Speculation

Here is where I have to admit that I really don't know what is next for me. This is pretty unusual for me. It's unusual because I really don't like it. Or, more precisely, I have very limited experience with such situations. I usually have more plans than time. And while that is absolutely true at the moment, and could continue to be true going forward whether I plan or not, I know myself well enough to realize that being busy is not inherently satisfying to me. I need some kind of direction. It doesn't have to be specific - "north-ish" is fine -and it never is permanent! But I work better that way.

So, here I am. I know that I don't know what will happen, but I also know that I need something to do with this spinning compass in my head. When in doubt, start brainstorming!

Here is the current list of things that will be part of my life regardless.

• Finances for our business - at least for a couple of years. This may become a "job for hire".
• A significant percentage of running the house - cleaning, shopping, cooking, etc.
• Parenting - we are entering the stage where this may become less time intensive, but with more intense events.
  
• Family/friend relationships - have to plan time to stay in touch!
• Exercise

Now, there are times that this will be more than a full time job. I understand that. But there are times that I will be able to pursue other interests. The question is what and how. Here are the constraints on those pursuits.

1. It has to be in my control. This is, of course, the big tradeoff. The more control I have, the more risk. That is why corporate jobs are so appealing: limited control, but extremely limited risks!
2. It needs to be worth my time. Something that energizes me, engages me, uses my skills, teaches me something. I'll need something that draws me or pulls at me strongly enough to make it as important as the "regardless" list.

Obviously I'm working for myself. And the title will probably be some sort of consultant. In fact, maybe just being "a consultant" is the best way to frame it, because I have a number of areas that I would like to work on. Although, at the moment, everything that interests me has to do with "sustainability". But if I get into this topic today, the post will be way too long to read! So, I'll stop with the definition and pick up tomorrow.

Wikipedia defines the word this way:

Sustainability is a characteristic of a process or state that can be maintained at a certain level indefinitely. The term, in its environmental usage, refers to the potential longevity of vital human ecological support systems, such as the planet's climatic system, systems of agriculture, industry, forestry, and fisheries, and human communities in general and the various systems on which they depend.

Just for the record, the 1st sentence is what really interests me. The second part is just the most common usage.

More tomorrow - if life doesn't intervene too strenuously!