I know it’ officially approaching the end of the year when Spotify delivers the recap of my favourite 2022 music. So I’m thawing out this blog after keeping it on ice for the past few months. I know this is the perfect moment to release it to the world after the build up of eager anticipation reaches it’s climax. Like the years of lead up to Star Wars Episode Seven, or Melburnians begging for a glimpse of summer’s warm weather. Either metaphor applies here as they are each equally disappointing. As 2022 nears it’s expiration date, the back half of this year has been turbulent, frightful and full of growth.
My favourite listening at the moment is the podcast Smartless. Hosted by Jason Bateman, Will Arnett and Sean Hayes, the trio take it in turns to invite a guest to be interviewed, usually a comedian or actor/actress. There is zero preparation or research which allows the conversations to follow whatever natural course that occurs. It’s extremely insightful and given the nature of the hosts, it’s obviously very, very funny. The most intriguing aspect of these conversations is learning the back stories of the now successful performers. Like, Steve Carell starting a theatre workshop in Chicago, or Chris Pratt’s earlier life as a door-to-door salesman. The years of hard work, or unusual paths, paint the picture which underpin their current success, somehow culminating in the person they are today.
Human beings love stories. And each human is a story in itself. Each one of us carries the long narrative of their life leading to this current moment in time. It might feel like baggage we drag along with us, like C-3PO’s head in Attack of the Clones. Or maybe it’s a springboard propelling us further onwards. Either way, it’s the history and context which informs the present. This equally could be powerful or a complete waste of time (I use the entire series of How I met your mother as evidence for this phenomenon). During weird and turbulent times I often reflect on this. What might my current story arc mean for my future self? Probably nothing, but maybe something?
At the moment, with the completion of my PhD behind me there is a big fork on the roads. The “what next?” moment has finally arrived. The moment which everyone likes to inquire of their PhD friend, much to the exasperation and bitter animosity of said PhD friend. Well I’m here to discover that that moment is not just a passing decision to make and then move on, but a space to exist and dwell in for some time. It’s both confusing and exciting, perplexing and nerve-wracking. As many others know, the search for work is tiresome and frustrating but rife with paths of opportunity. It’s a challenge to be dynamic and engaging, seeking and reacting with the world around me rather than living in a static state of ignorance, hoping for something to hit me in the face. Although honestly, ignorance can be bliss and at many times, I would kill for it. My dog does the same thing every single day, and most of that is sleeping. But she is as happy as she could be and I don’t reckon she would change a thing. Oh to be so easily pleased. And to have someone scratch my belly and throw me treats regularly.
As for my better half, she is similarly exposed. Tove Interiors has lived through it’s first year without being locked down. An incredible achievement for any pandemic business (and deserving of a pat on the back if you see her). But businesses are a fickle game, constantly evolving just to stay on their feet. Only business owners understand, the everyday decisions required to keep your head above water are daunting and emotionally draining. Nothing is certain and there’s no such thing as a simple and straightforward path. You entrepreneurs are a special breed — I certainly couldn’t hack it. Just give me my paycheck and go home thank you (said the unemployed guy…).
Apologies, it’s not much of a summary of our year. My feeble explosion of words to capture vague snippets of a our life is probably not how you expected to spend the last five minutes. In some ways, so much has happened that it feels like nothing changed. There’s more waves to ride and more punches to roll with. So the stage is set for 2023. Where might we live? Where might we work? What playstation games might I play? At this stage, anything could happen and I guess that’s what makes stories interesting!
