The value of a firm "No"

It’s been a pretty challenging week at work — lots of home inspections and a whole lot of driving. I did the math, and on average I’ve been doing six jobs a day and driving twelve Swedish miles (about 75 English miles).

Yesterday, during my lunch break, just as I finally sat down to relax, the office called. They asked if I’d be up for working some overtime. I replied with a polite but firm “No”.

A few years ago, I probably would have said yes. Not because I needed the money or loved the job more back then (I still enjoy it just as much). But simply because I had a hard time saying no.

One of the perks of getting older is feeling more confident in turning things down. And honestly, it feels great!

Sure, the aging body may creak a bit more with every year — but it’s a trade-off I’ll gladly take.