Letters to the Editor
mdr_writing
Published Letters: 2
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Beyond the job
[Read the article: My mother's dying words were, "You'll never be good enough"]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]I agree with a lot of Cary's points and would like to add the whole 'defining oneself by one's career' angle. The LW gives the impression of being someone who does this.
What about hobbies? Sports? Other interests outside the work place? Putting time and energy into other activities might help the LW relax and realize that his job is not necessarily the be all and the end all. I work with people who put 98% of their lives into their jobs and when things go wrong at work, they have a lot of trouble coping because it's all they have. They have no other outlet.
Outside interest can also help to balance priorities. If you've committed to leaving work on time (or even occasionally a bit early if possible) to make it to a book club meeting or a volunteering gig, it will help you see the bigger picture of a well-balanced life. It might even help your superiors and colleagues see that you are, indeed, not a threatening career shark!
I'm generally a high achiever at work and have found that taking a language or art class forces me use my mind and talents in another way and to learn how to deal with being 'bad' at something. I suggest picking an activity that the LW probably won't excel at - at least initially. It can be so liberating!
Best of luck!
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Classes and courses
[Read the article: I'm restless and creative but don't know where to begin]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]I also yearn to be part of a creative community and to be more creative. I haven't figured out exactly how to get into one (or start my own) yet, but taking art classes and/or craft workshops have always helped me to focus on my own creativity and I've even made the occasional friend. If you're working on your own project in a class, making friends isn't the first thing on your mind, but sometimes it just happens anyway. And who knows where that could lead?
Good luck!