I’m definitely at the point where I’m really thinking about what’s next. After traveling last year and the loss of a parent, I’m just getting back into a routine at home, especially now that we know we won’t be going to Europe again this year. There’s so much I think I want to do. A friend has invited me to a hand pottery class, but I’ve made excuses because it feels like too big of a commitment. I’d really love to try lino cutting because I love this art form, but I don’t feel confident enough, and gathering all the materials seems really laborious. But if I were to thoughtfully consider what I’d like to START, STOP, and KEEP in my life this year, there are three things I can imagine working out.
Firstly, I’d like to START a new job. I really need to think of a different way to earn money because emergency teaching is so goddamn boring. I’m done with teaching – being in the classroom is just a chore. I can pretend to be enthusiastic, but inside, my teacher soul feels black and shriveled, wondering what the point is if AI can just do it for us anyway. Especially as an English teacher. The whole education system needs a shake-up, and the curriculum needs to adapt to the times, but I don’t think it ever will, and I’m too tired, jaded, and cynical to get involved in trying to change it. So if anyone has any WFH ideas, I’d love to hear them.
I think that pretty much sums up my 'STOP' – stop teaching, but that feels like I’m cheating a little. The first thing that comes to mind here is to stop spending so much time on my phone. I’ve already begun the process. Jamie and I have mini challenges where we both commit to an hour with our phones in the other room, and we’re not allowed to touch them at all. I miss my brain working for itself. I miss my imagination. I miss daydreaming. One of my favorite new pastimes is lying on the rug in front of the window and watching the birds land on the birdbath while I roll around on a ball to release my glute muscles. Usually, I’d have my phone to occupy myself while I do this, but I’m enjoying the simple pleasure of watching birds and letting my mind wander.
As for 'KEEP', I’m going to keep doing the things I love: keep surfing, keep gardening, keep growing mushrooms, keep taking photos. Dammit, I’ll keep reading – I’ve been going to the library, grabbing piles of books, and making time to read like I used to. The attention economy is constantly stealing from me, and I want to be more disciplined about spending time doing the things I love instead of having the internet tell me what I should be doing. I also want to keep saving. I don’t want to spend the money we’ve saved for Europe, which means back to teaching, I suppose – it’s good money, so maybe I should just put up with it and shut up.
As for whether I would rather be a gladiator fighting in the Roman Colosseum or a government executioner, no one would hire me for either. I’m too squeamish. I get these ridiculous shocks up the back of my legs that hurt like mad – it’s a parasympathetic nervous response triggered by feelings of empathy. No sooner would I chop someone’s arm or head off (a skill I’d need in both professions) than I’d be stomping my foot and squealing, "Ow, ow, ow, ow, ow," just like I do when someone cuts their finger. Besides, you haven’t seen me throw a frisbee, and if I can’t manage that, I doubt I’d be able to wield an axe for head-chopping or a sword for fighting. It just wouldn’t be pretty. I’d also struggle with taking orders. A government executioner would have to do what they’re told, and unless my mandate was ending the lives of people who litter, tailgate me on the highway, or ride jet skis, I don’t think it’d be a job I’d enjoy.
Yep, back to teaching.
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When I first retired from the military I did a gig substitute teaching. I did it one day and I never did it again. When they called me and asked if I would like to do it again I said no. I think it was a combination of the kids being terribily behaved and me being recently out of the military just didn't go well together. Now I think it might be different and I would be a little more patient, but I don't know. Wish I could give you some ideas on what do do from home, but at a loss unless you have tech skills. If you do, there is usually plenty of remote support roles available, but I am not sure they pay very well.
As far as the attention economy, I hear you there. It seems everything begs for our attention theese days and none of it really worth our time after we spend it, or so it seems. Like you I would like to increase my reading. I have let that slide and don't like it. But have had a hard time focusing especially the last year or so.
I do wish you the best in the coming year.
I definitely don't think it's a good mix. I"m ashamed to say that in the 80's when I was at school, we had an ex Vietnam vet and he used to totally lose it, so we used to bait him to get him to do it. Teenagers are not nice people.
Thanks for your well wishes, @coinjoe!
Yeah, being so high strung at the time it just wasn't in the cards. I know even for my first regular job I had challenges with interacting with people. Just different worlds. However, if I was in better health, I think it might work out now. I am much more patient and have "deprogrammed" myself for the most part LOL.
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Is there any point reading... when AI can do that for you too!
I know that feeling!
If you have something like citizens advice there volunteer then something ll open up - all sorts of advisory roles around. Half the pay of teaching but easy.
Hahah well reading for pleasure works, but when faced with a long, long formal document - summaries are great, and asking questions of AI is even better! I can't even imagine uni these days. I was rememebering the other day how I'd get books posted to me from the uni library and have them all spread out on the desk with bookmarks and a notepad trying to get quotes for my essays. What a nightmare.
I don't actually know if we have a citizen's advice in Australia - good call though to find something similiar. In the end I don't know how much I can be bothered - maybe just being bored and taking my 200 quid a day is all I've got.
It's tough to find something interesting that pays well that's for sure!
If you've got an Android (I'm sure iPhones have the same feature) you can limit the time spent with an individual app. Takes some discipline to not just over-ride it, but it creates a timebound box for each app, allowing you to realise "hey, its time for something else now"
Alternatively, just uninstall those apps.
I'm about to go through an employment transformation (I was pretty vague in a recent post) - and I'm not sure what I am going to do next, but I know that I won't need to do much.
