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A Lesson in Prioritising Time Over Money

I remember years ago when I was trying to choose between booking a direct flight back to the UK for summer from the UAE, where I was teaching, and a cheaper flight with a connection.

A seemingly wise colleague helped me decide by asking, "Would you sit in an airport departure lounge for 3 hours for $200?" which was the cost difference.

The answer was a resounding YES!

So, I opted for the cheaper flight. 

However, by the time I finally got home—tired and annoyed—I realised that after paying for a drink and a snack during the stopover, I hadn’t saved much money.

But I had lost valuable time with my family and friends.The Irreplaceable Value of Time

This experience made me re-evaluate my attitude towards time and money.

Time is precious and can't be replenished. 

It is a finite resource; once it's gone, it’s gone forever.

Unlike money, which can be earned, saved, and recovered, time that is lost is lost forever.

Now, being from Yorkshire, a notoriously frugal county in the UK, I don’t like to waste money. 

But I do understand that sometimes spending money to gain more time is absolutely the right thing to do.

If spending money allows me to dedicate time to my social, spiritual, or physical spheres, it is so worth it.I've been able to form loving and trusting relationships by truly connecting with my family and friends and doing the things I love. 

I have found peace and joy through my Reiki and meditation practices. 

And I am the strongest and fittest I have ever been.

These endeavors and achievements have only been possible because I have spent money wisely to buy time.

Practical Steps to Buy More Time

So, what kind of things can you buy to gain more time?

The number one problem teachers reference when discussing work-life balance is excessive hours spent planning, grading, and completing administrative tasks. 

These tasks consume a huge chunk of the day and can lead to burnout, anxiety, and depression.

But it's unlikely that they are teaching something unique, so there is the possibility to reassess and research resources, workshops, coaching, and mentoring that not only save time and effort but also improve teaching and give students the best possible experience.Extending Time-Saving Strategies Beyond Work

And it doesn’t have to end in the professional sphere.

Maybe it’s time you hired a cleaner or someone to do your laundry or other household chores. 

Are there other parents who could share the load of ferrying children to extracurricular clubs? 

Are you missing out on paid apps and services in other areas of your life that would save you valuable energy and provide you with the invaluable resource of time?

Now is the time to look at what you spend your time on and see if there are alternatives that can work for you. Because as we age and come to the end of our lives, it won’t be the money in the bank that we cherish; it will be the love and joy we have experienced with family and friends.

Don’t wait to make the change!

Have a great week. 

I hope you have the time and energy to do the things you love.

Thes

Future articles in this series:

• Dealing with the emotions of living abroad.
• Making a good first impression at school.
• How to find the perfect international teaching job.