The Struggle, Part 3

The Struggle, Part 1
The Struggle, Part 2

There was an interesting feature in NPR's TakeAway program this week about underemployment. The term I learned about that was my takeaway was "the slash". This is referring to the fact that more people than ever before are working several part-time jobs...you know, you meet them and ask, "And what do you do?" and the answer is, "I'm an actor/waiter/store clerk....or lawyer/teacher/athlete, or writer/consultant/dogwalker, etc.

There is a theory that there are a lot of benefits and opportunities to this style of making a living. (a) If one part-time job falls through you can usually use other part-time jobs to fill in. (b) It keeps life interesting and varied. (c) You make a wider range of contacts and networks. (d) It suits the shorter attention span of today's lifestyles.

It sounds like an awful lot of hustle to me.

I mean I can't imagine changing gears from one job to another and making it all come together. And how do you make sure every month that you have enough to pay all the bills? And how do you get health insurance if you're only a part-time employee anywhere? Am I old-fashioned?

Is this a potential life makeover pathway for me? Will I remain a Marketing Executive? or should I be a marketing executive/something/something? And if so - what the hell are the somethings?

Where is my damn bliss?

[stay-tuned...unless your bored...then piss off]

The Struggle, Part 2

The Struggle, Part 1

I think I'm struggling most with the fact that I'm so totally busy, but not all that interested in it all. There's a certain element of automatic pilot in many of my days. They aren't restful, they are in fact usually hectic and stressful, but they aren't really, well, interesting. Then when I do have downtime...I find myself limited in what I'm willing to do. I'd rather lay around and watch a movie or read a book than take on a project or get out and do anything.

The economy doesn't help. Feeling that it is most prudent for us (maybe not the economy at large, but our little financial world) to restrict our spending makes that a convenient excuse to stay at home under the covers rather than go out and do something. Half the time when I do decide to do something, it involves a book store, a library, a movie theater...all the stuff I'm already doing at home.

If I were to make a list of what I'm willing to change and what I'm not...I'd stay pretty much how I am...but that is pure laziness.

NOT Willing to Change
Husband (ever)
House (not in this economy)
Job (unless forced)

Willing to Consider Change
Hobby (need one besides the static "on my butt at home" type)
Exercise (well...I did enjoy yoga for a short period in 2004?)
Diet (grumble grumble grumble...)
Aspiration (GET ONE! this is what I really need to focus on)

When the phrase first came into fashion - Follow Your Bliss - I was like - WHAT? What the hell is "my bliss"? If I had all the resources and freedom in the world, what would I do with myself?

Do all of you know? If you won the lottery and it all worked out well (no IRS or poor relative lawsuits, your health is still intact, your marriage is still going strong) what would your life be like? My imagination fails me right there. I'm a total blank. I don't know if it's because I'm a realist or because I'm just so out of touch with my own deepest desires (or sadly, don't have any) that I can't answer the question.

[Stay tuned...but don't expect a smart and witty resolution...
this is stream of consciousness stuff people]

The Struggle, Part 1

I'm really struggling to come up with what to say this week. Must be the post Thanksgiving mind numbing from too much turkey, too many carbs, and too much pie.

Primarily, over the last few days, I've been wondering where the hell I'm going with this blog.

I continue to suffer from feelings of inadequacy when I read the blogs of others. Ian and his inexhaustible columns on interesting topics, Chick and her heartfelt and entertaining everyday family life, Stephanie (no link cuz she password protects) and her spellbinding Law & Order in the custody courts tales, Amybow and A's Mom with their young mother trials and joys. Mrs. G. and her 100+ comment-worthy photojournalism posts. Hubby and his photos and paintings and artist's ruminations. Jenn and her totally FUNCTIONAL family that is so endearing despite all their cheerfulness and normalness (you'd think you would hate them, but you don't).

I know. I know. Before you even say it. Everyone feels that way. Everyone is always more critical of their own "talent" than they are of others.

Maybe it isn't really the blog. Maybe I need a life makeover.

[Stay tuned...the Struggle will likely be a multi-part series...]