I have been thinking of this for quite some time now.
Taking a full year off. Or at the worst, 6 months! To do things I want to do. Terms and conditions being my own.. at least majorly.
I am unsure as to how feasible and practical it may be… but, the thought has become so predominant that I can no longer sweep it under the carpet.
I have been feeling a strong surge to focus away (vaguely called ennui?) from things that I usually do for just the payday and to do more of things I would love to do.. things like traveling (backpacking, trekking, cycling), database and ETL design, photography, bird watching, writing a book, developing a new skill, meeting new people, doing more in life!!
Or maybe freelancing in my own field (of databases, data warehousing, business intelligence, etc).
Now, why in the world would I want to do this?
- I have been stereotypical until now. I want to figure out what other things I do well in life.
- I want to experiment and figure out more about myself
- At times I feel congested trying to accommodate a 10-8 (my usual work hours). (I agree, on a few days, I feel happy I am employed at a pretty good place that pays me decently and has been good to me in last few years)
- Even if I want to stay in my field of work, I want to move to the next level. Not just by a mere designation.
- Want to figure out ways of making money, even when I am not working. (as of now, investments are the only ones that do that for me)
- want to figure out what other marketable / financially viable skills I possess
- want to see if I can make more money in less time
- want to pursue a few interests
Don’t get me wrong. I love my field of work. But I feel stagnant. The things I use to love doing have become a tad too repetitive. The enthusiasm has tapered off because its the same old thing I have been doing for a long now. Plus we have directions to follow. Rules to obey. Guidelines to stick to. Best practices to adhere to. Mistakes to avoid. Excuse me… I am lost! All this has only increased the need to experiment!
I need a shot of morphine! I need exciting stuff to work on.
I need to be in a situation where I can learn new things every day, new skills, etc. Where I can make mistakes and yet see my face on the mirror without guilt.
Of course, I am scared. Its only natural. The Indian market is not open to such ideas. A gap in your resume is considered more like a handicap. And freelancing (consulting.. not merely contracting) is not yet popular in India. And the fear of not having a pay is scary. The fear of not getting a ‘good’ job again is scary too.
But I am turning 30 next month. I don’t want to regret at 60 for NOT having done things I wanted to do.
2011 is what my heart says is a good time to do it.
The dilemma is still there. If you don’t see another post on the topic, just consider that I conveniently brushed it under the carpet and continued with life…
PS: Of late, have noticed several people with similar thinking. Good or bad… I don’t know.