I’m moving. It’s official in my heart and my head. It is what I want to do, and I’m preparing for it, at least making arrangements for my place here. Other than that, I don’t have a clear plan as far as anyone else can see. No g’s stashed away. No Plan C through Z. Folks are concerned that I haven’t put in applications in my current field. They look at me like I’m crazy when I say I may not want to do “this” anymore. Ok. I understand their points. I want to quit a job and move in a recession when most places have a hiring freeze. I understand. Really, I do. Sounds insane. Well, that is why I want to move–so I won’t go insane. Seems like a decent trade-off to me.
Can I tell you the truth? I know you won’t tell anyone. Ha! You don’t even know me, not really, so who cares if you tell. Ready? Here goes.
What I really want to do is be a bum. No—just kidding. Jokes, man! Jokes!! I really want to spend some time working on my dad’s building where he housed his business and get it up to code so it can serve as a community center and source of income. Now, where will I get the money to do this? I don’t know, but that is what I want to do. I am willing to invest sweat equity myself. Ideally, I would have my mother’s support, but I never do unless it’s for something practical, clearly planned, logical, a clear shot. Mom plays it safe–always has. I’m not afraid of risks, and really, what do I have to lose?
If I can square up things here, that’s the bulk of my expense right there. I just don’t know how long Mom will let me stay with her in “our” house without a 9 to 5. She’s from the stay on a job for 20 years generation. I know I may never get rich, but I would like to do something that I want to do. There was a time when I wanted to do what I’m doing now. That time has passed, and I want to do something else, or at least something else in addition to it. What’s wrong with that? Nothing.
This may be career suicide, but I’m in “survival of me” mode. Who can challenge that, and who cares if they do? I don’t talk a good Bohemian game. I’ve always lived it. I’m just an educated Bohemian not high on drugs who seems to think she can live off of her art and the work of her hands. I garden, quilt, paint, write, sing, do hair, cook, play instruments, and almost anything else artistic. My name does mean artful. Why can’t I do what I do and be happy? I’m willing to take a chance and find out, and I’m really glad I don’t have a husband right now to force me to be “average” or “normal” as some define it. Combining my life with someone else’s will require a careful balancing act that does not clip the wings of my independence and creative desires. *sigh*
I’ve moved several times (well, a lot of times actually) in my life, and I never have a clear will-work-for-certain plan. I just trust my gut and my God, and they have never led me wrong. That doesn’t mean the road is always easy, but no road I take will be. That’s just the nature of the game. What I know for sure? It’s time to change the game. A game changer is what I am.
Wish me well!
i wish you well indeed. being of kinda a boho mindset myself, i’ve never been one to subscribe to that “keep the same job/career for 30 years” kinda mentality. with all the interests people have, all the talents and gifts we’re given, i can’t imagine doing the same task, in the same place, day after day, year after year for the rest of my life. or maybe that’s just because there has never been one particular arena that has driven me to want to do that…
i have a lot of interests and desires, and prayerfully will be able to use my gifts in different places, different ways. same goes for you! i know it’ll be hard because mommas aaaaalways want to know what you’re doing with your life and how you’re doing it. i wish you the best convincing her that your path is your own, that you’ve been just fine all these years and will continue to be, by the grace of God.
as with all things, i’d just say be prayerful about it. God will open doors for you to be able to realize your goals and dreams. He’s the God of the impossible so it may not make sense to others, or even you at times, but it always makes sense to Him and His plan.
the way i see it with moving is this: there is a huge nation and world out there. i’d love to see as much of it as possible before i’m called home. you have already seen quite a bit of it and have the experience of living in diverse places - that is a definite asset to your life’s resumé and to your overall perspective. so if you like moving from place to place because variety is the spice of life, i’m always all for it and i’m behind you! the world’s too great to be anchored in one spot from birth ’til death! however, my only caution that i’ll say to you and to anyone else that i’ve known who moves a lot - just make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons. i’m definitely NOT saying this is applicable to you but i’ve known people who move from place to place because they feel lost and are looking for fulfillment that they never find in various spots. so while it can be wonderful to taste and see different corners of the nation, and even the globe, (and i think more people should!) it can also be a clue that you’re searching for something that you don’t seem to be finding. and moving from place to place won’t give you that. again, i’m not saying that’s where you are (i honestly don’t think that it is) but i have known people with that issue, as well as those who bounce from job to job - it can be birthed of out emptiness and a need to find fulfillment. something that no job of place of residence will provide. just my public service announcement for the day!
anyway, i’m glad you’re moving! i know you’ve wanted to be closer to your family for some time now and i’m happy to hear you’re moving in that direction. may the peace, guidance and protection of God be with you as you plan and move.
Thanks, Ms. Ma’am. I’m growing more and more each day. I’m just glad I’m not too proud to admit I need to go home and actually do it.
Comment by the dragon and the fly with soul — February 18, 2009 @ 1:31 p
I know the feeling; I’d love to be a bum also. Only kidding
Not really, as I’ve said over at my spot, I don’t mind working in corp america, it’s the having to drive 40-60 minutes to the same physical place here in the DMV day after day. I’d rather stay at home (in NJ) and do a lot of my work. I also would like to see other parts of this world before I’m called home.
I wish you well with whatever you do. I’m amazed that I can feel such a kinship with folks I’ve never met in person.
Take care.
I bet more people would love to go bo-ho, but we live in a capitalist society that doesn’t make that possible.
Comment by profunksticated — February 24, 2009 @ 1:31 p