FabSwingers.com forum: Finding the balance between work and free time.

By *hagTonight OP Man
26 weeks ago

From the land of haribos.

It have taken some time for me to find the perfect balance between work and free time, it havent been easy but it is all about tweaking things hear and there to find the perfect balance.

I would say that now I have finally found the perfect balance. I dont work too much where it just is work work work, but now I have made it so that i can enjoy to do the things I like a bit more, for example, bodybuilding, painting, yoga, learning languages to name some of the things. I like how I have managed to fit it all in, it is all about effective planning, which is the key.

it would be interesting to see if you have a good balance between them too? How have you tweaked your life to beable to have it, or are you in the progress to try and find the balance, how will you go about to find it?

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By *allySlinkyWoman
26 weeks ago

Leeds

" it is all about tweaking things "

Your cock and nipples ?

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By *j1981Man
26 weeks ago

cork

" it is all about tweaking things

Your cock and nipples ?

And see what pops up !!!

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By *midnight-Woman
26 weeks ago

...

I do a 9-day fortnight... Can highly recommend

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By *ilva69Man
26 weeks ago

stockport

Try to keep my weekends free , not always easy being self employed

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By (user no longer on site)
26 weeks ago

My balance isn’t the best I generally do some form of physical work every day either on my main job or other projects rarely having a day of doing nowt exception being the Christmas holidays.

Two reasons I do it first I do get bored very easily if have nothing productive to do and second if I put the work in now I can have all the free time in the world when older as hoping to be at least semi retired by 50

Added bonus Being active makes staying lean effortless whilst eating whatever want

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By *orthern StarsCouple
26 weeks ago

Durham

For the last 10 years we have worked intensely for 7 days a week, for the 1st 5 months of the year, without a single day off.

This year we have changed the system so we are only doing 3 months at that level of intensity.

Not sure how it'll work but we had to try as we were working ourselves into an early grave.

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By *UGGYBEAR2015Man
26 weeks ago

BRIDPORT

"For the last 10 years we have worked intensely for 7 days a week, for the 1st 5 months of the year, without a single day off.

This year we have changed the system so we are only doing 3 months at that level of intensity.

Not sure how it'll work but we had to try as we were working ourselves into an early grave."

I’m guessing that would be sheep then. I’ve always found the best way to a stress free life is to have as little to do with sheep as possible

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By *rHotNottsMan
26 weeks ago

Dubai & Nottingham

I decided to stop full time work at 52, for a long time the plan was 50 but split-ups cost a lot of money. I think everyone should plan to be mortgage free & retired by 50 and employers should help , companies make enough profits to make it a reality & if you retire at 60 or 65 you might not have the health to live your goals.

But you should also not put life on hold you can have a lot of adventures and realise your goals while doing a demand high-pressure career. It’s all about attitude & how you manage stress. Some of the best adventures I ever had were funded by work, now I have to pay for all the travel

But It’s great - I’m In Venice for the second time this year and when home train , swim and sauna every day. I get to spend much more quality time with family, friends and lovers.

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By *ealitybitesMan
26 weeks ago

Belfast

I've never had the luxury of being able to choose my balance.

I've never even come close to earning the national average despite being in managerial roles for more than 25 years so I can't pick and choose when and where I want to work.

I am mortgage free so don't have that hanging over me but a covid enforced redundancy 5 years ago and a complete change of role means I'm earning less than two thirds of my previous income which is just above minimum wage.

I don't have any savings because I was so focused on ridding myself of the mortgage but I don't have any debt either.

Anything I need or want now and that includes time has to be planned well in advance and saved for.

I know there are others who are struggling much more than I am so I can't really complain and I'm lucky to be able to escape to the mountains at weekends but finding the energy to do anything beyond work is a challenge.

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By *icecouple561Couple
Forum Mod
26 weeks ago

East Sussex

We've been retired for some years now. A combination of circumstances and disillusionment almost forced us in to it at 57. Before that we'd traded money for time and cut our working hours to four days a week. We'd both had enough of the treadmill.

If possible I recommend working as little as possible.

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By *hagTonight OP Man
26 weeks ago

From the land of haribos.

