Just before clocking out, the clock reminds me of a request
As quitting time gets closer, I check the clock and start wondering if I’ll have to stay late.
Scenes
- It’s quitting time, but I still can’t get up — As five o’clock gets closer, I check the clock. My care work for today is done, but I can’t pick up my bag in case someone asks me to do more.
- A new request follows the work you’ve finished — As I’m getting ready to leave, a coworker asks me to take on a family meeting tomorrow, too. Even after I finish today’s work, my name is the first one penciled into the blank.
- Guilt rushes you to answer — Care work means keeping in mind both the person you’re caring for and the time you’ve already committed. So when you think about saying no, you may also feel bad for them.
- Tonight, take a beat before answering — When you get another request, don’t answer right away. Jot down what you’ve already taken on and when you’re available. Then you can say, “I can’t today, but I’ll check about tomorrow.”
- Even if I feel guilty, my time after work is mine — The guilt may stay even after you say no. Still, it doesn’t mean you have to take on more care work today.
Stories by Onyu
- Onyu
- Even after the meeting, I still can’t think of a way to honor them.
- Even after the meeting, thoughts of my parents stay with me.
- Even on my day off, I answered someone else first.
- After the meeting, I come back and start figuring out my living expenses.
- Even after a meeting, I come home and have to explain why I need to rest.
- Gray hair reflected in the window on a rainy day
- Right before clocking out, I pause before canceling our plans
- Right before quitting time, just thinking about learning makes me check the clock.