Learning to take time

Early on this summer, I was faced with one of the most difficult decisions of my young adult life thus far. For the past two years, while at college, I was employed by an organization that essentially provided for my basic needs while at school. The employment was a great deal that provided me with a generous amount of financial compensation in return for my labor and efforts. And, in complete honesty, I loved what I did for my job.

The organization continually told me how much I was valued and that I was a vital member of its team.

Somehow, I believed these statements and truly believed they cared about me as more than an employee, but also a person.

Taking a step back, many of you may know that I work in the Antelope County Extension Office during the summer months, which I have done for the past four years. It is by far one of my favorite jobs and the work I do there is meaningful to me.

From the time I was employed by the organization back at college, the training period has always conflicted in some form with the final days of fair, which is part of my employment for the extension office. Knowing this year would be no different, I contacted my supervisor before the school year was out to let them know I would be late to training again this year. At that time, I was told it was perfectly acceptable and understandable and they would work with me.

About a month after this conversation, what felt like 100 emails and a couple of phone conversations, the organization did exactly the opposite of what they originally stated.

The conclusion of all of that communication came down to one clear statement. I was given the ultimatum, “attend training or you do not have a job.”

As soon as I got home that night I sat down and wrote my resignation letter. As I clicked the save button and closed my laptop, I felt an overwhelming sense of relief flood over me. At that moment, there was no doubt I made the right decision. Even though I did not have a job lined up at that time, I knew I would rather find a new employer than continue to work for the organization I did.

I always see posts floating around about taking your paid time off, use your vacation time and do not give up your time with your family for your job. While I acknowledged that as useful information, I did not realize how true and valuable that advice was until I went through that situation.

I dedicated a lot to my job.

I missed family holidays on multiple occasions. I gave up time I could have spent with Brooke. I missed my brother's football games. I worked during my personal time.

Because I was dedicated, I was told how valuable I was and how good I was at my job. They made me feel irreplaceable. However, within 20 minutes of me submitting my resignation letter, they already called and offered my job to someone else.

We are all replaceable in our work environment, whether we want to believe it or not. Take the time that belongs to you and use it. At the end of your life, you will not regret that you did not give everything you had to your job. However, you will regret missing those moments in life that truly matter—the moments you cannot get back.

Take the vacation, take the time, the work will always be there.