One Year of (a lot) Less Work

A year ago, I turned in my LinkedIn company laptop and stepped into the great unknown.

At that point, all I knew was that it was time to get off the corporate treadmill. I was fortunate in that I didn’t need to work for a while. So, I used the opportunity to take a longer break. I went on a few ski trips, did some introspection, and spent the summer demolishing walls in my house and building a new kitchen.

I’m now healthier, more relaxed, better at moguls, and... the house didn’t fall down. 

We also have a terrific new kitchen.  

I'm also obsessively watching cooking videos to learn how to use the kitchen better.  

Did you know that toasting nuts and spices makes them tastier? 

I do now.

Anyways - a year ago, I was hesitant to use the word “retire.” It suggests shuffleboard tournaments in the planned senior community. I mean, you can’t say “retired” without “tired,” and that’s the opposite of how I feel.

I’m more energized now than I’ve been in a long time.

So, how does one channel that energy?

Well, life coaches always seem to ask the question:

“If money was not an issue, what would you do?”.  

In the fog of working and trying to survive, I think that question can be difficult for many to answer. Sometimes you need to step away from the fog to notice where you naturally put your energies. The answer can also be a moving target. As the world changes, we change, and our interests and goals also change. What inspired someone a decade ago might not apply today.

Regardless, this past year offered some personal clarity on that question. Creativity and making things is what makes me happiest. It is where I naturally spend my time. So that’s the direction I’ll set sail.  As for specifics, I’m rediscovering my love for animation, playing with new technologies, building things, and reconnecting with creative friends. How that all manifests is still up in the air. 

I will say that I’ll commit to writing here more often in order to document my journey and hopefully provide some insight to others. I’m also updating my ancient website, creating some animated projects, and taking on some freelance.  So, stay tuned. Or not.

I’ll leave this with the life coach question:

If money was not an issue, what would you do?

I’d love to hear your answers.