The Balance of Life

[Sperrit]

Hey y'all. Thought I might blow some steam and discuss something that has been bothering me quite a bit.
Let us being with this: There are three main balancing forces of life: Work, School, Social. These break down, of course, into different categories:
School becomes Class and Homework.
Work becomes Labor and Thought.
Social becomes Family and Friends.
Now, all of these are important in their own right. I have no problem with Work. When you're there, you're there and you do your job and that is that. It is simple and satisfying, and I love my job, so that helps! Social, of course, is good fun most of the time (provided you get along with your family, and of course you get along with your friends). It's always great and again, like work, when you're there, you're there and what matters is what's in front of you. It's a very present-minded attitude, and I like that. And it's mass fun to be with people!
So we get to school. GRANTED- I like school, I love school. Learning, the pursuit of knowledge, the gaining of skill, insight, philosophy, experience, new people, new ideas, I love ALL these things, and thus love school. Or rather, I love Class. I know I will sound like a broken record here, but I do not like HOMEWORK. And I have a reason! The mystery has been revealed! Why is homework such a pain? Because it throws everything out of Balance! School is no longer a matter of being in the present moment, doing what you need to do, it becomes pervasive throughout your entire life! Homework, in reality, has nothing to do with intelligence. It even has little to do with work ethic (which is a key aspect, so it can't be ruled out). No, homework's challenge is not actually DOING the homework, it is finding the TIME to do the homework. Homework isn't about learning, it's about Time Management. And that is what I hate.
I have crafted a life of balance, in which I have time (Limited Time) for the three Balancing Forces. Homework is throwing a wrench into my balanced life. It is creeping into all aspects of my existence! Now, when I'm at work, I'm not just working, I'm working and worrying about my homework! When I'm with friends, family and my wife I am not just with them, I am worrying about homework! When I'm at school I'm not paying attention to my teacher because I'm worried about my Homework! And by worry I am not just talking about actual worry, I am talking about needing to take mental time out to conceptualize papers, plan hourly schedules, review assignments. There just isn't time!
This is not fair! I should love to dedicate the time and effort to all things equally. But homework will not have it! It must rule all! It must come FIRST! Because homework is an X Factor. You never know how long it will take, how much thought and effort it will require. You can't plan for it with any precision because you never know what your assignments will be and how long they will take and how many you'll get. How can you create balance with a fluctuating aspect like that? So, really, in the end, homework isn't just about Time Management, it's about Time Dominance.

Okay, that's all. Just needed to get that off my chest. Thanks.

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[Tobias]

bud, i love ya and all, but homework, as much as i despise it, it necessary to me.

Now, this for me is because im not one to be a pervasive studier: So this keeps me goin with my studies outside of class. But it isn't about time Dominance. Mainly, since i have a job and I go to school and i have a wonderful family to work with, i still find time outside of my homework and reading to be able to get up, go out, and enjoy a social life. Lucky for me, i scheduled my classes until the evening afternoon, so i don't have to go to sleep anytime soon. This allows me to get my work done when i do my work best: At the wee-small-hours of the morning.

Now, while homework DOES involve time management, this means that you need to tweak it. Now, don't get me wrong, i know you to be a smart, talented individual. At the same time, from the short time i've known you off of this board, i've known you as a Rip Van Winkle of sorts: You care immensely for everyone, yet i've never seen you take heed to your own personal necessities. I have talked with you before, and I've heard you mention it: Hell, you're mentioning it now. But way back when, i rarely did.

The number one thing you need to worry about in times like these, when the stuff like this gets tough, is that whatever is best for you in the long run takes priority. While family matters (Much like your wife) and such are important, as well as a social life to serve as an outlet for everything, you still always need to keep things like homework and studies at the priority.


And thus, i've spoketh. Could be because of major change in my life, but thast just me.

~That is all

[FawkesFyre]

Life was SO much easier when I was in College and lived at home...hell, living at home made things so much easier...not that my mother was a 24/7 joy bu things were much simpler.

Time management? I need someone to manage my time for me so I can get my stuff done.

I pay my bills and go to work...and I would think I'd have plenty of time for the rest...but my brain and body stop once it reaches home and vegetates until the cycle repeats.

[Silver Adept]

Homwork really is a problem, yes. It makes my schedule go funky without even making much of an effort to do so. The best we can do about it is set aside some part of time to do it, and then try not to worry about it until then. Easier said than done, I realize.

One more semester, assuming all goes well, and I won't have to worry about homework anymore. There is an end.