April 15, 2019 (A tax-filing day drama)

***

Back in my home country, the tax filing date for most companies falls on April 15

To celebrate this occasion and the supposed end of the busy season

The local offices held a party with some food, drinks, and performances

That year, the party happened inside the audit department’s office

The office has an open floor plan

At the front end, a mini-stage has been set

From the late afternoon to the evening of April 15,

Almost everyone was partying…

***

Except for me

And the partner in that engagement

And a couple of other auditors who are still completing audits for "tenta" accounts

(Tenta – short for “tentative” means that the client decided to file for an extension)

I’m not a party-goer, but still…

On that day, I could have been doing something different

Something that will make me have some fun, at least

Instead of reviewing the financial statements of this company while in the background, someone is belting out on the karaoke

And inside, I was like WOW!

That was probably the most I’ve ever stretched myself

It belonged to those memories when I felt happy and sad at the same time

Happy because I, a quiet and introverted person who prefers to work in silence, have just learned how to focus on reviewing financial statement disclosures in the middle of loud music, and after we’re done with the financials, the client called with a relieved voice and expressed gratitude for all of our effort

And sad, because I thought, do my busy seasons have to be like this?

Every year?

There must be a better way

A different way

And that was when I decided that it's going to be my last busy season

At least in my home country

***

Do you also face the same choices every season—

The choice between celebrating and working?

Because of that experience, I understood better why delayed gratification works for some

You can't truly celebrate an unfinished business

Because those things left undone

Will keep haunting you and spoil your fun

On one hand, those who can prioritize their wellbeing over work

Those are the lucky ones

A lesson I learned from that day?

You can take charge of your life and career

If things are no longer working out

The choice to delay or advance

It’s all on you, not dependent on other people

But first…

You have to realize what's important to you

Then, go and make things happen!

***

On or after tax-filing day, what will you do to have some real fun and renew your lost energy? Post in the comment, if you’re up to it.

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