Comments on: Meaningful Work http://blog.sweetgeorgiayarns.com/2009/05/meaningful-work/ the craft + design of a sweet little life. sweetgeorgia documents her creative life in dyeing, weaving, knitting, spinning and other textile pursuits. Thu, 4 Mar 2010 17:48:10 -0800 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Handmade Nation! | sweetgeorgia http://blog.sweetgeorgiayarns.com/2009/05/meaningful-work/comment-page-1/#comment-6689 Handmade Nation! | sweetgeorgia Mon, 06 Jul 2009 16:03:57 +0000 http://blog.sweetgeorgiayarns.com/?p=814#comment-6689 <p>[...] couple months ago, I found myself quite challenged and provoked by a documentary about the intersection between creativity and responsibility. It is truly liberating and enlightening to have someone describe and defend creative work in any [...]</p> [...] couple months ago, I found myself quite challenged and provoked by a documentary about the intersection between creativity and responsibility. It is truly liberating and enlightening to have someone describe and defend creative work in any [...]

]]> By: Nadia Lewis http://blog.sweetgeorgiayarns.com/2009/05/meaningful-work/comment-page-1/#comment-6573 Nadia Lewis Sat, 09 May 2009 13:53:40 +0000 http://blog.sweetgeorgiayarns.com/?p=814#comment-6573 <p>I think this issue is really difficult for women; I've never heard a man called "selfish" for being childfree/less, but women get that all the time. Even when I tell people that I want to be an elementary school teacher, I get that same speech from people, just for wanting a few solitary hours at the end of the day.</p> <p>For me, a meaningful job is one that benefits both the person doing it and their community. Teaching will let me help others on their paths to creativity and growth while also allowing me the modest means and time to pursue mine. It's that balance I'm looking for. Motherhood appeals in a lot of ways, but I'm concerned I would get lost in it and not have enough space for me.</p> <p>But we'll see what the future brings...</p> I think this issue is really difficult for women; I’ve never heard a man called “selfish” for being childfree/less, but women get that all the time. Even when I tell people that I want to be an elementary school teacher, I get that same speech from people, just for wanting a few solitary hours at the end of the day.

For me, a meaningful job is one that benefits both the person doing it and their community. Teaching will let me help others on their paths to creativity and growth while also allowing me the modest means and time to pursue mine. It’s that balance I’m looking for. Motherhood appeals in a lot of ways, but I’m concerned I would get lost in it and not have enough space for me.

But we’ll see what the future brings…

]]> By: sweetgeorgia » Blog Archive » Renewal: April Fibre Club http://blog.sweetgeorgiayarns.com/2009/05/meaningful-work/comment-page-1/#comment-6557 sweetgeorgia » Blog Archive » Renewal: April Fibre Club Wed, 06 May 2009 18:10:51 +0000 http://blog.sweetgeorgiayarns.com/?p=814#comment-6557 <p>[...] follow up with the previous post about meaningful work, part of me felt very ungrateful for having written it. I think that despite the great expense [...]</p> [...] follow up with the previous post about meaningful work, part of me felt very ungrateful for having written it. I think that despite the great expense [...]

