I love this post!! My partner and I have a shorthand for this kind of seasonal/energetic approach, which we call "the cab driver problem." Apparently a labor study in the 90s (pre-rideshare, obviously!) found that inexperienced cab drivers tended to try to do the same amount of hours every day, working a predictable shift irrespective of demand, and would set an income target that marked when they'd stop working. But more experienced cab drivers would milk the more productive hours when they appeared - rainy days, big conferences, etc. - without any set target and then clock out when business was slow. The latter approach was equally or more profitable, whereas the former created more stress and boredom. For me, this means trying to savor and lean into the days when I feel really focused and productive, and cut myself a break when the work just isn't coming-- knowing that neither state is permanent.
This is a terribly timely letter. I am a university student who is taking a course about work and labor. Today's reading is about leisure. (I think you might enjoy books by Jenny Odell on a similar topic: "Saving Time," and "How to Do Nothing.")
To answer your question, to me the changing of the seasons isn't something so discint. Change happens bit by bit, like leaves changing color in the fall. It may not be able to be pin pointed, so all you can do is take the time to look back and celebrate how far the season, or you, have come. There is certainly a time for everything.
What you wrote here is beautiful. I have been thinking about how in many cases the internal seeds of change happen slowly slowly slowly and then, seemingly overnight the external manifestations appear. And I love Jenny Odell’s work !
Pooja, as your son gets older, you will find your schedule following the school calendar, and that is fun too. The holidays are predictable, and spring break will be known, as will summer vacation. The school year and all its activities will provide milestones for him, as you progress in your mom life (not just your career.) Something to look forward to. ❤️
Thank you so much for this post. I found valuable tips as I always do. I had to giggle when I read, "Maybe summer dinners happen on the back patio." I live just south of Austin, and I know that you know summer dinners on the back patio are a no go. Great advice for folks in milder climates! I look forward to November & December brunches on the patio!
hahaha. yes, an early draft of this post had a side thread about how I recently learned that everyone in Austin flees to Oregon or Colorado come july/august. but then I thought maybe that was too far in the weeds lol.
I love this post!! My partner and I have a shorthand for this kind of seasonal/energetic approach, which we call "the cab driver problem." Apparently a labor study in the 90s (pre-rideshare, obviously!) found that inexperienced cab drivers tended to try to do the same amount of hours every day, working a predictable shift irrespective of demand, and would set an income target that marked when they'd stop working. But more experienced cab drivers would milk the more productive hours when they appeared - rainy days, big conferences, etc. - without any set target and then clock out when business was slow. The latter approach was equally or more profitable, whereas the former created more stress and boredom. For me, this means trying to savor and lean into the days when I feel really focused and productive, and cut myself a break when the work just isn't coming-- knowing that neither state is permanent.
(Worth noting that a later study did call into question some of the initial study's methodology -- but I still find the metaphor valuable!)
This research is fascinating!! Now I need to try to find it !
Pooja
This is a terribly timely letter. I am a university student who is taking a course about work and labor. Today's reading is about leisure. (I think you might enjoy books by Jenny Odell on a similar topic: "Saving Time," and "How to Do Nothing.")
To answer your question, to me the changing of the seasons isn't something so discint. Change happens bit by bit, like leaves changing color in the fall. It may not be able to be pin pointed, so all you can do is take the time to look back and celebrate how far the season, or you, have come. There is certainly a time for everything.
What you wrote here is beautiful. I have been thinking about how in many cases the internal seeds of change happen slowly slowly slowly and then, seemingly overnight the external manifestations appear. And I love Jenny Odell’s work !
I've been doing this naturally, but it was so nice to have my seasonal work practices named and validated. Thank you!
So glad it resonated ! The power of naming a thing is real !
Pooja, as your son gets older, you will find your schedule following the school calendar, and that is fun too. The holidays are predictable, and spring break will be known, as will summer vacation. The school year and all its activities will provide milestones for him, as you progress in your mom life (not just your career.) Something to look forward to. ❤️
I love this perspective Susan. Thank you ♥️
Pooja,
Thank you so much for this post. I found valuable tips as I always do. I had to giggle when I read, "Maybe summer dinners happen on the back patio." I live just south of Austin, and I know that you know summer dinners on the back patio are a no go. Great advice for folks in milder climates! I look forward to November & December brunches on the patio!
hahaha. yes, an early draft of this post had a side thread about how I recently learned that everyone in Austin flees to Oregon or Colorado come july/august. but then I thought maybe that was too far in the weeds lol.