 6 or 6:30 am and I make breakfast. I eat, read emails and blogs. Start work at 8 am. I break before lunch for a little walk. I eat lunch. I work all afternoon. I eat a snack, go for another little walk. Then it is time for dinner and TV and relax time. I stay up fairly late indulging in TV and things I shouldn’t, snack, and head to bed.
    That is a rough idea I suppose. Though this varies.
    The one thing I am jealous of are those that can read blogs while at work, and still being paid. I have to keep blog-reading for before-or-after-work hours only and it is too bad!

  • Maren December 28, 2010, 4:20 pm

    Jeez girl, ya work-a-holic! 😉 I am doing body-for-life, so I am doing those workouts, which don’t require much time!! love it! But I am quitting after 7 weeks 🙁 to start training for a half-marathon!! 🙂 But I work out whenever I get time, which is usually at night. Do you use a specific training plan for your marathon/half-marathon training? I like Hal Higdon’s plans, but am wondering if there is something better out there…

    • Caitlin December 28, 2010, 5:16 pm

      I use a modified version of Hals – I will post it soon!

  • Jasmine @ Eat Move Write December 28, 2010, 4:36 pm

    I’m a freelance writer, too, so my schedule is up to me. This is awesome and horrible at the same time. I tend to work best in the afternoon, so I basically schedule my life around that time. I wish I could make my schedule as rigid as yours. After more than a year working from home, I still struggle with this part of it. I definitely work much longer days now, though, much like you.

  • Beth @ DiningAndDishing December 28, 2010, 5:19 pm

    Currently I work 930 to 630. Although I’m not a morning person I’ve requested to move my shift up to 730 to 430. I like the idea of getting work out of the way early so I have a big chunk of time in the evening to do as I please :).

  • Stacy @ Every Little Thing December 28, 2010, 5:31 pm

    My schedule isn’t very flexible, though in the non-profit world, I’d consider it flexible enough. I work 7-3, M-F, but I have the option to occasionally work from work, and overwork one day and underwork the next. But being done at 3 p.m. is my favorite part. Blogging happens in the afternoon/evenings and sometimes at work. Shhhh! 🙂

  • Allie December 28, 2010, 5:33 pm

    You are one busy bee! But also very productive 🙂 I like how you don’t waste any time on dumb stuff haha. I hope I can have a flexible work schedule in the future.. when I get my first adult job!

  • ally December 28, 2010, 5:33 pm

    My schedule this past fall was kind of insane, and I’m glad I decided to change it!

    Monday/Wednesday/Fridays I would run 5 miles, eat breakfast, go to school for five hours, then come home. Tuesday/Thursdays I would run, go to school, do hot yoga, come home. Then on the weekends, I worked. I am not the kind of person who can handle all of that. Gah. No wonder I became a coffee fiend!

  • Laine December 28, 2010, 5:47 pm

    I have my own law practice and I work 4 days a week (9-4 usually.) I think the whole 40 hour work week is an artificial construct. I get just as much work done in 4 days as I did in 5, because work tends to expand to the time allotted. Plus, I make very good use of my assistants so that my time is spent doing lawyer work, not admin work.

    Usually on Fridays I will do some marketing stuff, or get all my errands done. I still can respond to client emails and stuff.

    I love it. It started one summer when I only wanted to work 4 days, and then I have just carried it forward since then.

  • sarah k. @ the pajama chef December 28, 2010, 5:56 pm

    i’m a grad student, so my schedule changes every semester and in the summer… but next semester looks great.

    mondays- class 9:30-3:45 with 2 30-min breaks; then i’ll have the rest of the day for working out, homework, dinner, time w/ husband, etc.

    tuesdays & thursdays- work a half day and then workout/homework/etc the rest of the time

    wednesdays- class from 9:30-12:25 & 5:30-7:45 with the breaks filled up by homework/work; i’ll probably get a workout in in the AM that day

    friday-sunday=weekend! church, family, homework, etc. 🙂

  • Cindy December 28, 2010, 6:12 pm

    My schedule is flexible in that I don’t have to be at work a specific time or leave work at a specific time, however, if I have Court (I’m a lawyer) at 9 am, then obviously I have to be at the courthouse by 9. Usually it works out something like this:
    5:20-6:10 – up, breakfast and get ready
    6:10-7:10 – commute via train (I check email, google reader and read on the train)
    7:10-7:30 – walk to work from the train station
    7:30-7:45 – get settled in
    7:45-1:00 – work
    1:00-2:00 – lunch
    2:00-5:30 (or later depending on what’s going on) – work
    5:30 -6:10 – prepare to leave and walk to train
    6:10 – 7:00 – train ride home
    7:00 – 8:00 dinner/tv/read
    8:00 – 9:30/10:00 – read/finish up work/hang out with friends

    As you can see I need to find time to add ‘work out’ to that. Problem is that more often than not I’m I catch the 7:40 train rather than the 6:10 train which means I don’t get home until 8:30. I’m working on finances to be able to move closer to work to cut a majority of the commuting time out of my schedule.

