AKA, "What the Hell IS the Dirtbag Dad" anyway. I've long promised this and it's still there, ruminating and developing in the recesses of my mind. To be honest, the work with my kids and family are very consuming. Exhausting, exasperating, but also rewarding all at the same time.
I'm in a transitional time now, with Colin and his Tourette's as I've written about before. But also in work too. My long time, super-flexibile, super-kind and understanding part-time work is coming to a natural end. It's still here and I value every minute of it. But I've also wanted to change/evolve it for sometime too. Too many late nights and super-early mornings. I need sleep and I do get it, but the rhythm of the day (or lack of it) causes me to have unwanted frustration. I am learning to better deal with that. I try to laugh it off now instead of getting steamed. It always works out anyway. And I always find a way.
And my wife Jennifer's work has changed dramatically too, with a layoff that was actually much desired and the freedom of a full year to get things back on the track she wants to be on. She is very good at embracing that gift. Much more than I would, but she is a great example and I am learning.
My vision is this: I want to continue to take care of my kids and work at a job that allows me the flexibility so I can work from home on my own time. I want to continue to lead the healthy and active lifestyle that I have developed over decades. I want to feel comfortable financially. I want this work to be something in which I believe and for which I can have passion. I'm trending toward the outdoor products and/or services business at this point. If I can just find time to get off my ass. Is this really too much to ask? :-)
I have all the traditional dirtbags out there as inspiration. Brendan Leonard (semi-rad.com), Kris Kalous (enormocast.com), and Fitz Cahall (dirtbagdiaries.com) amongst the bloggers and podcasters in this realm. And the athletes who are putting it out there and creating, being, doing. Jeremy Collins (jercollins.com) is especially aspirational for me. Beautful work and life balance (at least from my perspective!) mixed with a poetic vision and gift.
I carry on.
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