Did You Also Trade Your Summer For A Paycheck?

So far I have spent this summer working.

Long hours, early mornings, the whole thing.

Part of me is proud I showed up and stayed consistent. Another part keeps whispering that I missed the “real” summer the slow mornings, the spontaneous plans, the feeling of having time to just exist. This can not happen in my current life. Weekends are spent doing the chores I don't get to during the week and then I start another week all over again.

As someone who works with kids I understand that the work matters as much as paying my bills but I also know rest and joy matter too. I get jealous when I see others enjoying their day in their backyard pools or on the boat on the lake just spending time with their families and friends. It never happens in my world!

I often have to remind myself that summers don’t have to look the same as others but damn, I still wish I’d stolen a few more empty days for myself.

Anyone else feel like they traded their summer for a paycheck this year?