Going for the Gold
At the beginning of July, I went from full-time editor to part-time archivist. I decided I was no longer learning new skills or enjoying myself, and combined with my new cheaper rent, could cast off the safety net of a 40 hour work week. I had gotten compliant and comfortable, two things I don’t need to be at 24.
Since then, I have traveled to Puerto Rico on a surf safari and then two weeks later took my bike and got on train to Chicago before sailing the length of Lake Michigan. Now, these types of trips are not going to be the defining elements of my new situation, especially as income becomes less stable, but both helped shake things up.
I also got published two weeks after going part-time.
Writing under my boss’ name for so long made seeing my byline on Aol News an especially great thrill. I had five days to turn this puppy out, a faster deadline with more sources than I have ever done. There is hardly any changes by my editor.
I truly believe taking the plunge was necessary for my creative spirit. My photo output is just barely over half of what it was at this time last year. I have a lot of time to make up. This tale of taking time off to discover one’s self inspired me to write this one and codify what I am going to do with my 25 newly freed hours a week.
I am going to be reading obscene amounts of articles and books. I am going to watch my tutorials for Final Cut Pro as I continue editing little projects that have dwelled in purgatory for too long. I will probably migrate my flash-based website to a friendly html one. I will pitch at least once a month. I have a local photo essay that needs some attention. And I am going to bake so so much bread. Let me know if you could use any sourdough loaves. And please, hold me accountable.
