I overextended myself. I thought I could do it all and be successful at Northern Illinois University. Instead, I feel like I’m three steps behind while being constantly tired, unfocused, and I feel like crap. The energy and momentum deteriorated and I’m losing dreams. Events negatively impacted my goals. I had enough. Major adjustments in my life need to be made.
Week after week, I witness people cutting in and out of traffic, driving way over the speed limit, text or talk on their smart phone, or struggling to stay awake during the commute. The commute scares me. Every time I get behind the wheel, I subject myself to a risk of injury or death. The drive takes a toll on me. I sit in the driver’s seat for over an hour making many decisions to survive the commute. I want to go back to take a nap as soon as I arrive to school. I feeling like a zombie. I want to go back to sleep. I can hear and understand but I’m too tired to interact.
I decided I needed to change what I’m doing after a few moments shook the ground I’m stand on. I waited out the storm one night. I studied at the Holmes Student Center until 10:30pm. Driving in poor conditions increased the risk of getting into a accident. I found my mom worried because I didn’t come home during my customary time of 10:00pm. A few days later my alarm didn’t go off in the morning. My body doesn’t automatically wake up at 6am and I missed my first class of the morning. To make it worse, my mid-term was that day. If I lived in DeKalb, I would have made it to my first class.
I had enough. I need to make adjustments. What I’m doing just isn’t working. I decided to do the following things:
- Reduce hours at work
- Eliminate the commute
- Remove energy draining activities
- Stop worrying
I asked my supervisor to reduce the number of days I work down to two or less days a week. This will give me more time to study. I hope that the time allows me to get my work done so I can get quality rest. It’s going to hurt the pocketbook in the short-term but if I fail any classes, my opportunity costs increase. I love working with them at work but I need focus on the guy I want to be in 10 years.
I started looking for a small studio apartment in DeKalb, IL for the Spring semester. It will free seven hours from my commute and eliminate a source of fatigue. Productivity should increase since fatigue isn’t killing my focus. I won’t be falling asleep in class or nodding off in the library while I study. It’s going to hurt the pocketbook in the short-term but if I fail any classes, opportunity costs increase. Living near campus will also increase my productivity and thus giving me more time to focus on school, exercise, and take advantage of the resources available at Northern Illinois University.
The adjustments I make might be a little too late for excelling in the Fall semester but it will be set me up for a great Spring semester. These changes will give me more time and energy to accomplish my goals and reach my dreams.
Is there anything in your life you want to adjust or change so you can get what you want? What changes in your life have you made that led you closer to your dreams?
My husband and I were struggling to get out from under significant debt (credit cards and student loans). we realized we weren’t making any progress, so we gave up our apartment and currently live with my parents. It’s a sacrifice for sure, and I hate it, but hopefully it means someday we can afford our own home, and maybe raise a family.
Moving in with your parents is a great idea and a difficult decision. It does give you the flexibility that you wouldn’t have had if you continued to live in your apartment. Before you know it, you’ll be out of debt, saving money for a home, and the means to raise a family. You’ll find yourself living the dream that you wanted. It’s all about the early investments now that will give us the big return/reward later.
My brother moved back in with my parents. My parents had the extra room so why not? He managed to stay out of debt, saved money for a house, and living a life many people would love to live. He decided not to buy the house. He quit his job to travel and enjoy singlehood. He leaves for New Zealand, Philippines, and Vietnam this Sunday. This spring he’ll be road tripping it around the USA. He has summer plans to ride through Europe. Pretty awesome, eh?