It’s hard to believe it is already the end of July! As I start to fill in my hiking adventures (and mishaps) here on my blog, mixed in with a few recipes and trail food ideas, I’ll also fill you in on how my job search is going (or as I loving call it: How My Job Search and Life Direction Planning Is Seriously Cramping My Normally Carefree Summer).
It’s been quite the struggle to hike, write AND work on resumes, cover letters, letters of recommendation, ordering official transcripts, interviews, job hunting, job applying. Things sure have changed since 2000, the last time I had to really apply for a new job. It’s sure true what they say, job hunting is a full time job.
Reality has set in and I am finding myself feeling the stress now of figuring out where I am headed. I am doing those typical things like misplacing keys, not sleeping well, and rushing through things because I can’t focus thinking about what the future holds.
Life is good and I want it to stay that way.
Sometimes, when I stop to think about everything I feel pretty overwhelmed with what I am doing. So much so that it isn’t always fun. Sometimes it is more a chore. And I don’t like it.
At all.
Sometimes it feels more like an obligation than a joy.
But more importantly, what do I want to do for work and what is going to pay the bills so I can enjoy doing the other things I love like hiking? I have spent a lot of time thinking about how what I have been doing (working as a social worker) has allowed me not only to serve others, but pursue my passions like being outdoors (and paying for gear).
Losing my job has kicked me in the behind to start focusing on sharing my adventures and love for healthy food that may some day lead to other things.
But for right now, I need a steady income. Not having to worry about that allows me to do those other things. Like Elizabeth Gilbert says in her Big Magic book, “Don’t quit your day job.” Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.
So, I have been applying for jobs similar to what I was doing before, especially jobs where I don’t have to work summers. Then, I can continue with the fun I am having writing about my hiking and creating recipes and see what happens from here.
I am making a commitment to myself to not be lulled back into complacency and to continue to make goals that will allow me to hike and write (and eat, keep my house, etc.).
This summer has also been the first one where I have been rethinking about this whole summers off thing (blasphemy, I know). Although I am really enjoying the trips I have been having, it has also meant not being able to go hiking with the friends I have made over the last year that also hike like I do. I see them posting their pictures and wish I was out with them. Most of them weekend warriors. Would it be so bad to work part of the summer if it meant I was still able to hike with them? Hmmmm…
I have also continuing to think about the direction of my blog here and what kind of posts I will create. What is important to me, as well as what I want to share with others? Does it reflect who I am and where I am going? Is it about creative expression or a possible new career? My thoughts continue to swirl in my head and my blog will continue to evolve as I figure this all out.
What I do know is that I like to hike and I like to write about hiking. I am hoping to have word on a job here soon, so I can focus more on that for the rest of the summer. Crossing my fingers! (The ones I am not scratching mosquito bites with.)
I had so much fun in the Eagle Cap Wilderness, look for blog posts for each day. I can’t wait to share how we lost the trail for 2 hours (those darn downed trees)and were already planning our trip back as we walked out the last day.
I also had a great trip with girlfriends on a section of the PCT above Stevens Pass, an annual tradition that was filled with laughter and memories. And bugs. That post will be for the ladies, as it was a learning experience for one gal who comes from the east coast to hike with us. Let’s just say Aunt Flo joined her on the first day and she was not prepared. At all.
I have also been experimenting with some new carbs to add to my meals, some I am excited to share and some not so much. I’m getting my curry recipe ready to share, as well as a trail smoothie and some new lunch combos that I absolutely love.
So, stay tuned!
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