Scaling back

After this week, I will no longer be working evenings at the library. It's very bittersweet and not a decision I made lightly.

I love the job and the people there, but after 17 months with two jobs and nine months with three jobs, I've finally reached a point of being burned out. Or at least neared it. And how did I know I was reaching my end?  Non-annoying library patrons were getting on my nerves (and they weren't doing anything different). When I was at the library, my mind kept wandering to things I should or would rather be doing. I just felt tired and irritable (though I think I hid it pretty well), so I knew it was time.

I'm giving up my evening shifts and keeping only my alternating Sundays. Instead of working six to 10 hours a week there, I'll be working eight hours a month. (I'm also keeping my weekly shift at the brewery, by the way.)

I need more me time. For writing, working out, and -- honestly -- decompressing. I need to take better care of myself, and taking my evenings back is the first step. I'm looking forward to being able to cook real meals, get to my favorite fitness classes, and work on my next novel.  And, hey, I might actually have time to finish reading the Harry Potter series (I started reading them almost three years ago and still have three books to go).

I won't lie, though, I have felt some sadness over this decision. I will truly miss some of my library co-workers. And some of the patrons.  But I know this is the best thing for me. I'll still see some of them during my Sunday shifts. And I can still go visit the library, but it can be for recreational purposes.

How do you know when you've taken on too much?
How did you scale back?