I think this is exactly the way to frame this Rick and thank you for doing so clearly. It has similar rings to how to frame physical pain. Often the suffering comes from wishing things were different. This is the same here. Trying to come up with a sure fire alternative to working which answers all our hang ups is unlikely to be done in one fell swoop. Instead everything we experience is always in transition of some sort. It’s just when you have had such definite aims for so long we are conditioned to think it will solve all our problems. Instead it’s just the start of another transition.
"Instead everything we experience is always in transition of some sort."
Yes, that's exactly it!
We hope for these static points where everything makes sense. Of course, there are worse/better problems to have. I'm NOT saying we shouldn't ever chase improving our situation.
But this future point of completeness, where the transitions end... it ain't coming.
After three years, I want to say I am no longer lost. I know where I am, I just don’t know what’s next, and I don’t think (much) about it. That counts as progress, doesn’t it.
Don't apologize for the woo-woo! Separating from society for a period has been a key to progress for 1000s of years. We're in very good company when we do this. Thank you for making the point that sitting with yourself and patiently waiting to see what reveals itself IS the process!
Agreed - we need more designed rites of passage in modern life. While we may have gained in terms of realism/science, we've lost in terms of culture/intuition.
This essay parallels my experience 3 years ago after job loss. Your lessons learned are correct. I got bored/comfortable in my situation (#1), let a new opportunity come to me (#2), and jumped right back into what I was doing before (#3) with only some moderate growth.
This essay has some real actionable advice, as well as a framework for exploration. Thank you.
Hey Jason - I feel like your/our path must be a "rite of passage" 😅. I'm not sure I've met anyone(?) who has somehow skipped these steps, or at least went through it in their head.
Have you ever considered writing about your journey?
Yes. I do think my experience is a tad redundant the more I explore this space. Seems like we all evolve in a similar manner. I need to explore my voice.
I think this is exactly the way to frame this Rick and thank you for doing so clearly. It has similar rings to how to frame physical pain. Often the suffering comes from wishing things were different. This is the same here. Trying to come up with a sure fire alternative to working which answers all our hang ups is unlikely to be done in one fell swoop. Instead everything we experience is always in transition of some sort. It’s just when you have had such definite aims for so long we are conditioned to think it will solve all our problems. Instead it’s just the start of another transition.
"Instead everything we experience is always in transition of some sort."
Yes, that's exactly it!
We hope for these static points where everything makes sense. Of course, there are worse/better problems to have. I'm NOT saying we shouldn't ever chase improving our situation.
But this future point of completeness, where the transitions end... it ain't coming.
I swear every time I’ve seen your link to that interview my first reaction has been “Rick got an interview with BRENDAN FRASER?!?”
yeah, kept asking him about the mummy, but for some reason, all he wanted to do was talk about his mom. weird.
The 5 bullets are spot on! I wish I had those 4 years ago. I'm saving this for the next time in find myself in a big transition :)
we all gotta go through it!
After three years, I want to say I am no longer lost. I know where I am, I just don’t know what’s next, and I don’t think (much) about it. That counts as progress, doesn’t it.
It's always great to hear people come out better on the other side!
Don't apologize for the woo-woo! Separating from society for a period has been a key to progress for 1000s of years. We're in very good company when we do this. Thank you for making the point that sitting with yourself and patiently waiting to see what reveals itself IS the process!
Agreed - we need more designed rites of passage in modern life. While we may have gained in terms of realism/science, we've lost in terms of culture/intuition.
Amen to this one Rick. It takes time.
🫡
This essay parallels my experience 3 years ago after job loss. Your lessons learned are correct. I got bored/comfortable in my situation (#1), let a new opportunity come to me (#2), and jumped right back into what I was doing before (#3) with only some moderate growth.
This essay has some real actionable advice, as well as a framework for exploration. Thank you.
Hey Jason - I feel like your/our path must be a "rite of passage" 😅. I'm not sure I've met anyone(?) who has somehow skipped these steps, or at least went through it in their head.
Have you ever considered writing about your journey?
Yes. I do think my experience is a tad redundant the more I explore this space. Seems like we all evolve in a similar manner. I need to explore my voice.