Discussion about this post

User's avatar
Grant Shillings's avatar

I totally relate to the struggle. I have so much that I want to read and write about, but so little time. I will say that though this last year has been the busiest of my life, in terms of work and other hobbies, yet it’s also been the most prolific in terms of my writing. There’s something about busyness that is good about keeping you firing on all cylinders. Whereas I’ve had periods of my life where I was unemployed, and had no obligations, and I really was trying to read and write, but somehow just never had the energy or drive to get anything done consistently. I often goofed off and played video games.

I don’t necessarily think relationships have to be sacrificed for career, although I do think that the balance and expectations need to be recalibrated. For example, while we can all agree that it’s very important to spend a lot of time with young kids, say, age 0 - 3, many contemporary parents think that they need to spend all of their free time with their kids throughout their entire childhood. Whereas the truth is that kids need a lot of time alone with their own imagination and with their own friends. And so do our partners. And a lot of times there are things we can do for ourselves like exercise, which can be done in the company of friends and family, killing two birds with one stone. Or reading stories together.

The example that my friend and I always talk about when we worry about this is Christopher Nolan, who in my opinion is the best Director of all time, and he also has four kids.

Expand full comment
Zan Tafakari's avatar

Great Men are overrated lol. Love your approach and I'd fall into having the same balance! didn't know you were a swimmer too - that's cool!

Expand full comment
10 more comments...

No posts