On June 30, I will be leaving full time employment to pursue my interests. Note that I say "my" interests and not "other interests".
I am fortunate... no... I am blessed to have this opportunity.
I have had a great career in My Chosen Field and done very well, but after more than 23 years of the same thing, I am seriously ready for a change.
I have been moving in this direction for awhile now. I used to be a text book example of a guy who's whole social network revolves around work. I have largely corrected that and have a lot of friends and acquaintances outside of work, so I don't think social isolation will be an issue for me.
As for keeping busy, I have always had more hobbies than time (bicycling, bike repair, bike advocacy, fly fishing, fly tying, weather spotting/storm chasing, playing music, drawing, literature, shooting, placelessness and urban geography, photography, etc., etc. That said, I have never had sufficient time or mental energy to really delve into any of these to my satisfaction. Now's my chance.
Immediate plans are admittedly kind of unimpressive - I am registered for the upcoming League Cycling Instructor (LCI) course at the end of the month and hope to teach traffic skills to children and adults. I also have some mandolin lessons lined up (that's kind of a whim - the teacher revealed herself and student stepped forward). I also have some important family obligations to attend to as well in the coming months.
Finally, I am already a contributing author for Cycle Twin Cities and am an occasional contributor to Minneapolis Bicycle Coalition ("once" counts as "occasional", right?), plus I scribble here. I plan to keep up the writing as well, but that might go in a new direction.
We can never know.
Longer term, I will look for a part time enjoyable position by Fall or Winter. Perhaps bike shop, perhaps sporting goods or hardware store, perhaps energy policy and government relations.
We can never know.
So, that's the big news. Thanks for stopping by and seeing what's up.
2025 MN Gravel Events
6 days ago
Congrats! Interestingly you are not alone, we have similar things going on over here...
ReplyDeleteSorry for the quick 'hi' @ Open Streets. One second I was shaking your hand and the next whisked away to answer questions and then poof - the day was over. Another time. Hope you enjoyed the day! Hell, now you can enjoy life!!
This is great news. Best of luck in your new adventure.
ReplyDeleteI like the positive outlook. I'm jealous.
ReplyDeleteCongrats! I'll look forward to hearing more at the next B4B gathering.
ReplyDeleteAwesome! Hit me up if you want to do a mid week bike ride - I'm off on Wednesdays. Here's to a grand adventure!
ReplyDeleteSusan
Congrats on a fortunate set of circumstances; the hard work and planning it must have taken to get there; and the courage to head off and do something new. You're probably the envy of a lot of people. My the Force be with you :-)
ReplyDeleteLife is full of turns though many folks don't take them. Sitting here in my forth career, I'm a turner and feel the itch as well. Gotta love the attitude!
ReplyDeleteYup, once counts as an occasional contributor - and additional contributions are most welcome. Have a wonderful summer!
ReplyDeleteBy the way, if I get squashed by a bus, I want that photo propped up on my casket, please.
ReplyDeleteI look forward to keeping up with what you are getting in to. I am a co-worker who will miss your spirit outside my cube! Stay Happy!!
ReplyDeleteI'll be hovering around like a Guardian Angel. No worries, Anonymous.
ReplyDelete