1. Being made redundant
Yes, you’ve read that correctly. I’ve joined the swath of individuals that have recently been made redundant in the tech industry. After nine years of fun and learning, my role is no longer required, and I’m OK with that. Yes, it hurt, and yes, I’ve been a little bitter about the outcome, but I’m through that and now at peace with the situation. At the end of the day, the decision was out of my control. So now what…
2. Pausing
I’ve previously written about Robert Poynton‘s brilliant book Do/Pause: You are not a to-do list, and his superb Do/Pause Workshop. Since discovering Robert’s work, I’ve learnt to embrace and seek out ‘pauses’ within different timeframes. Due to being made redundant, I’m taking the opportunity to pause significantly. While many would look to put all their effort into finding a new role, I’m not. I’m taking time out to fully recharge, unwind and let go. I intend to take a couple of months to think about my next move. During this time, I will be open to conversations but not interviews. I will be seeking out interesting, exciting and meaningful adventures.
3. Photographing the Barbican
Andrew Eberlin is an enthusiastic photographer and writer of The Monthly Jotter. I discovered this recent post, Barbican. The post is an excellent example if you pause in one place, and take notice of your surroundings, then many photographic opportunities will present themselves. You’ll also benefit from a greater appreciation for that location too. Pause, see, shoot.
4. Wise words from others
James Martin is a designer, and his recent post on his Instagram account made me stop and think. Mainly as I can relate to many of the messages within that post. Not only as they have Stoic undertones but also thinking about the new journey ahead of me. I’m not one to chase other people’s ideas of success or happiness. I’ve always found my own path, and now that I have the luxury of time, I want to ensure I properly consider the opportunities ahead of me.
5. Unessacary obsolence
In a recent newsletter, David Elikwu reshared an older post of his Planning for Obsolescence. It starts by explaining how everlasting lightbulbs are a lousy business model. However, it continues to question how we design obsolescence into products to support our desire to own something a little newer, a little better, or a little sooner than is necessary. Good design lasts. Buy quality that lasts. Then made do and mend instead of buying more stuff just for the sake of it.