    I usually work from home a couple hours each day on the weekend (or more depending on what’s going on).

  • Kim @ Kim Lives Healthy December 28, 2010, 6:14 pm

    I miss the flexible schedule I had in college, where I could work on an assignment until it was done, and take breaks for meals, workouts, dates… The 8-5 schedule really sucks when trying to plan your workouts because the gym is always crowded in the mornings and after work, and I don’t think it’s healthy for anyone to be sitting at a desk in front of a computer for 8-10 hours straight. I remember you posted once about billable hours and how much timesheets suck – I think about that almost every day! I find myself dreaming now of a career with more flexible hours, where I work when there is work to be done instead of sitting at a desk for 40 hours whether there’s work or not.

  • Gracie (complicated day) December 28, 2010, 6:50 pm

    As a pharmacist, I work a rotating shift. I’m lucky to have a great schedule – only every third weekend, and since our store is busy we have three shifts: 7 am to 3 pm, 10 am to 6 pm, and 2 pm to 10 pm. This means we don’t have as many late nights. I’m supposed to work 40 hours a week but I often stay late; I work at least 45 per week, sometimes more. People forget that in addition to being “medical professionals”, pharmacists work crazy hours!

  • Rachel @ Fit Fun and Fabulous December 28, 2010, 6:54 pm

    7 – Wake Up/Get ready/Drive to work (my fiance and I usually carpool)
    9 – 5 – Work, including a working lunch where I eat lunch at my desk (horrible)
    6-7 – Workout, or head straight home
    7-10 – Veg out in front of tv with fiance and pets

    We watch in insane amount of tv…probably 3+ hours every single day. I’m about to cancel the cable so we can be more producitve members of society, save up money for our wedding instead of spending money on cable, and not rot our brains.

    🙂

  • Caitlyn (A Spoonful of Life) December 28, 2010, 7:12 pm

    In a perfect world, I would work out in the early morning. I would have amble time to not only run and strength train, but also to enjoy a leisurely breakfast in the comfort of my home. Then, I would head off to work (only if I had to!). In this perfect world, I would be home no later than 5pm. Perfect time to create a delicious and satisfying dinner!

  • sammy December 28, 2010, 7:29 pm

    wow, waking up at 7:30, exercising in the middle of the day and an hour long lunch break??? i’d take that “work schedule” any day of the week! why is that bloggers complain about being busy more than anyone with a real job? few people can actually take two hours off in the middle of their day for exercising and eating.

    • Caitlin December 28, 2010, 8:08 pm

      I don’t complain! 🙂 I do end up working a lot, especially with freelancing and the book; sometimes as much as 70 hours a week. But I like what I do a whole lot.

  • Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down) December 28, 2010, 8:03 pm

    My work schedule is always changing but usually follows an 8:00-4:30 shift.

    Ideally, I would go in to my work for 9 so that I could work out in the morning and leave by 4:30. I’d still be happy with 5 or 5:30 if it meant that I could fit my workout in, in the morning. 😀

  • Morgan @ Life After Bagels December 28, 2010, 8:24 pm

    Well for starters I’m going to have to figure my freelance gigs / get a cool and flexible part time job since I’m 8 days away from leaving my job

    • Caitlin December 29, 2010, 8:42 am

      Congrats on leaving your job again!!! I’m so excited for you.

  • Katie @ Healthy Heddleston December 28, 2010, 8:29 pm

    Right now I have 4 part time jobs… it’s kinda crazy but so far it works. I have two families that I part time nanny for… I do my dietetic consulting.. and I’m a freelance writer for livestrong.com.

    You mentioned your freelancing a few times in this post — what kind of work are you doing? Just curious 🙂

    • Caitlin December 29, 2010, 8:43 am

      I write for SparkPeople.com but I’ve worked for the Wall Street Journal Classroom Edition and Unigo.com in the past.

    • kristin December 29, 2010, 9:10 am

      I hear u on the pt jobs, I Have been juggling part time jobs for the past year and a half while getting my masters, I teach part time, nanny for a few families and caretake houses part time- its great and its been working for me due to the flexibility to go to school, workout etc. But one thing that stinks is when I’m not working, I’m not getting paid so its hard for me to take time off! its nice having a flexible schedule but I will enjoy paid time off when I get it someday!

  • Balanced Healthy Life December 28, 2010, 9:56 pm

    Since the Husband and I own 3 gyms, we have the ability to create our own schedules. We can leave when we want, take days off when we want, but we always work out in the morning to make sure we get it in. For example, tomorrow we are taking off to pick up our puppy then I’m able to stay at home while the Husband works Thursday and Friday. We always work on the weekends cleaning the gyms and signing up members. We are lucky to have great trainers who take control of the gyms when were gone. I highly suggest this career path if you have the chance!

