From July to September, I ended up on about a total of 2 months of leave. It was the longest I had ever not been working or in school, and the most time I had ever spent just with myself. Granted, I was on leave because my brain was completely busted and I was recovering from what amounted to a very bad concussion, but it was still a lot of time that I spent on self reflection and developing a whole lot of skills I didn’t have. And I learned a few things about myself in the process.
It was like a mini retirement and it was pretty eye opening.
My sleep issues might be work related
I slept fine. That was the most surprising thing. I have been suffering with insomnia for years and had to adjust a whole bunch of things in my life to compensate for it in order to make sure I am able to get those hours of rest in. Medication, night routines, all kinds of things to deal with it.
But on leave? With the brain problems that have a potential to cause sleep issues? Absolutely no problems. I have never had such an easy time with sleep in my life. The issues started to come back as soon as I was approved to go back to work, though.
I will never be bored
One of the things I hear about a lot about retirement is that you will get bored or that you will lose your purpose when you no longer have a day job to go to. That your work is a lot of people’s whole life and that they found themselves lost without it.
I had so much that I could do during the days, though! I couldn’t write, which is my main thing but I could do a lot of other things that brought be joy. I made jewelry, I checked out some local events, and I started whole new projects that I’m still very interested in. I’m actually sad that I have to go back, if I’m being honest. Don’t tell work.
I may not want to actively monetize my hobbies, but I don’t want to keep this stuff
So many of my hobbies produce physical things. I have so much jewelry. I’m probably never going to do commissions for people or create anything explicitly for money, but I’m more than happy to sell it if it’s a way to not only get rid of it, but also to ensure that I continue to have funds I can use to make more.
I just really like the freedom
I had thought before of trying to be an entrepreneur, but I’m not about the hustle culture life. Especially not now, since I don’t think I’m ever going to be able to go back to the way I was again. But I would really like to eventually be able to work for myself, set my own hours, and prioritize my happiness again like that. It’s given me a lot to work towards, and a whole ton of perspective.
And I’m already missing it. A lot.
