I am slowly learning to be pliable and accommodating, as I get more custom orders. "I can do that" is my new mantra. Unfortunately this pliability had to come from somewhere, and it appears to be getting diverted from my day job. I feel I am becoming less pliable at my day job ("What NOW????"), while I am becoming more pliable with my jewelry. My pliability is finite, there is only so much to go around. Except for Becky. Hi Becky. I have reserved some day-job pliability for Becky because I like Becky. Although she might have recently gotten a heavy sigh and The Look. Sorry.
So here's what happened recently when some people told me what to do:
These happened when I was told EXACTLY what to do (which was based on something else I made completely under my own direction so it wasn't quite so galling):
And this happened when I was left to my own devices:
I have more of both types of items in the pipeline. My new plan for accomplishing these is to NOT work 16 hours a day and accomplish surprisingly little. My new plan is to NOT make jewelry or do anything jewelry related maybe a few nights a week and just come home from work and do nothing. Maybe read a book or watch the tube. And maybe on the weekend I will NOT make jewelry or do anything jewelry related for a day, or a half a day, and see if I get more productive. I should write a book: "Conquering Fatigue with Rest: a Novel Approach."
Let me know how that works out. Since by big shop opening I've told myself that I will do this same thing. Come home, a few nights a week and do nothing. NO JEWELRY. I have YET to be able to conquer this feat. (there is just something about my studio, I cannot stay out) good luck!!
ReplyDeleteand, soooo very sorry to hear about your Grandma.
First off, I am so sorry to hear about your Grandma. Heartfelt condolences. Second, take a break. Take lots of little breaks. I have done a lot of custom work myself and for the most part it is good. In fact some of it is fantastic. But it can be draining. But you do need down time. Your brain just won't work right without it. In fact you might as well work a factory job if you just keep cranking it out. Oops, I am blathering. So now I am off to take my know it all advice and go crank out some beads. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteI'm so very sorry to hear about your Grandma. I lost my Dad earlier this year so I know what an impact it is to have a loss like this. On the other topic - I actually envy you. I have the opposite problem and have to tell myself each night "you WILL finish that necklace tonight and I don't care how tired you are." I just find it impossible to be creative when I'm tired. Love the new pieces you made - both the ones you did with "outside guidance" and the one you did on your own!
ReplyDeleteI am so very sorry to hear of your grandmother passing away. The ones we loved and lost never truly leave if we keep that love alive in our hearts.
ReplyDeleteI can totally relate.
But like Silver Parrot, I have to tell myself to get in there and create! I tell people that this is my "9p-midnight job", which of course it is, but I cannot do it everyday (unless it is December and nearing the gift giving season). I would absolutely take time for yourself, whether it is scheduled or random. That way you will continue to have a wellspring of creativity flowing from your sweet soul.
Enjoy the day!
Erin