"Try to keep my weekends free , not always easy being self employed "
That is good, yes, it is not always easy being self employed too

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By *ittle Miss TinkerbellWoman
26 weeks ago

your head

I cut my hours last year trying to protect my mental health. I got to the point where I realised I needed to be happy and healthy, I was no good to anyone run into the ground. Yes, I've taken a drop in pay because of it but it's not huge and we aren't suffering for it. Generally our household is a lot happier for it because I'm present more and not constantly exhausted.

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By *andering Welsh GuyMan
26 weeks ago

All over the place

I struggle with this massively with a senior management position combined with a busy vanilla life also.

Glad it's not just me as it does, at times, get me down

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By *andering Welsh GuyMan
26 weeks ago

All over the place

"I cut my hours last year trying to protect my mental health. I got to the point where I realised I needed to be happy and healthy, I was no good to anyone run into the ground. Yes, I've taken a drop in pay because of it but it's not huge and we aren't suffering for it. Generally our household is a lot happier for it because I'm present more and not constantly exhausted. "

Good for you, really wish this was an option for me, to say I'm burnt out is an understatement

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By *wingingphil69Man
26 weeks ago

castleford

I’ve the perfect balance retirement

After 35 yrs travelling the world spending 9-10 months abroad it’s time for my time now

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By *uchessdoeWoman
26 weeks ago

Northampton

"I do a 9-day fortnight... Can highly recommend "

Same here; I'm really fortunate that my employer is good on flexible working and that allows me flexibility in how I divide my week.

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By *hagTonight OP Man
26 weeks ago

From the land of haribos.

"I do a 9-day fortnight... Can highly recommend "
Hi midnight, that is good to do a 9 day fortnight too

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By *ittle Miss TinkerbellWoman
26 weeks ago

your head

Good for you, really wish this was an option for me, to say I'm burnt out is an understatement "

Im aware I'm lucky enough to be able to do it and not everyone is. Burnout is awful, try to be kind to yourself ❤️

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By *hagTonight OP Man
26 weeks ago

From the land of haribos.

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By *onestjohn1962Man
26 weeks ago

Sheffield

It’s all about finding work that you really enjoy. Don’t chase the big bucks if it means you’re miserable. If that floats your boat then fine. Once you have enough to live on then realise that ‘stuff’ is not as good as experiences and shared good times.

There are no pockets in shrouds. As my Grandad used to say. He died peacefully in his sleep - unfortunately the passengers on the coach that he was driving at the time didn’t.

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By *hagTonight OP Man
26 weeks ago

From the land of haribos.

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By *arriedminxCouple
26 weeks ago

here

We’re finally finding our balance. Yes it comes with a slightly increased financial implication but better that than a non functioning family unit. With my hours reduced allowing some breathing space it’ll make so much difference to us all….then we can start living a bit more after all life’s not infinite

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By *ornycougaWoman
26 weeks ago

WHEREVER I LAY MY HAT

I found the perfect work life balance two years ago. Work 0pc of my time and living 100pc of my time. Before that it was out of whack for most of my life from the age of 18

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By *riar BelisseWoman
26 weeks ago

Holibobs

Weekdays are for adulting responsibilities.

Weekends are for debauchery escapism and fun

I found my zen balance 2 years ago Shag

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By *enelope2UWoman
26 weeks ago

Doesn't matter cant block distances

I have too much free time in a country that's used to not making time for others... That's the hardest to balance

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By *enelope2UWoman
26 weeks ago

Doesn't matter cant block distances

"It’s all about finding work that you really enjoy. Don’t chase the big bucks if it means you’re miserable. If that floats your boat then fine. Once you have enough to live on then realise that ‘stuff’ is not as good as experiences and shared good times.

There are no pockets in shrouds. As my Grandad used to say. He died peacefully in his sleep - unfortunately the passengers on the coach that he was driving at the time didn’t. "

Best joke line...

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By *loomy GirlWoman
26 weeks ago

leicester

There is no balance for me.

I work 6 days a week on 12 hour shifts.

My kids are all grown up and left home except the one that returned after uni.

I’m out of the house more than I’m in it and find it really difficult to maintain a social life.

Once my holiday is paid off I’ll cut my hours down but that won’t be for at least another 6 months

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By *hagTonight OP Man
26 weeks ago

From the land of haribos.

"We've been retired for some years now. A combination of circumstances and disillusionment almost forced us in to it at 57. Before that we'd traded money for time and cut our working hours to four days a week. We'd both had enough of the treadmill.

