In five weeks, I leave my job. Can I get a resounding cheer? I have had a love/hate relationship with my job for the past two years. Things that I love: it pays my bills, gives me expendable income, and puts money in my savings and 401(k), all of which give me financial security. It is a Day Job, meaning that (1) when I leave at the end of the day, I can stop thinking about it, and (2) it pays me money to do things I don’t like doing, so that I can afford to do things I do like doing. Those things about it are great. Things that I hate: I have to do things I don’t like doing. ALL THE TIME. And not only are they things I don’t like doing (everybody has to do things they don’t like doing, I know that), but they’re things that are: boring, not meaningful to me in any way, irrelevant to the rest of my life, and often mindless. So, it is with trepidation AND immense relief and excitement that I am leaving in five weeks. (In the meantime, I’ve been working hella long hours, but with an end in sight it is so much more tolerable than if I felt stuck. Except for the fact that I think I have an ulcer. But that’s another topic entirely.)
ANyway, I’m excited. SINCE as we all know I love making lists, I’ve already started making lists of things I want to do and goals for this summer. Obviously. I thought I’d share:
- post something here every weekday, like it’s my job (this, so that I will make sure I get out of bed every morning!)
- spend 10-15 hours a week at the rape crisis center I volunteer at — I want to become a part of their Speakers’ Bureau of folks who go around to schools and give presentations on things like Healthy Dating, Sexual Assault, and also co-present with other survivors of rape and sexual assault to offer conversations about sexual violence
- actively think about a plan for starting a small internet business in … you have three guesses … ORGANIZING! yep, I’m actually considering building a small business as an organizing consultant; I love doing organizing other people (and myself, of course), and I could use some extra income as a student. (Does anyone have any experience with self-employment…?)
- take some day trips around Northern California. I want to take advantage of having weekdays off to do things I can’t do working full time. Anyone want to go with me to the Jelly Belly Factory?! Or to the Orr Hot Springs?!
- finish my statistics class
- take free walking tours of San Francisco (like the mural tour, or the tour of secret rooftop gardens, or the labor history tour, or the 1906 earthquake tour…), and make it a goal to climb every (outdoor) set of stairs in the city (there are TONS! SO MANY!)
- take a sewing class — I reeeeeeally want to eventually make my own dresses, especially because I really like dresses in this style or this one, which pattern-wise aren’t all that complicated
- cook a lot, bake a lot, and read a lot
Sound like I’ll be busy enough?
Your summer plans sounds like fun. My schedule is busy but I can’t complain. I’m working an (unpaid) internship with a news station that’s a lot of fun. I’m taking three classes and I work part time as an assistant to one of my old professors. Half the time I’m working I just spend online with nothing to do. It’s 20-25 hours a week with weekends off so it’s not bad.
I think all the things you have planned are great though. That’s so nice that you want to volunteer at rape crisis center. I help run the gay & lesbian support center at my school. It feels nice to give your time and help others.
Those style of dresses you want to sew are beautiful. I love the style of them. Maybe once you learn how to sew I’ll pay you to make one for me ;) There would be a good internet business. Sharing your great fashion sense with others.
Anyway, enjoy what time you have left for work and I’m glad you’re planning on having a wonderful summer :)
Kara XOXOXOXOXOXO
Sounds exciting :) Lucky you :)
I dream of being a (poor) student without the pressures of a stressful job.. preferably in SF so I can explore!
PS. I love the dresses… I love dresses… learn to sew some, I’ll buy them!
Hi alphafemme — I came across your blog via Kara’s recommendation (over at The Adventures of Kara of Jessica). I was one of her top 6 bloggers, too, and I knew I had to check out some of her favourites.
Congrats on leaving your job in the next 5 weeks! That type of freedom is such a sweet one. And, oh my goodness, I make lists for literally everything, too. I’m pretty sure my blog is just one large series of list. And I commend you for your plans once you are sans job — sounds like you’ve got some amazing things planned out! I can’t wait to hear how they all go!
– Miz Moffatt
I want to go with you!!! Sounds like an amazing summer. So jealous! Live it up girl.
Yay for freedom!
I just found your blog a little while ago but am so very glad I did. Just wanted to cheer you on with your life/projects. Also if you go into organization I will totally hire you (if it fits within my meager student budget). I can use all the help I can get and would love to support you.
Take care and best of luck <3
The Jelly Belly factory is in SF? One more reason for me to make a trip there this summer!! Your summer plans sounds great and congrats on leaving a job that appears to not be good for your soul; I’m a big believer in doing something rewarding that you love. Enjoy!!
Congrats on leaving the job. I know it just means bigger and better things for you. I love the idea of listing out some goals, too (surprise, surprise – list porn!). I need to revisit my list and update it. I wish I lived closer so I could go on the day trips!