]]> By: Alexa Ludeman http://blog.sweetgeorgiayarns.com/2009/05/meaningful-work/comment-page-1/#comment-6556 Alexa Ludeman Wed, 06 May 2009 16:43:58 +0000 http://blog.sweetgeorgiayarns.com/?p=814#comment-6556 <p>Felicia, thanks so much for sharing your thoughts on this very important matter. I too struggle with the idea that what I do is not necessarily who I am and that the things I like to do will not necessarily make me rich or be particularly appreciated by the general public. I am often told I can buy socks for something like $2 a pair or less. Or asked 'how long does it take you to make a pair of gloves'. The answer to the latter often accompanies a shocked look. Store bought pies are often placed next to my homemade ones and people will even tell me I could have 'just bought one' instead of making it myself. Although crafters and artists are often under appreciated (in my humble opinion)I try to remember to enjoy the journey and that it is important that I like what I do, not what other people think. That is easier said than done, but that's the goal.</p> Felicia, thanks so much for sharing your thoughts on this very important matter. I too struggle with the idea that what I do is not necessarily who I am and that the things I like to do will not necessarily make me rich or be particularly appreciated by the general public.
I am often told I can buy socks for something like $2 a pair or less. Or asked ‘how long does it take you to make a pair of gloves’. The answer to the latter often accompanies a shocked look. Store bought pies are often placed next to my homemade ones and people will even tell me I could have ‘just bought one’ instead of making it myself.
Although crafters and artists are often under appreciated (in my humble opinion)I try to remember to enjoy the journey and that it is important that I like what I do, not what other people think. That is easier said than done, but that’s the goal.

]]> By: Carol http://blog.sweetgeorgiayarns.com/2009/05/meaningful-work/comment-page-1/#comment-6555 Carol Wed, 06 May 2009 13:55:55 +0000 http://blog.sweetgeorgiayarns.com/?p=814#comment-6555 <p>This is way too long, but you got me going on my soapbox... You are talking about something I've been dealing with recently, too. I lost about 20 years of 'me' fitting into the 'mommy' world.(lucky? enough to be an at home mom) I am finally finding my way back to my creative world. At first I was looking for a 'real' job or a job that would 'make a difference' - but have since realized this is what I love - fiber and fiber arts - and it makes me happy. I still feel about the same way when people ask me what I do - for years it was - I'm a mom (silence - then on to other things) and now I find myself trying to embellish what I am doing because no one 'gets it'. How do we get respect for our 'art' and creative-ness? - Many consider fiber arts as 'crafts' which don't get much respect in suburbia. <em>Fiber artists - Unite!</em> May I gently suggest that you slow your kids and your life down (I know it's hard - my kids felt there was no one to 'play' with since all the others were so scheduled). Set aside a day to trade kids off with friends? anything so you can fit that creativity in - and don't do errands- it's your time. I have to say, I would do things much differently if I had it to do all over again -and not lose me quite so much. If you don't practice your art, you lose it - and part of yourself. You're also setting a good example for your family by not losing yourself and that you have something to do that makes you happy. My mantra has finally become - be yourself - not who you think others think you should be...</p> This is way too long, but you got me going on my soapbox…
You are talking about something I’ve been dealing with recently, too. I lost about 20 years of ‘me’ fitting into the ‘mommy’ world.(lucky? enough to be an at home mom) I am finally finding my way back to my creative world. At first I was looking for a ‘real’ job or a job that would ‘make a difference’ – but have since realized this is what I love – fiber and fiber arts – and it makes me happy. I still feel about the same way when people ask me what I do – for years it was – I’m a mom (silence – then on to other things) and now I find myself trying to embellish what I am doing because no one ‘gets it’. How do we get respect for our ‘art’ and creative-ness? – Many consider fiber arts as ‘crafts’ which don’t get much respect in suburbia. Fiber artists – Unite!
May I gently suggest that you slow your kids and your life down (I know it’s hard – my kids felt there was no one to ‘play’ with since all the others were so scheduled). Set aside a day to trade kids off with friends? anything so you can fit that creativity in – and don’t do errands- it’s your time. I have to say, I would do things much differently if I had it to do all over again -and not lose me quite so much. If you don’t practice your art, you lose it – and part of yourself. You’re also setting a good example for your family by not losing yourself and that you have something to do that makes you happy.
My mantra has finally become – be yourself – not who you think others think you should be…

]]> By: Laura http://blog.sweetgeorgiayarns.com/2009/05/meaningful-work/comment-page-1/#comment-6554 Laura Tue, 05 May 2009 18:43:47 +0000 http://blog.sweetgeorgiayarns.com/?p=814#comment-6554 <p>I think about these issues every day, too. I agree with so much of what you've said. Thanks for sharing.</p> I think about these issues every day, too. I agree with so much of what you’ve said. Thanks for sharing.

