I’m taking a time out because I’ve hit that proverbial fork in the road, and I need to figure out which way to turn. It started over a year ago when I was told that I needed cataract surgery to correct my vision. Then, the COVID-19 pandemic hit in March and my surgery was cancelled. It was not until this month that I was eligible for the operation again.
As I look back, I can see that I’ve been running around for the past year trying to do the right thing and I forgot that it was OK just to be me. You see, I couldn’t just call a time out like a football game to allow the medical personnel to come out on the field.
Instead, life just continued with the weekday grind of putting a roof over my head, food on the table, clothes on my back, and a few dollars in the bank for the bills that need to be paid. On the other hand, I must admit that all of my needs (and many of wants) were met.
Still, I do catch myself saying “Been there, done that” all too often when I read job descriptions, a sure sign that I am becoming complacent — or just plain bored. Perhaps it’s time for me to move on after 30 years as a technical writer: 17 jobs that lasted 6 months to 6 years (including the 7 layoffs that lasted 3 to 11 months).
Or, perhaps it’s just time for me to thank the God of my understanding for doing for me what I cannot do for myself.
Moving On 