primalmommy on tue 6 aug 02
David, the idea of Right Livelihood is one that I learned about last
year, in a class called "Mindfulness in Everyday Life" taught by a
former student of (gonna spell this wrong) Tichk Nat Hahn. It is
something we've talked about in the past, though. My husband could be
making twice what he does, as an environmental biologist, working for
the "black hats" (some of the worst corporate polluters) -- in fact he
did, right out of college, but didn't like the way it made him feel.
I think the beauty of a job like pottery is just what you have spelled
out: that you don't have to end up like my dad did (the point of my
quote) having to choose between making money (he did) and building
relationships (he didn't.) At retirement age he regrets time lost with
his kids/family, and finds himself isolated after years of immersion in
business.
The ideal job would be one where you can do something creative and
rewarding every day... and still make a living. Where you could have a
job, but be home with your kids, even homeschool if you choose. Where
you don't have to sacrifice time with family in order to support your
family -- (as a woman, the choice to stay home full time sometimes means
your kids don't see you as having any function in the larger world). In
an ideal world your peers would be like minded folks whose company you
enjoy, and the impact you make on the world would do no harm and brings
your customers some happiness. David, I respect how little you've been
willing to sacrifice, and that you've made it work. Folks like you are a
lighthouse in uncertain waters for folks like me.
OK: I'm off to tie a duffel bag of firewood to the top of the van. Jeff
is at a conference for the week and the kids miss him so much I've
planned an adventure to occupy them: we're going to Ft. Wayne, Indiana
to a childrens' zoo, then camping. We'll be back tomorrow night.. (I
could use a break from this keyboard anyway.)
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Cindi Anderson on fri 9 aug 02
You mean, "the ideal job" for YOU, I hope? I know many people who want
nothing to do with creativity. Some that want to be told what to do, some
that love the politics of the corporate world, some who thrive on the rush
of business challenges that cause them to work long hours. There are many
CEO's who work 20 hours a day (sleep the other 4), and they wouldn't trade
it for anything in the world. It charges them up and fills them with
excitement. (Others hate it of course.) There are a good many people who
would much much rather go to work than homeschool their kids, and
unfortunately even some who would rather not spend that much time with their
kids.
The world is full of many different kinds of people. I find it very
interesting that artists tend to think "corporate people / people who work
corporate jobs / people who work to make money" have all sold their souls to
the devil and that they are miseable. Sure it is sometimes true, but not
always. (And by the way I have seen potters who have sold their souls also,
stuck making work they don't enjoy because they are known for it or don't
want to turn away business.)
Cindi
Fremont, CA
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> The ideal job would be...
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