My Vacation and its Aftermath

By James M. Jackson

I retired more than twenty-two years ago. Why, you may wonder, am I talking about my vacation? Although I retired from my work as a consulting actuary in 2002, I have an author’s business that keeps me busy. But I would argue that even if I did not have that business, I would still need and take vacations.

I can become a creature of my habits. Good habits, like exercising, have strong benefits. But even good habits can leave me feeling bored. Worse, I may become stuck in an outdated or pernicious rut without knowing it. Not varying training leads to overworking some muscles and leaving others to atrophy. The same happens with brain work. Skills can dull or atrophy if not challenged the right way.

What does that have to do with a vacation?

Most of my recent vacations have involved travel. That, perforce, requires changes in my daily routines. I see and learn new things. Plus, I commit to leaving all work at home. I’ll check email to make sure nothing has blown up, and peruse Facebook to keep in touch with friends, but I respond to work communication only if that response cannot wait for my return.

During our June vacation to Croatia and Slovenia, I used my downtime to allow my subconscious to bring to the surface ideas or concerns I may not have otherwise focused on. That included cogitating on how to prioritize my work choices for the next eighteen months.

In the day-to-day press of life, I often respond to “urgent” work needs and ignore long-term objectives. Spending thinking time with no urgencies getting in the way is my equivalent to climbing to the mountain top and “seeing the forest for the trees.” There are so many things I would like to do that I cannot accomplish them all, no matter how many hours I commit or how efficiently I work. That’s one of the great blessings of being an inquisitive creative: I always have mountains to climb, gorges to explore, oceans to sail.

Broadly considering my work, I prioritize commitments I have made that I cannot change, then come projects that either bring me the most joy or expand my capabilities. If something does not fit at least one of those three categories, I put it aside. If the list is still too long, I prioritize, giving preference to those that encompass more than one category.

The list is always too long.

I consider that a healthy sign. If I ever have more time than projects, it will be time to polish my obit.

I’m curious, how do you choose how to spend your time?

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James M. Jackson authors the Seamus McCree series. Full of mystery and suspense, these thrillers explore financial crimes, family relationships, and what happens when they mix. To learn more information about Jim and his books, check out his website, https://jamesmjackson.com. You can sign up for his newsletter (and get to read a free Seamus McCree short story).