It is Labor Day here in the U.S. For the first time in over a decade, I do not have school or work (formally) to tend to. It is in this lack of formal commitment, on this Labor Day, which inspires me to press on during the job hunt and continue my own personal/professional growth….
Day 21: Clash of Schedule and Creativity
I am struggling with this current conundrum: Over the past year, I have evolved into a morning person. I love being awake before the sun rises, reading, and journaling while downing my first cup of coffee. However, I am at my most creative at night. This would not be much of an issue if I…
Day 20: Appreciation
Taking 3 seconds to show appreciation for something you enjoyed could simply change the world. As people link success in one area of their lives to others (for better or worse), a simple “Thank you” could improve somebody’s outlook. I received a brief thank you note via e-mail this morning and it was such a great…
Day 19: Time To Be A Loser
It’s time for me to be a loser in two different ways: First, I want to lose some weight. I am used to the lifestyle of running around lab all day. Since finishing up my PhD, I am now sitting way more than I have been used to for the last few years. I get…
Day 18: Whiteboard Democracy
Brainstorming is a great way to assess situations and determine the best possible plans. However, brainstorming sessions need goals clearly defined, or else they devolve in into nothing productive. What a challenge it is to always have the end in mind.
Day 17: Through-line
Finding the right fit for all that I want out of my career is difficult. No one job is going to fulfill all responsibilities and goals that are on my list. Yet, I am confident that if I am with the right group and work on something interesting to me, I will excel as I…
Day 16: Narrative
Each day I check in on myself, asking “How is Jason’s story playing out?” Sometimes it is refreshing and motivating. Other times it can bring out my strong inner critic. These days the question brings many mixed emotions which I am charged with facing. As I continue my job search after graduate school, I must…
Day 15: Music and Platonic Ideals
Music flows. When the musician creates each note, woven into the previous and foreshadowing the next, it is a beauty. Whether it be classical concertos that have survived hundreds of years or an improvised jam session which will exist only for a few minutes in a bar on a Saturday night, the music remains intentional….
Day 14: Generations
We have, over the last year or so, developed friendships with those of different generations. We’re in our late 20s, an age in which it is easy to keep sectioned off. However, as time marches on, we have cultivated meaningful relationships with great friends in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and even 70s (we’re missing a…
Day 13: My Sources
We had a housewarming party this past weekend. With it being the first time we have had company, it was really special having so many loved ones in one space — our space. Our family, our friends, our UU congregation, our coworkers… all there to mix (a little bit) and mingle. Those are the people…