Blogging Away Debt Our Journeys to a Debt-Free Life

by Hope

One of the benefits of my new job is that I have unlimited DTO. I read up on this before I took the job and frankly, as great as it sounds to have unlimited paid time off, the reality is not so great. I was warned.

Essentially, you can take time off if you have your work done or have someone to cover for you. It’s kind of frowned on. No one would say that out loud, but it’s definitely the vibe.

However, since I haven’t had paid time off in 14 years, it didn’t seem like a big deal to me. I am used to working everywhere and all the time. But after 2 months of consistent 10-12 hour, sometimes 14 hour work days, I decided to go for it.

So today is my first official, paid day off from work! (At least one that is not a national holiday.)

What are you going to do?

I have spent the last couple of weeks going room to room, cleaning and purging and organizing. I’m not done yet, but I’ve made good progress. Therefore, I do not want to spend my single day off on housework.

So what do you do when you want to have fun, relax and really enjoy your time off!?! Oh, and most importantly, you don’t want to spend any money?

LIBRARY!!!

Princess and I visited our local library for the first time in over a year and I checked out a slew of books. I brought home 7 and reserved 5 more. I am determined to make more time me, more downtime. But for now, I have 3 whole days during this long week to snuggle up with a book.

I cannot tell you how excited I am. For food, I’m going to make a crockpot soup that we can eat on all weekend.

I am so ready for some down time! Here’s hoping everyone has a wonderful weekend. I know I will!

Hope

Hope is a resourceful and solutions-driven business manager who has spent nearly two decades helping clients streamline their operations and grow their businesses through project management, digital marketing, and tech expertise. Recently transitioning from her role as a single mom of five foster/adoptive children to an empty nester, Hope is navigating the emotional and practical challenges of redefining her life while maintaining her determination to regain financial control and eliminate debt.

Living in a cozy small town in northeast Georgia with her three dogs, Hope cherishes the serenity of the mountains over the bustle of the beach. Though her kids are now finding their footing in the world—pursuing education, careers, and independence—she remains deeply committed to supporting them in this next chapter, even as she faces the bittersweet tug of letting go.

Since joining the Blogging Away Debt community in 2015, Hope has candidly shared her journey of financial ups and downs. Now, with a renewed focus and a clear path ahead, she’s ready to tackle her finances with the same passion and perseverance that she’s brought to her life and career. Through her writing, she continues to inspire others to confront their own financial challenges and strive for a brighter future.