That fills me with an enormous amount of joy, but also, somehow, at the same time, despair :D
True that. Me on instagram, ignoring the 5 minute limit all the time haha - mind you, it does help me monitor how long a five minute block is and after hitting the button a couple of times I'm aware that maybe 15 minutes is enough!
NOt doing much - why despair? I have an enormous amount of things I can do instead of paid work - mind you, when Jamie's at work and I am rattling round the house alone, I can get pretty depressed. One needs a purpose, after all.
Any volunteering / community things you're passionate about that you could throw yourself into at least in the interim? I get that "Cabin fever" sometimes when I'm working at home.
Audio books / podcasts or (god forbid) the Radio help in removing that feeling of depressive (temporary) loneliness.
That's an interesting one. I've stepped back from getting involved in most community things - there's always some petty drama going on and I just can't be bothered. I'm also terrible at committing. It's not that I don't do anything for the local community, just I can't committ to anything where I literally have to physically show up at a given time.
Yes! You're dead right. I'm a big fan of RRR and PBS and Radio National, if not it's listening to music or a podcast. Do you have any podcast recommendations? Been listening to All In with hubs regularly which provides more interesting insights into American politics than can be found in Australian media.
https://www.youtube.com/@allin
The main pods I've listened to (which are dry over the summer period) align to my interest in Formula 1, so its a very niche sort of talk show / review of the recent race, or more in depth discussion of personnel movements. Probably so boring for most people :D
The one thing I don't like about my new car, however is that I can't seem to get ABC AM radio on it, which was good for quick little bits of interesting subject material.
I should probably try to find some Art themed ones. I LOVE the Pre-Raphaelite painters, and have a large collection of books on that topic: to the point that my photography attempts to mimic their style, but I haven't actually gone out and looked for video-essays or pods that cover that niche... if they exist at all...
(If they don't, maybe I'll just have to read those books and do it myself) :D
Regarding the volunteering: it is probably something I'm going to lean into a bit heavy (with lots of intensity) because I genuinely want to see more Art stuff in my local area. I used to be involved with a Youth Advisory Council when I was a wee teen, but now I know more broadly what to expect in those community orgs.
Oh awesome, now you'll send me down a art rabbit hole. I love art history and there's a lot I don't know as I was never an artist trained in such things. I find it such an incredible way to access history. We have been watching 15 Minutes of Art Explained on YouTube which has been great - from Basquiat and other NY artists to dark Goya it's been a really interesting deep dive.
I'd love to hear about you working to bring art into the community! That's such a cool thing to do.
I can't say I am interested in Formula One 😂 - I have enough car talk with the hubs, though I have a momentary break as he sets up his bike for bike packing.
The selfish part of me is going to start with this:
https://peakd.com/art/@holoz0r/statement-of-intent-myth
However, there's a "new" Art Festival planned for the local district(s) that I attended a community info session on during the weekend, and it sounds promising if it will be able to be pulled off: the only problem, I think is going to be a lack of funding / sponsors.
They're chasing some businesses. but it will be interesting to see what happens and whether or not I can help them make a difference.
The ending made me laugh - it was very funny and the text was easy to read for me!
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Nowadays, technologies are keep evolving especially in AI. I could see that you have a lots of things to keep just continue doing the things that makes you happy.
Yes, if only someone would pay me for those things!
I think stopping teaching for another income stream is a good Idea. But I am at a loss as to what to suggest. And I think the very best idea is to become emancipated from your phone. Not only is it healthier on many levels, but it will allow you the free time to daydream and figure out your next financial move.
(Say she who spends all too much time sitting and scrolling or playing solitaire this winter...)
Yes, you're dead right. The mroe time I spend on line the less time I have for creative solutions for ANY of my life!
I’ve been trying to be more present too, but it’s so hard. Also, lino cutting sounds cool. I’ve never tried it, but I love seeing that kind of art.
Those are really wise decisions. One has to do what profits her the most. Getting a new job is good. I have taught before so I know that teaching is such a demanding work. But how would you be able to minimize time on your phone when you want to keep on surfing and other activities that involves the technology
I think walking into a classroom is something akin to entering The Roman Colosseum... but without the protective armour:)
And without the law on your side if you decide to impale someone.
Try aquascaping mate.
If you want too
!ALIVE
That sounds like a cool and relaxing thing to do!
Yeah2.. I dont know in your country how expensive it costs,
But in my country the equipment is expensive since the best filtration is from Germany, and many tools still import. But the plant and the fish is very cheap on my country.
And as far as i know many people still working as scape designer
Really interesting. I think it'd take a lot of financial outlay, a steep learning curve, and a lot of networking.
Keep the spirit man!!
Or even better you can be a travel vlogger and blogger😍😍
Come visit Indonesia!!
You can get high views on utube. Manypeople doing that.
Ah yes we are thinking about YOutube! Where in Indo are you?
I am on Surabay city. There is no special things in this city. But if you love mountain you need to go to Malang city!!
My hometown in there. But if loving beach, mostly people will said Bali!!
But i suggesting to Lombok, way more beautifull
This was such an interesting read. Introspective, relatable, and humorous in all the right places!
The teaching frustration, the phone detox, and the determination to hold onto things that truly matter all resonated deeply. The gladiator vs. executioner dilemma had me LOL. Wishing you clarity in finding a fulfilling new path—whatever it is, I’m sure it’ll be far better than emergency teaching!
Thanks - I'll likely just keep doing it as the money is good!
some time in our lives, we just have to stop and re think again about our path. i complete understand you