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Monday, August 20, 2007

Time- A Constant That Never Acts Like One!

Our rational mind tells us time moves forward at the same speed-always. Yet, as we all have experienced, sometimes it seems to stand still- or go forward at a pace we cannot believe! I am in a dilemma. I need more time to do what I want to do, and not spend as much time on things I have to do. Some occupations allow for layoffs or like teachers the summer off from the regular job. Some folks work part time by choice, or they don't go to a job at all. I am passing no judgement here, just simply stating it may be time for a change in my life. I have worked before it was legal for me to work. I had a job in high school, held 2 or 3 jobs at once while in college, and have worked for the last 34+ years in the same industry. The changes have been huge. They seem to affect you more as you get older, even though you are keeping up with technology. In America, you are viewed with some suspicion if you don't go to a regular job, have health insurance, and in general don't act like you're supposed to. Health insurance or not, I'm pretty sure I'm going to die anyway! When you only have X amount of air left to breathe, you may want to ask yourself; "Am I doing what I really want to do?" Food for thought- at least for me...

16 comments:

Akelamalu said...

Having had 6 months off work due to an operation I am dreading going back to not so much a job I hate but a place I hate. Having worked there for 17 years can I stand it for another 2 years until I retire? Will the two years fly by - I doubt it!

buffalodick said...

I have a good idea how you feel. I quit a job after 25yrs (5 weeks vacation!) took a couple of weeks off, and went to work for new place (2 weeks vacation). Was out of a job for 5 weeks once, and a medical 4 weeks once. I have had 2 weeks vacation now for 7-1/2 yrs and I am at an age where that s*it doesn't cut it!

Michelle Ann said...

I work to live, not live to work. So, my job provides me with the opportunity to pursue my other interests... Besides, I actually like my job.

Jen said...

I think it's a good thing to take some time to think about where you are, what you have accomplished, and what you want next. I hope you find something that represents a good balance of challenge, rewards and vacation time!

Mike Minzes said...

This stress is going to kill us all. If there was a way I could quit what I do for a living, I would. In fact, I am working towards that so I can live life like I am supposed to. Thanks for reminding me uncle B.

Stephanie Faris said...

I wish we could make time stand still when we wanted it to and move quickly when we wanted it to. I'd make my workday fly by and the weekends crawl!

Tanya Kristine said...

i had a dream that one of my brothers was going to Fiji to work and i started crying really hard. nto becuase he was leaving but because he was doing something fun in his llife. as opposed to me so i can relate...

buffalodick said...

Boy Howdy! I think I struck a cord with all us "OK to work, but not at this sh*t anymore"! We are humans, and need to have a satisfaction about our efforts! I hope we all find something that pays the bills and satisfies our need to be ourselves while doing it!
Mike- Now I'm your "Dutch Uncle" too? Sometimes I think I was born to "Dutch Uncle" this planet..

urban vegan said...

I can relate. I'm having the same thoughts right now about my own job.

Work sure gets in the way of life, doesn't it?

Helene said...

I totally agree. I think that you get to a certain age and your mortality is looming in the distance... It is natural to think about what we really want from this life we have left... I have been thinking that way since I lost my Mom and brother 2 years ago... I actually am going in search of 'firsts' now! =]

2 weeks of 52 really stinks when you think about it(especially after having a lot longer vacations). I have been in sales and marketing reporting or working from home for *cough 18 years. I am not rolling in the dough (ya thats an understatement)but I do travel a lot and am totally flexible since I work for myself. Its good that way, but I really miss the adult interaction of a company setting!

So how does the Mrs feel about your epiphany?

snowelf said...

hehehehe

It's okay, I can share your Uncle-ness. ;)

I loved my old job and I wish I had not have given it up, though I never could have raised two children on the income I was making and provided us with the life I wanted. So I am so fearful that my new job--even though it will be something I love and have always wanted to do--write--will not be as fulfilling as my old one. I have a lot of optimism though. I like to work, it gives me purpose, but I couldn't and haven't ever been able to stay at a job I hated to pay the bills. Lots to think about!!

--snow

snowelf said...

and p.s. what a particularly good title for this post. :)

Queenie said...

I too have found that time flys by leaving me wondering what i did with it. Since being unable to work I thought time would drag by, alas no, it still hurldle's by. I just get really cross that I am unable to do the things I use to do, but then again I'm here and I know a lot of people who would swap place's with me!!!!!!!!!!!

buffalodick said...

UrbanV- So very true! I could see you working in the health food/supply industry, having a ball using all that you know and believe in daily...
Kate- You've done what I should have years ago- gone indenpendent. I still would, but a good shove (or kick in the ass!) is probably required now...
Snowniece- When you're younger, your goals and duties are more clearly defined. You are still "getting ahead" with your school training, and experiences. Imagine when the kids are grown, on their own and don't need Mom everyday? It is an odd, empty feeling after 20 some years of having a goal and then finally reaching it... You're happy they turned out great(and yours will!) but they, like you are now out being an adult!

Christo Gonzales said...

you have to just dive right in, once you do you might find the waves a little daunting at first but as soon as you get the rythmn of it - it just flows...trust me. change is good.

HAR said...

I'm with DB,
Change is good! I'm a chicken personally but if I was not a single parent, I would pack up and move to europe. That is what I really want to do. I just can't until they are older.
Go for it BD. Two weeks off is no way to live.