Feels like a real job

So my current position is a two-year term appointment spanning from the time I began my MSI (August 2010) through the completion of the degree, plus the summer (so, though August 2012).  During this time, I've documented many of my experiences in classes and at work, mostly all jumbled together due to time and coinciding activities.  Even last summer, when I was "only working" - and was present at work nearly full-time some weeks, my personal life (knee surgery and wedding) prevented me from truly digging into the actual work I was doing.

This summer, I'm "only working" and even though I know I have less than three months left in my professional position, I'm finding it impossible not to get as much out the experience as possible.  This is contradictory to two things: 1) I'm pretty close to completing the number of hours required for my position, and I was going to try to work a bit less and enjoy the summer?, but more importantly 2) I need to start winding down some of the work that won't continue when I leave.  So this is my challenge right now: work less and do more?

Currently, I'm preparing for the June 8 conference, doing research for the Education librarian about the School of Ed, participating in Collection Development trainings and meetings, teaching four instructional sessions (dissertation and Google Docs), working on a PowerPoint software guide, and working desk shifts of 10 hours/week.  All very valuable and exciting stuff, but a lot of stuff.  So I'm trying to phase out some of that work while not essentially giving it up? 

I'm finding it very easy to say yes to work, forgetting that this work will be complete at the end of August, with no option to continue.  It's very easy to say yes because I enjoy what I'm doing and it's finally feeling like a real job - real engagement in real library work.  And it's easy to say yes because after August, the opportunity to participate in such professional experiences will be gone.  As June begins today, this issue, plus my job search and application processes, will continue to transpire.

The word "challenge" does not always conjure up a positive feeling, but in my case, I'm very grateful for this "problem" and thankful that I can have these experiences and take these opportunities while they are available.  Even only for the next three months :)