  • Jessica @ Jessica Balances December 28, 2010, 9:56 pm

    Oooh I love reading about everyone’s schedule! Mine is pretty typical, M-F 7:30-4:30. I workout after work, which I totally don’t mind because it’s usually hot yoga and it feels so good to strrreeettcch out after a day at my desk! I certainly don’t want to have this type of schedule forever, but it’s all right for now and I’m just thankful to have a job in my field. But, in a perfect world, I’d have a lot more flexibility in my work schedule. 🙂

  • Alice December 28, 2010, 10:54 pm

    I usually work 8am – 4pm, and go to the gym after work on my way home. My workplace is pretty flexible – as long as we do a standard work day, we can start and finish whenever we want (within reason – starting between 7.30 – 9 and finishing between 4 – 6). If we work late one day, we can finish early the next too (like PTO I think).

    I would love to work from home – I used to do it and I miss it!

  • Alice December 28, 2010, 10:57 pm

    P.S. I also think that where I live (Australia), the work hours are very different to the States. While some jobs do require long hours, most government and public sector jobs are a 7.15 hour work day (45 minutes for lunch). We also get four weeks holidays per year. I’ve spoken to some friends in the States and they agree both countries have different attitudes – there is a lot more pressure in the States to work work work, whereas in Australia there’s a big emphasize on ‘work-life’ balance.

  • Ashley@thefitacademic December 28, 2010, 11:06 pm

    I would like to be able to have a schedule more similar to your current schedule: work first thing, then workout, lunch, more work, etc. Sometimes if I’m working really late I like to do my workout in the evening before dinner to break things up a little.

  • Bridget December 28, 2010, 11:56 pm

    My new teaching/curriculum design job is great, but hectic. It is 7a-7p most of the time, though there are some days that I stay later.

  • Jen December 29, 2010, 7:21 am

    My current schedule is no longer working for me, I need to switch it up. I have been getting up at 4:30 to work out and then since I’m a stay at home mom, I’m on duty all day long. Naptime is usually “mommy time” where I watch a little TV, blog, whatever, but I’m thinking of using that as my workout time because I’m no longer waking up to work out, I just keep sleeping. ARGH!

    Jen

  • Lee December 29, 2010, 8:01 am

    My work schedule is pretty typical. I work in an office from 8:30-5:30 with an hour lunch break. I sometimes work out at lunch, but usually do it after work. My first job was a 10 hour day, 4 day a week job and I really miss that sometimes. I had every Monday off.

  • Julia @ Brides Up North December 29, 2010, 8:20 am

    Merry Christmas Caitlin – I hope it was a good one.

    Just catching up on your posts, so will find out!

    I currently exercise before work, work 8:30am – 6:30pm as a lawyer, then go home and work on my new blog 7pm – midnight, plus one full day a weekend. Hubs cooks!! Its busy, but going well xxx

  • chelsey @ clean eating chelsey December 29, 2010, 10:09 am

    Your work schedule is intense! I usually exercise before work, leave about 7, teach from 8:30-3:00, leave around 3:30 or 4:00, run some errands, make dinner, blog, and relax!

  • Amber K December 29, 2010, 1:39 pm

    I am super part time with my church’s childcare. It’s just Tues/Thurs mornings from 8 to 12. And then I volunteer there Sunday mornings.

    I really thought (after trying for four years) that I would be a stay at home mom by now. Hopefully someday soon!

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin December 29, 2010, 4:54 pm

    I’m a student, so my schedule is pretty nice! I have 8:30 class a few times a week and I’m usually done by early afternoon, so that’s when I work out.

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) December 29, 2010, 5:23 pm

    I have to be at work from 9-3:30 Monday to Friday, 200 days a year. Anything I do outside of that time is up to me, and since I am paid a yearly salary, I don`t get paid overtime outside of those hours, but typically work longer days and occasionally go in on a day off. Being a teacher, there is not a lot of flexibility (if any) when it comes to holiday time, but I can`t complain because I do get 12 weeks off a year!

  • Kathy January 2, 2011, 9:07 am

    Hello! I just discovered your blog and I really like it! I’m an urban planner and a runner as well, and I think runners or people who otherwise work outdoors are especially attuned to the importance of walkable, ped/bike-friendly design! Just wanted to say hi and I’m looking forward to reading more of your blog.

    • Caitlin January 2, 2011, 10:00 am

      Hi Kathy! Thanks so much 🙂

  • Dee January 6, 2011, 3:47 pm

    I’m late reading this because I am just catching up on all my blog reading that piled up during winter break. But I had to comment on this because your question about flex work schedules is the number one quality of life factor I am fixated on these days. I used to have a totally self-managed work schedule, and I loved it. The work was all grant-based, so I knew it would end when the money ran out, but it was a glorious two years. Now I have a 9-5 and it’s a decent job, but I hate it because of the no flexibility. I hate having to get up really early to work out so I can be at work by a certain time. I hate how the weekends have to be crammed with every single errand because nothing’s open after work, or, it’s more important to get home, make dinner and relax with the bf in the precious few hours before bed. So I am longing to figure out a way to get back to a flex work schedule, that is the ultimate life goal for me!

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