Did you learn something new today? What was the last “skill” you added to your LinkedIn profile? Have you made the time to keep a connection alive recently? I read an article today that caused me to ask myself those questions, and it inspired me so much that I stopped scrolling through Facebook, got off the couch, and wrote a blog about it.

Yeah, it’s been a while

First off, let’s address the elephant in the room. It’s been a while since my last blog. I recognize the irony in a time management blog being super late, but I decided I needed to follow my own advice. We are never “too busy” to do anything. We all have the same number of minutes in the day, and as each one ticks by, we choose how to spend them. I have not chosen to spend them blog writing recently.

I’ve taken on about a billion other side projects (and, oh yeah, had that second baby) and other things have been more important. I decided, that rather than fight writer’s block every weekend and try to conjure up a blog when I’m feeling uninspired, I’ll post less frequent, but better blogs. So just know, that when you see a blog from me now, it’s because I really REALLY wanted to write it and felt inspired to share some wisdom with you. That’s how I feel right now.

6 Ways to Future Proof Your Job

I read an article today called “6 Ways to Future-Proof Your Job” and it really spoke to me. Sometimes I wonder why I relish my “side hustle” so much. “Oh goodness” I think. “Why can’t I just go to work at 8, leave work at 5, and then just….be…in between those times.” But this article reminded me why I love it so much.

When you pursue side projects, you stay educated, you make connections, you keep yourself fresh, and you never feel complacent. The article makes a great case for WHY to do those things, but what it doesn’t mention is that all of these things take TIME.

Finding Time To Learn

Yes, keeping your skills sharp takes time, but it’s time well spent. I like how this article makes it clear that what we do outside of our jobs is also….our job. It’s our job to keep learning. It’s our job to stay curious. It’s our job to pursue our passions both in and out of the workplace. It’s not an “extra” thing, it’s THE thing.

I’m not advocating we work 24/7, because goodness knows, I need some Netflix sometimes. For example, Frank Underwood is doing something super devious RIGHT NOW on House of Cards but I have no idea what it is because I’m writing to you all right now instead. (No spoilers!!!! I’m only on season 2.) Family time is a must. “Me time” is a must. Relaxation is a must. But those things don’t have to be completely separate from being curious.

Take the family to a museum.

Read a book on the couch.

Heck, watch a documentary.

Learn something. And don’t be afraid to apply it. Meet someone, and don’t be afraid to learn more about what they do. I want to be better at this. Thanks for the reminder.

Love Emily’s Blog? You’ll love her books! Check out her latest: Time Management Workbook For Students