Your hourly rate

Have you ever considered your life in terms of how much you would get paid for the time you waste?  Think about the small amounts of time that are wasted everyday from not quite knowing what you are doing or from having to search for things you can't find.  I say put it in terms of your hourly rate as that is quantifiable, in very real and occasionally upsetting terms.


Now extend that thought to how much time you have spent wandering around stores looking for specific items, at this time of year, this is exacerbated by how much shopping actually has to be done.  Add in the cost of stress and the time it takes to recover after a marathon shopping trip.  Those little Christmas gifts suddenly aren't seeming so reasonable are they?  I hate to sound smug but I finished my Christmas shopping today in 3 hours, yes its my job and that does make it a lot easier, but I also have a family that grows like a weed.  Finding unique and thoughtful gifts is a monster job that leaves most people feeling far from the joys of the season.
So here is my advice, make a plan and stick to the plan.  Before you go shopping think about what you would like to buy people and set a realistic budget.  Then when you find yourself confronted by a better option take it. 


The truth is that the shops are full of great ideas but because of this it is so easy to get carried away and end up spending so much more than you meant to.  In contrast to what I have done, I also wouldn't suggest buying gifts too early as you are bound to see something else, nearer the time.  So, except for those must have children's gifts it may be worth leaving it for another couple of weeks - trust me there will always be more pashminas and perfume. 


All shopping is time consuming from food to fashion but its so much worse when that time isn't used effectively.