Fandango’s Provocative Question #9 is:
“What are you struggling with the most right now?”
Number one struggle right now is deciding whether or not I want to go back to work.
I like to work and I’m a dedicated worker, but I can’t work in my field of choice in this town because my choices are limited in number and in pay because of my previous job. This would mean I would have to work in a larger town 50 miles away, which would then bring up the issue of whether to drive it every day or relocate to the other town. If I stay in my current home and drive, it’s going to put so much wear and tear on the car, not to mention the expenses of it. If I relocate, I’m leaving what is, essentially, a dream home – except for heat source and internet access! – and moving to a big city with massive traffic backups, lack of privacy, toxic neighbors, etc.
Aside from the logistics, there is the budget considerations. On a fixed income since June 2018, it is very apparent that my purchases and potential activities (e.g. traveling) have shrunk to fit it. I’m fairly set as far as paying for the basics but very little wiggle room. For example, the game and the LPs I bought last week should have gone for utilities. So… as far as having enough to stay alive, I will live, but do I want to keep just barely scraping by?
Another consideration, since June, I’ve done pretty much exactly as I please, when I please as far as a schedule, even within its budgetary limits. Do I really want to go back to getting up with an alarm clock every morning?
Finally, getting up (whenever) and coloring and listening to music, then reading and writing on WP until whenever, then doing my duolingo lessons, then watching movies or DVD series until bedtime (whenever) has been the most blissful lifestyle in recent memory. Do I really want to leave the bliss and get back to the grindstone?
Positives of going back to work would be to be earning money for vacations, etc., possibly moving to the big town where both of my kids live so I would see them more, and the rewards a quality job would mean as far as helping others who are struggling.
There it is, long answer, to my most pressing struggle.
A song that comes to mind while thinking about this provocative question is from Dave Matthews Band as far as whatever I decide to do:
Tao Talk 
Good luck!
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Thank you
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May you discover the right answer for you!
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Thanks Ruth!
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When the time is right, and the moment comes, it will be as it will be … and in the meantime, there are movies and pictures and drawing and peace.
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yes indeedy 🙂
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Difficult choice!
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Good luck. There seems to be no perfect answer. It will work out- stay positive.
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Thanks Hans ❤
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If it were me, which it’s not, I might take the lesser job closer to home as a temporary means of having some extra money for fun and maybe a new car, which would then make taking a 50 mile away job next year more doable.
But coloring and writing all day is awesome too!
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Thanks for the feedback. It is appreciated 🙂
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I drive 72 miles round trip every day but I love that part…audio book time… Hard choice though on what to do. The freedom would be hard to give up.
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Yes it would be. It really feels like retirement — but I’m not ready to retire. I have a good ten years or more of work. Maybe clone myself?
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That would work lol. Well you answered your own question…
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It’s been rolling around in my head for a bit, but hearing feedback today has been useful.
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72 miles is quite a haul, but that way you have the best of both worlds. if i could get a job on the closest edge of the big town it wouldn’t be as bad
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Yea because of what I do it’s the one time I have peace and time to myself so I don’t mind.
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So they don’t try to call you on your drive to or from work? That’s surprising actually.
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Unless it’s the owner, CFO or President I won’t answer. On the road unless it’s just a question I can’t do much unless I pull over anyway.
I’m much more selective now. It got to a point where I couldn’t watch a movie at home because of the calls…My job is reactive so I have to be ready 24/7…but if its not an emergency I will let the call go.
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Wow, that is a tough one and I understand your struggle. But as Paula suggested, maybe you can find some kind of job closer to home to provide you with some “mad money” and give you a little more time to decide what to do next. Good luck. Thanks for sharing your struggle.
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Yes that might work, just take a temporary thing close to home while working out what’s next. There are a lot of “help wanted” signs posted here and there. Thanks to everyone who has offered suggestions, they are helping!
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Whatever you decide to do, the other choice will seem better. The trick is to quieten that inner voice that says, “I told you so!” 🙄
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You know you are so right. I will have to curb the impulse. Thank you for that ❤
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Whatever you choose to do, put your happiness on top of the list and my best wishes for the wise and sane choice I know you will make. ❤️
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❤
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Sounds like you’ve found where you should be, for now.
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