So, my first day of unemployment and I have discovered, or rediscovered the immense number of things that I haven’t been doing because I was working. I firmly believe that work should be the means to an end, not the end itself. I had forgotten that, or more likely, ignored that. So, this morning I was able to start a new knitting project, organize files, finish some chapbooks and ready them for shipment, redesign the 2012 Red Bird logo, ride my bike, and walk to the mailbox with Dennis and Macarthur. The possible time occupiers is endless. Those books piled on my shelves; I have the time to read them now. Those bags and bags of yarn; I have time to knit them into something now. Those blank pages in my notebook; I have time to fill them now. And those piles and piles of poems and essays that could form the basis for my thesis; maybe I can finally organize and assess them.
Yeah, I know I will have to spend time looking for another job. I think the mistake I made with the last one is that I let it become too important in my life. Really, I do better when I work just enough to afford the time and money to do the things I really want to do. The job isn’t important; it is the income. So, the I-pad will have to wait. The books will have to come from the library, and life will be pared down and spare for a while.
The Red Bird will get more of my attention. It needs it. The photo files that are filling up my hard drive I can process and maybe even print. And I can once again look out my window and watch the birds at the feeder and my favorite tree. Today there is a light snow falling, soft and quiet; welcome encouragement for this new adventure.
I like to try new things. Experiment and see how it goes. If it doesn’t work out, there is always something new to try. Another day. Another opportunity. Another lesson learned. K(eep) I(t) S(imple) S(tupid).
Afsal Ismail
/ January 20, 2012That first day on unemployment always feels empowering, like really, there’s a whole world outside of the routine you’ve grown used to.
For me that lasted a few weeks then I just got bored, maybe I was doing it wrong haha.
Ended up starting up at a new job early this week. I guess having work in my life keeps me sane and stable D: