What’s next? I think we’ve all asked ourselves this question.
I mean for some it might not be a big life decision or the answer to the biggest question we all have; ‘What am I going to do when I grow up.’ Maybe it’s where am I going on my next vacation, am I going to go out to eat tonight or stay home and cook, do I want a new car?
Honestly this can be anything but for me the What’s next is, well, I’m really not sure…
Today is the first day of what’s next and although I don’t know exactly what that is I do know I never expected to be where I am right now; unemployed and in my forties. In all honesty, I also thought I’d have started this blog or a book years ago.
I actually started a book or two, years ago, as I believe everyone has a book in them but it just wasn’t the right book or the right time, or maybe just not the right time for me. Is it ever the right time to take on something new? Like many, I have a lot of questions and not many answers, and believe anyone reading this probably feels the same.
How did we all get here? More questions, I’m not asking about creation vs evolution as we’d be here forever, I’m wondering how so many of my friends or people I’ve come across feel like they are at a crossroad and more so why I am. Why have I felt this way for a long time and although it’s time to start this blog, is it time for bigger changes?
Is it time to write that book?
I have a couple of ideas and am already sharing the 1st books title (thanks for the inspiration Ken) with you; ‘Escaping Life 3 Hours At A Time’
Do you think it’s a good title? If you know me you might have a better understanding on where it’s going but whether you know me or not I’d love to get your thoughts on it.
Why isn’t my current job search going well?
There has been a lot of thought put into this one. My past had me securing a new position easily, whether I had one or not at the time. So, maybe the fact that I changed roles at my last company and lack experience for the roles I am now looking for is a factor in my current search or maybe that’s an excuse and I just don’t want a new job.
Well I know I’d like a new job right now but at the same time I’ve thought about this for years and I know I want to change what I do. As I mentioned I changed roles about a year and a half ago, I had good success but ultimately I was still working in technology which is something I’d like to change so I guess the biggest question is…
Can I afford to not work for a while?
This definitely is the biggest question of them all. I have a friend (you know who you are) that thinks I should take time off, I have a few friends that believe I can afford it too. Of course what they believe isn’t really a factor nor might it be true but the question itself poses a dilemma. On one hand it may be doable, with a couple of hurdles (damn you health insurance), and on the other hand not working could make me much less desirable to employers in the future.
So for now I’ve decided what’s next is this blog. Of course there’s the possibility that I take time off (chosen or not), write a book or this blog becomes wildly successful and provides me an income but I can’t really bank on that at the moment.
Where will the blog go? I have no idea, well I have some and it centers around that 1st book.
What will it be about? For now some reviews, photo’s, trips and things I’ve done in the past and look to do in the future.
The one thing I’m certain of and the reason for this first post is not only because we all need to start somewhere but because I’d like you to join me on whatever this journey is.
We can learn more together if you sign up and follow me
More important then following is interacting with me and helping to answer the questions above, not only for me but you as well. I’d love to hear your thoughts on what’s next for you or what changes you made or want to make in your life.
Good questions, what is it all about, what is really important. Time off may make you less desirable to an employer, depending on what you did with the time. What if you used the time to have an adventure every guy wants? What about a cross country trip with stops at landmarks of interest to you? An adventure, we all need one, something different, so out of the box you can’t see the box.
This will undoubtedly be a lengthy comment, so grab a drink and maybe a snack.
I’ll preface by simply saying that I’m proud of you for starting this blog! I think whenever we find ourselves at a crossroads, getting started on anything is a big step..
You asked, “Is it time for bigger changes?” In a word, yes! If it wasn’t, you wouldn’t be asking yourself that question, and you wouldn’t have spent time writing this blog about it. Your title is perfect! It’s catchy, intriguing, and provides insight- even to those who don’t know you- into your passions and how you decompress.
As you know, I now find myself at yet another crossroads in my life. For me, the difficulty is in trying to find balance between my passion to help others (through nursing or otherwise), and my desire to have adventures.
I’ve learned many lessons over many years, but the one that stands out is a reminder of just how short life is. Sometimes, it’s shorter than we anticipate. With this in mind, focus on your passion and happiness will follow. Write that book. Go to that concert. Take that trip.
In the meantime, I hope this blog brings you millions! Good luck, friend!
So good! I read them all as you know and I’m really impressed with how open you are and how its all in your voice, no dumb edits trying to be perfect. Looking forward to reading more and hopefully we all pursue our passion(s) in some way sooner rather than later! xx