James Burke
Being a grandpa is more fun than working
As my work slows down for the winter season, I typically take a job in a local factory to keep the bills paid until things pick up in the spring. My factory job is a skilled position. It pays well, and is one in which I was trained via an apprenticeship over twenty-five years ago (tool and die).
Through several “course corrections” over the years, and a near miss mid-life crisis in my early thirties, I have been self-employed for the past six years, building my business from the ground up…starting out with absolutely zero business skills. In all honesty, it hasn’t been the prettiest picture, but it is what it is. Since I once majored in education, I have acquired a considerable “toolbox” of skills and abilities that have opened many doors, permitting my transition into the business arena.
This time of year is always a struggle as I seem to lose my “creative edge” and “hunger” for the business. Taking a steady paycheck every week sure has its advantages, but I’ve found it has the uncanny ability to stifle dreams and ambitions. The long hours (coupled with stress, and a very tense boss) seem to be taking its toll lately, and my “don’t give a crap” attitude has had me concerned. But in all honesty, this forum has been my lifeline for inspiration for the past few months, and I usually stop by on lunch break to get my fix.
But during this brief season of respite, I dusted off my business plan this weekend, and have settled in to do some major business (and life) planning for the upcoming year. I’ve also revived my interest in journaling again…especially in terms of business ideas. But this time, no e-gadgets are allowed. I’m holding a well-balanced ink pen in the ol’ south paw. And when compared to the incessant clack of a keyboard, there’s something uniquely therapeutic about artfuly scratching out words across cotton rag paper.
If you’ve never tried journaling, I encourage you to do so. You’ll gain an incredible amount of perspective, and it’s always assuring to learn that “big” problems don’t seem to look so big when looking back through the pages of time.
So, here’s a new year’s toast to whatever inspires you.
JB
Through several “course corrections” over the years, and a near miss mid-life crisis in my early thirties, I have been self-employed for the past six years, building my business from the ground up…starting out with absolutely zero business skills. In all honesty, it hasn’t been the prettiest picture, but it is what it is. Since I once majored in education, I have acquired a considerable “toolbox” of skills and abilities that have opened many doors, permitting my transition into the business arena.
This time of year is always a struggle as I seem to lose my “creative edge” and “hunger” for the business. Taking a steady paycheck every week sure has its advantages, but I’ve found it has the uncanny ability to stifle dreams and ambitions. The long hours (coupled with stress, and a very tense boss) seem to be taking its toll lately, and my “don’t give a crap” attitude has had me concerned. But in all honesty, this forum has been my lifeline for inspiration for the past few months, and I usually stop by on lunch break to get my fix.
But during this brief season of respite, I dusted off my business plan this weekend, and have settled in to do some major business (and life) planning for the upcoming year. I’ve also revived my interest in journaling again…especially in terms of business ideas. But this time, no e-gadgets are allowed. I’m holding a well-balanced ink pen in the ol’ south paw. And when compared to the incessant clack of a keyboard, there’s something uniquely therapeutic about artfuly scratching out words across cotton rag paper.
If you’ve never tried journaling, I encourage you to do so. You’ll gain an incredible amount of perspective, and it’s always assuring to learn that “big” problems don’t seem to look so big when looking back through the pages of time.
So, here’s a new year’s toast to whatever inspires you.
JB
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