Yesterday was a good day. I actually had time to think and get some work done. I am currently reading Bait and Switch by Barbara Ehrenreich. This book really speaks to the dilemma that my friends and I have recently been discussing. Is it truly necessary to sell your life and time for professional work? The semesters typically find me working until 11 p.m. on weeknights and some on the weekends. I was beginning to really resent the work by the end of the year. What has led to the huge work/life imbalance for many professionals?

What has been difficult for me is that I grew up in a working-class home where work ended when it ended. My father worked long hours, but there was a definitely line between work and home. This whole new world of professionalism, with its nebulous lines between time at work and time off is new to me.

I have definitely noticed that it is not healthy. This summer I am working on losing the 10 pounds I gained from the past few years. I would have gained more if I did not exercise regularly. Fortunately, four years ago I found exercise (walking and the elliptical machine) that I really enjoy!

I went to a Weightwatchers meeting recently. That is an academic paper in itself! Women (it’s usually women) line up at the beginning of the meeting to weight themselves. The weight is recorded. There is usually a pep talk by the group leader who has been through the program. There is also some marketing because the leader often hands out Weightwatchers-brand snacks. At my first meeting, I found that I really know most of this stuff already. I have lost 30 pounds at two different times each on my own will. The accountability factor is what many people find helpful. But I was disturbed by the counting, monitoring, and control element over the body.