we all have this arbitrary goal of not working. but it's like fool's gold. it's not no work that we're after, it's to contribute to society in a meaningful way.
I always remind myself that work is not the problem, not doing something you enjoy is the problem.
great article - really reminded me of what's important
So true, an uninspiring job is draining. Not everyone can find their dream job, but the goal is to find a job where you sell your labor and have find it rewarding to some extent
Recently I learned about the concept of micro dosing retirement. Seems like what you’ve been doing with our time. Also very interesting the concept of owning the 30% vs 100% of your time
Ah this is so relatable! I wanted to take a sabbatical after my layoff but I also really enjoy the perks of a salary and health insurance and don’t want to dip into my runway funds after working so hard to build them up. I think it is important to strive to own more of our time. I’ve been enjoying building my Substack and getting back into writing for pleasure after many years.
Love this piece. Hope more people come to view corporate work in this way, and make more informed cost/benefit analysis regarding their “time loans.” I’ve just wrapped up a full year away from full time work and am job searching—you’re right, it’s tough! But so worth it for the time spent with my community, experiences, and as cliche as it sounds, the life lessons. Glad to find a voice that feels the same way.
Totally hear you on how your boss owns your actions and perhaps some of your thoughts and emotions during the work day... but the experience of time not only includes the content of your experience, but also how you're relating to it.
So it felt like something was missing here. Namely how you can maintain agency and autonomy as a free-thinking individual who prioritizes authenticity *while* doing someone else's work. Not to say your point doesn't resonate, but just to say that I don't feel like the people who pay me own my time when I'm working for them, because I still get to choose how I relate to that work, when I take breaks, how I manage my energy, and more.
Omg I hope you make more YouTube videos! Your channel inspires me to talk about my own layoff journey in the interior design industry. I’ve also always wanted to buy property in Joshua Tree! One of my favorite places on Earth
This all really resonates with me. While I've learned to set strong boundaries between work and personal life, I'm still thinking a lot about what it might look like to own 100% of my time (or at least more than 30%). I'm wondering if there could be a middle ground that would work best for me or maybe it also depends on what life stage I'm in. Looking forward to more of your insights!
I believe Kevin Dahlstrom (https://x.com/Camp4) once said that he doesn't look at % ownership of time as an either/or, but more of a progression up.
It's hard when you're early in your career to own much... you need to make a living, etc. And on the other hand (as I've found in my experience/interviews), there is no 100%. No matter how high you go, there's always something owning us (side note: that's a good thing).
Rather than go for the enchilada, it's more realistic to accumulate more ownership over time, and let it compound day-by-day until you reach your point of "enough."
we all have this arbitrary goal of not working. but it's like fool's gold. it's not no work that we're after, it's to contribute to society in a meaningful way.
I always remind myself that work is not the problem, not doing something you enjoy is the problem.
great article - really reminded me of what's important
As someone who gets bored of absolutely everything (and has enjoyed every period of not working) for me working is the issue 😩😅
So true, an uninspiring job is draining. Not everyone can find their dream job, but the goal is to find a job where you sell your labor and have find it rewarding to some extent
You are a good writer and your experiences are very relevant. I look forward to reading more of your posts!
You’ve just made me realise how much my sabbatical was important to raise my boundaries and protect my 30%.
And I still today work towards having my 70% owned by me, once again 💫
Lovely approach to writing thank you
Even if you are fortunate, it’s not enjoyable to have your life dictated by a company’s decisions.
Thank you for honestly sharing your thoughts and experiences in your two essays.
There is probably no definitive answer to balancing work and personal life—you have to find your own way. I hope your efforts lead to good outcomes.
Instead of scrolling on my phone, I sometimes listen to Audible while playing games. Managing time is challenging in its own way.
Recently I learned about the concept of micro dosing retirement. Seems like what you’ve been doing with our time. Also very interesting the concept of owning the 30% vs 100% of your time
Lovely stuff and I wish you nothing more but success and owning more percentage of your life! Meanwhile, enjoy 30%, a lot can be done in 30% :)
Ah this is so relatable! I wanted to take a sabbatical after my layoff but I also really enjoy the perks of a salary and health insurance and don’t want to dip into my runway funds after working so hard to build them up. I think it is important to strive to own more of our time. I’ve been enjoying building my Substack and getting back into writing for pleasure after many years.
Love this piece. Hope more people come to view corporate work in this way, and make more informed cost/benefit analysis regarding their “time loans.” I’ve just wrapped up a full year away from full time work and am job searching—you’re right, it’s tough! But so worth it for the time spent with my community, experiences, and as cliche as it sounds, the life lessons. Glad to find a voice that feels the same way.
That's exactly what I was going for - so glad this found the right audience!
Such a great perspective and read, I never thought this ownership of time before. Thanks
You seem so well adjusted and healthy. 😭 what is that like? Also, great writing and meaningful topics. -sincerely , chronically depressed reader
Totally hear you on how your boss owns your actions and perhaps some of your thoughts and emotions during the work day... but the experience of time not only includes the content of your experience, but also how you're relating to it.
So it felt like something was missing here. Namely how you can maintain agency and autonomy as a free-thinking individual who prioritizes authenticity *while* doing someone else's work. Not to say your point doesn't resonate, but just to say that I don't feel like the people who pay me own my time when I'm working for them, because I still get to choose how I relate to that work, when I take breaks, how I manage my energy, and more.
Maybe it has to do with the nature of the work?
Owning my time is extremely important to me. Being able to live the way that I want is magical!
Omg I hope you make more YouTube videos! Your channel inspires me to talk about my own layoff journey in the interior design industry. I’ve also always wanted to buy property in Joshua Tree! One of my favorite places on Earth
This all really resonates with me. While I've learned to set strong boundaries between work and personal life, I'm still thinking a lot about what it might look like to own 100% of my time (or at least more than 30%). I'm wondering if there could be a middle ground that would work best for me or maybe it also depends on what life stage I'm in. Looking forward to more of your insights!
I believe Kevin Dahlstrom (https://x.com/Camp4) once said that he doesn't look at % ownership of time as an either/or, but more of a progression up.
It's hard when you're early in your career to own much... you need to make a living, etc. And on the other hand (as I've found in my experience/interviews), there is no 100%. No matter how high you go, there's always something owning us (side note: that's a good thing).
Rather than go for the enchilada, it's more realistic to accumulate more ownership over time, and let it compound day-by-day until you reach your point of "enough."