If possible I recommend working as little as possible."
Hi nicecouple. I see, yes you are right there, it is good to work as little as possible too

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By *hagTonight OP Man
26 weeks ago

From the land of haribos.

"I struggle with this massively with a senior management position combined with a busy vanilla life also.

Glad it's not just me as it does, at times, get me down "
Yes, it can be difficult, as you are busy too

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By *onderWomanWlvWoman
26 weeks ago

Wolverhampton

[Removed by poster at 12/02/25 21:10:01]

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By *onderWomanWlvWoman
26 weeks ago

Wolverhampton

I don't have any problem balancing work and free time - it's all the time I spend on parenting and associated responsibilities that fucks me over 😁🤣

I recently moved to compressed hours, and now do a 37.5hr week over four days. It's taken some getting used to, but a full week day off from paid work, so that I can tackle my unpaid work in an uninterrupted block of time, is starting to feel really worthwhile.

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By *xxMandLxxxCouple
26 weeks ago

Southampton

Our work/life balance is awful, the product of working in time sensitive, contract driven nonsense

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By *rHotNottsMan
26 weeks ago

Dubai & Nottingham

So true. If you are in a stressful high paid job you often waste thousands on stuff , expensive restaurants , new kitchens/bathrooms, clothes & certain types of holidays to try to regain some quality of life that work robs in the form of your time & peace.

When you stop working you realise these things are totally meaningless and have no value compared to a nice walk along the beach or hills in winter when there’s nothing to rush back for

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By *esYesOMGYes!Man
26 weeks ago

Didsbury

Before the last crash I managed to get my working week down to 4 days instead of 5. 50% more days off for 20% less income BEFORE tax was transformative. Since the crash I’ve been working longer, harder and for less.

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By (user no longer on site)
26 weeks ago

I think I've got a pretty good balance. I really like my job and it comes relatively stress free.I completely switch off from it outside of work hours, so evenings and weekends are my time. I mostly work from home so don't have a big commute every day and I'm around if I'm needed for anything for my daughter. I've never been materialistic but I can live fairly comfortably, so yes. I'm balanced. 😊

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By *outhDublinMan86Man
26 weeks ago

shankill

Work will always be there tomorrow. My free time is finite.

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By *inky_couple2020Couple
26 weeks ago

North West

I've been forced to tweak it now. I simply can't physically do too much work anymore, without nearly deading myself. I'm trying to keep my working hours sensible and avoiding trying to catch up at weekends. I'm not sure how it's being received by my employer because I used to do shedloads extra. I'm sure someone will tell me if they think I'm shirking.

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By *eoBloomsMan
26 weeks ago

Springfield

Recently switched to four day week. Less money so had to make a few economies but worth it for the 3 day weekend.

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By *lakeyMan
26 weeks ago

somewhere close

Mine is mixed for a good few months of the year I can have a really Good life balance only doing 37 hrs over 4 or 5 days holiday entitlement is off the scale but then Say every few month I need to work away for say 6-8 weeks doing 11/14 days long hours each day but the pay is great and even more holiday entitlement had about 10 weeks off last year all paid.

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By *hagTonight OP Man
26 weeks ago

From the land of haribos.

"My balance isn’t the best I generally do some form of physical work every day either on my main job or other projects rarely having a day of doing nowt exception being the Christmas holidays.

Added bonus Being active makes staying lean effortless whilst eating whatever want "
Yes, it can be difficult to find the balance, yes, being active is a added bonus too

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By *onestjohn1962Man
26 weeks ago

Sheffield

There are no pockets in shrouds. As my Grandad used to say. He died peacefully in his sleep - unfortunately the passengers on the coach that he was driving at the time didn’t.

Best joke line..."

Thanks x

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By *hagTonight OP Man
25 weeks ago

From the land of haribos.

"Recently switched to four day week. Less money so had to make a few economies but worth it for the 3 day weekend."
That is good, yes, it is worth it for the 3 day weekend too

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By *ynamicnatureMan
25 weeks ago

Doncaster

As much as I enjoy working in hospitality, it's quickly become apparent that it's a bit of a bastard job for trying to connect with the good folk of fabland.

For the past 12 months or so, I've been racking my brain looking for a solution?

I don't know if working from home would work for me either?

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