The nine-day fortnight hasn’t just had a positive impact on me but also on the people I support.
I have always had two great passions in life, being creative and helping others. After university, I chose to follow my love for creativity and pursue a career in Marketing. After five fantastic years at CPS the global pandemic hit and whilst working from home, I found myself yearning for a way to help. With support from CPS, I decided to apply to become a Weekend Support Worker at a residential home for adults with learning disabilities. Fast forward two years and I am still working both jobs and loving every minute.
Whilst I adore my weekend job, working from 7 am – 9.30 pm alternating Saturday and Sundays means I have one day free to get ‘stuff’ done and with a new house to decorate, two dogs to train and a wedding to plan that leaves little time to relax.
When CPS announced the nine-day fortnight I couldn’t quite believe it, after two years of working six-day weeks I was getting my weekend back without having to stop doing what I love!
I remember my first Friday off and planning to get a whole list of things done but found myself not moving from the sofa for much of the day and finally getting stuck into a new book. This was very much needed, and I realised it is just as important to take that time for some self-care.
Over the past few months, the nine-day fortnight has improved my work-life balance tenfold, having that one extra day has made all the difference and I use it in so many different ways. It could be simple things like getting some extra loads of washing done or catching up on my favourite series but also big things like viewing a wedding venue or decorating a room. I particularly like being able to take the dogs for extra-long walks with no time limit and spend some dedicated time working with my rescue girl to help her grow in confidence and become a well-rounded happy pooch.
The nine-day fortnight hasn’t just had a positive impact on me but also on the people I support. Being able to take the time to decompress and catch up means I can be fully present when I am with the guys and not have a million and one other thing whizzing around my brain.
I am so grateful to be able to do two jobs I enjoy and have time to myself. Thank you, CPS.
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