It's pretty early to make any long term judgments, but I absolutely and completely love not having a job. I've tried to think of a time in my life earlier that compares to this, but there really aren't any.
The last time I was without a job, I was 17 years old. I was a full time student overlapping with that for quite some time. And before college, though I didn't have particular responsibilities for that period between Oklahoma and college in Arizona, it wasn't like I had a lot of freedom. I took care of my sisters while my parents were working, and bummed around the rest of the time.
But now... lots of marketable experience and skills. Plenty of money in the bank for now, at least. My house, with lots of projects I'm capable of doing on my own. Enough programming work already lined up to keep my brain well oiled. And aside of that? Total freedom. (I'm not gloating, I'm just fucking excited!)
So far, if anything, life seems more structured, not less. I have to wonder if my tendency to stay up late is more about prolonging my free time before returning to slavery the next day. (And sleeping in, the same.) Now that I can do whatever the hell I want, I don't really... need to.
So I wake up, putter around the house. Have coffee or wander out. Do some house stuff, work a while, read some news. Work some more, work on the house, grab lunch with a friend. Go to the gym at odd hours.
I think I've done something physical every day; and not in the walk-to-the-train-so-I-can-sit-for-8-hours way. Whether it's climbing up on the roof, digging up weeds, washing the truck, going to the gym.. or some combination of them... it's awesome feeling just a little sore but a lot more well balanced.
We'll see how things continue to unfold, but I'm already quite certain that I don't (and won't) regret leaving this time.
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