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A decision is made

I've declined the offer of extra employment.

On Monday I wasn't sure what I wanted to do. I had weird dreams that night involving the organization I'd be working for and Iaido. I was very happy during the Iaido segment. When I awoke, I knew what the right thing was for me. Of course, I didn't base the decision solely on a dream. I had been weighing the pros and cons since it came about. As interesting as it is, I don't believe it's what I need in my life.

The largest reason for my decline is its misalignment with my future goals. Like the snake who sheds its skin, I intend to make writing my main job one day and have a part time job of some kind to ensure I can eat. This opportunity would have me taking days off without pay from my full time job, so I likely wouldn't make more money. It is in Gatineau, so I'd have part of my taxes in another province and they'll be more complicated this year already. Also parking would be an issue likely. I'd more than likely not have as much time to write, do Iaido, play guitar, or anything else. It's a two-year contract of random call-ins that I think would be exhausting for little to no gain.

I'd rather direct my energy into my writing and get my books out to readers. I'd rather have the time to get good at my martial art and guitar. I also want to learn French. I also want time to spend with the people I care about because life is nothing without the people in it. I have seminars, conventions, and trips I'm looking forward to. There are lots of things on my to-do list and I don't want the stress of another job. I rather enjoyed taking this weekend off of life.

I may be closing a door, but there are many others in the hallway of life.

With that decided, I'm planning out the rest of my novel. In theory, this should be easy as I plan stuff for a living. In practice, it hasn't been easy. Some chapters take a couple of hours to edit and others a couple of weeks. The remaining chapters are few in number but seem to multiply. I also keep taking twists I didn't expect. But I'm in the driver's seat and that's what matters to me the most. There was a time I wasn't. Never again.

Here's a blog post about determination to achieve your goal by The Urban Samurai. If that doesn't inspire you to take charge and achieve your goals, to turn your dreams into reality, then I don't know what will. Tonight I will continue working on my goal. I'm behind schedule, but my original deadline WAS a little ambitious. I do that sometimes. My new target is August 15th, but I'm going to work my ass off this week and hope I'm there by the end of this weekend.

Ciao,
R~

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