Hey hivers, it's officially the second half of the working week for me as Wednesday is over...Only two days to go and the weekend will be here and to say I'm looking forward would be a gross understatement.
I've had a productive week at work as I've signed some solid new business and am closing in on my six monthly budget target. I report over the fiscal year which runs 1 July to 30 June here in Australia, and like any good operator I review monthly to ensure I'm on track, or at the least identify that I'm not so I can adjust as needed. Things aren't looking too bad I suppose and I have the expectation that by 31 December I'll have reached the required figures - There is a little hope involved here too if I'm honest.
It's been a strange year though as in past years I've been ahead of my half-yearly budget by a long way at this stage of the year and have had no need to even consider whether I'll make my half-way budget; This year, well I'm lagging. Certainly not through any lack of effort on my part of course, I've worked efficiently and with effort as always but there's this little thing called the pandemic you see...
The comparison
As of today I'm 7% away from achieving my half-yearly budget figure, not too bad right? Considering last year I was already 24% over that half-year figure by the beginning of December...That's a big difference year on year and I'll be honest in that there is no way I'll be able to match it in 2020.
Scrambling and stress
My projections indicate I'll make it to budget by 31 December, but I'm carrying some stress over the issue nonetheless; I'm not concerned about what the Directors will say or think, that's the least of my issues, it's a personal thing though. Making my budget is important to me and I am not one who likes to underachieve. I work very hard to ensure it doesn't happen...That's what makes this situation a little harder - It's largely out of my control. This is not an ego thing though, far from it...It's a confidence and self-satisfaction thing.
I've lost 20% of my income this year, between March and October, and was on a four day week due to the pandemic. It's inhibited my scope as far as client contact goes and of course there's the emotional impact the entire situation has had...All of these have contributed to my need for a last minute scramble for that remaining 7% before 31 December and come June 30 2021 I'm sure I'll be scrambling again for my fiscal year budget...Which is what my bonuses are paid on...I don't think 2021 is going to be much kinder to me and my budgets I'm afraid. Hmm, problematic. Thanks pandemic you bastard.
I spoke with the Director today who assured me there was no problem; He also pointed out I had lost 20% of my work time and was still going to make the half-year target which he though was pretty good...But you know, there's that pride-factor I need to meet. It was reassuring that he understood the situation though; He's feeling the same pressures, but on a company level. Many are I suppose.
Terrible year doesn't seem to do it all justice I guess but it's important to use perspective too; For this reason I've been working on strategies to manage my self-imposed stress and pressure and to go through the motions, tried and tested methods, that have carried me successfully from budget to budget in years gone by...I've been injecting a little additional over and above effort with the view to cracking that budget prior to the end of the year and beyond too; What choice do I have.
So how about you? How has this year impacted you as far as your work budgets or commitments go? Certainly many people have had negative financial impacts due to the pandemic...Have you?
Design and create your ideal life, don't live it by default - Tomorrow isn't promised.
Be well
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