The Friday Feeling: Embracing End-of-Week Freedom

I'm self-employed, but back when I used to work at a call center, Friday evenings used to be a familiar high of excitement for me. As soon as the clock hit 5 PM, I'd rush out the door, heading straight for a long, refreshing shower, followed by a comfortable evening of Netflix and wine, sans any interruptions from irritable customers. In that moment, I felt an overwhelming sense of relief and anticipation for the weekend.

But everyone leaves work on a Friday. While it might seem like a universal experience, it's interesting to think about how differently we perceive and handle the end of the work week. My Friday is more like a Monday. Since 1986, I've been working nights, providing a stark contrast to the usual workweek. Depending on the day, the feeling can be quite different.

Finding Liberation in the End of the Work Week

For some, the Friday feeling is one of liberation. Once I got to Friday morning, my entire day would turn into a celebration. The anticipation leading up to it provided a mental break that was deeply cathartic. We would often sing along to our favorite songs, feeling the weekend in our bones. Friday morning was like a mini-party; fingers crossed the shift went well, and the weekend could truly begin.

Even in my semi-retirement, the frame of mind remains the same. I get up early Fridays and the rest of the day feels like a party. Singing and dancing around the house, grabbing the car keys, and heading out in the company of close friends – it's all part of the ritual. It's a mindset that deservedly deserves the celebration. Though I've stepped back from my full-time work, I still take on tasks and support my granddaughter until she starts school, which adds meaning to the end of the week.

Life in the Fast Lane: Self-Employment and the End of the Week

As a self-employed individual, the end of the week is not a cause for partying; it's a continuation of the work rhythm. The business runs me, and my Fridays can look like any other workday. On Saturdays, even though many employees have the day off, my dedicated team jumps in to inspect and service vehicles and handle paperwork. I schedule my tasks accordingly, turning to end-of-week activities to maintain the momentum and ensure that business operations run smoothly.

When you truly dedicate yourself to your business, there's a certain level of commitment that can't be ignored. Yet, the end of the week is still a chance to celebrate, to acknowledge a job well done, and to look forward to the next week with renewed vigor. Regardless of the work model, the Friday feeling remains a crucial aspect of winding down and refreshing oneself before the week's challenges resume.

So here's to the Friday feeling – whether it's a grand celebration with music and company or a quiet savoring of the weekend ahead, it's a blend of joy and gratitude that defines the best of the week.