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Working Weekends

Last weekend I managed to not work until late Sunday when I caught up on some e-mails and accounting work. But this weekend came along and inspiration hit and before I knew it, I had worked 4 hours last night on a new concept for a client. It helps me get a jump start ahead for the week, but instead, why didn't I just grab a book and relax on the couch or watch a movie instead?

Working Working Working

In my brief time on Twitter, it appears I am NOT the only one doing this. Freelancer or not, working on the weekends is becoming more and more common as we try to catch up or maintain levels that we are used to working.  My typical work day during the week goes something like the following:

• 6;45-7:15am - Answer e-mails, check news, read blogs
• 7:30am - Head out for exercise at my local Snap Fitness
• 9:00am - 2:00pm - Work on project list taking occasional break
• 2:00pm - Break for lunch/reading blogs
• 2:30pm - 5:00pm - Answer Emails and work on smaller projects
• Break for dinner, spending time with family, homework, etc.
• 8:00pm - Answer e-mails and working on small projects once kids are in bed
• ~11:00pm - Head to bed once I just can't keep my eyes open any longer

So looking at that schedule, I'm putting in approximately 50-55 hours of work a week Monday through Friday. So why on earth am I doing any work on the weekend too?

My answer? Not too sure why but I like working.

I find myself doing work because I enjoy being creative but more than anything I know that at the end of the day, my work is what brings money in the door. And I don't know about you, but I like money and what it affords me. I'm one to take things on when work is plentiful, getting it done as quick as possible in preparation (and hope in this economy) that the next job is just around the corner, I want to have the time and be ready for it. I might even overextend myself from time to time to be assured work is available.

But have I led myself down the wrong path?  Should I instead be scheduling myself out more and sticking to the Monday through Friday work week. IGNORE (gasp) my computer on the weekends? Yeah I don't see that completely happening either.

I don't have the answers but I'm interested to hear what others have to say. Do you work the weekends? If yes, why do you? If no, how do you stop yourself from working?

And yup, it's Sunday and here I am on my computer.