]]> By: Donna http://blog.sweetgeorgiayarns.com/2009/05/meaningful-work/comment-page-1/#comment-6553 Donna Tue, 05 May 2009 17:45:48 +0000 http://blog.sweetgeorgiayarns.com/?p=814#comment-6553 <p>Felicia, this was so interesting; thanks for sharing the link to the trailer, and your own thoughts about it!</p> Felicia, this was so interesting; thanks for sharing the link to the trailer, and your own thoughts about it!

]]> By: Felicity http://blog.sweetgeorgiayarns.com/2009/05/meaningful-work/comment-page-1/#comment-6552 Felicity Tue, 05 May 2009 17:26:13 +0000 http://blog.sweetgeorgiayarns.com/?p=814#comment-6552 <p>Thank you for sharing these personal and thought-provoking ideas. They’ve put a bit of a bug in my head, and so here’s my experience, for what it’s worth.</p> <p>I don’t think there are any easy answers to these questions, and it seems like we all have to bumble along, making mistakes along the way, to come out the other side. I’ve struggled tremendously with career issues, bouncing from arts to science, and several things in between. I used to think it was all-important to be A Something (doctor, lawyer, psychologist, artist, fill in the blank), that career = identity - but now I’m not so sure.</p> <p>My job is the least sexy on the planet (try seeing the look on people’s faces at a cocktail party when you tell them you stay home with your kids, and watch yourself suddenly become invisible and insignificant. It’s loads of fun.) The disapproval just leaks from my more feminist friends – it’s obvious that in their eyes, you would only ever choose to stay home if you had somehow “failed” on the career front, or were woefully confused.</p> <p>I have four degrees and a professional certificate, and never would have guessed (and certainly never intended) that I would have found by far the most job satisfaction to date in caring for my kids. And I do sometimes wonder if there’s something wrong me that I don’t feel more stifled and frustrated (and perhaps there is LOL – but I can live with that).</p> <p>What do I like about it? One thing is I like the opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life with kindness. I know that when I respond with kindness, compassion and understanding to my kids when they’re the most frustrating, I know that I’m helping them form inner self-talk in which they will have compassion for themselves as adults. I like being able to see the world fresh, through their eyes, and that in order to be a good parent, I’ve had to learn to calm myself, to breathe and realign myself daily.</p> <p>My time to do what most consider the “want to” things is limited, but perhaps that makes those moments all the sweeter. All of this has made me re-think entirely how we derive meaning from work, particularly “women’s work” vs. “men’s work” (the former being dull and repetitive and the latter being the “sexy”). I think of the Zen idea of “draw water, carry wood” (or something like that) – that throwing yourself entirely into the moment of the unsexy tasks, is precisely and paradoxically the thing that can bring us meaning. I think western society has lost touch with this idea altogether.</p> <p>Not saying I don’t have my bad days, because I do, and sometimes putting my goals into practice is very hard. But on the whole, this is what is working for me now at the advanced age of nearly 47, and that will change in a few short years when my youngest is at school, and then I’ll have to reinvent myself again. That’ll be another trip, but I feel more prepared for it than ever since “dropping out”(though it feels like dropping in), and having a chance to breathe.</p> Thank you for sharing these personal and thought-provoking ideas. They’ve put a bit of a bug in my head, and so here’s my experience, for what it’s worth.

I don’t think there are any easy answers to these questions, and it seems like we all have to bumble along, making mistakes along the way, to come out the other side. I’ve struggled tremendously with career issues, bouncing from arts to science, and several things in between. I used to think it was all-important to be A Something (doctor, lawyer, psychologist, artist, fill in the blank), that career = identity – but now I’m not so sure.

My job is the least sexy on the planet (try seeing the look on people’s faces at a cocktail party when you tell them you stay home with your kids, and watch yourself suddenly become invisible and insignificant. It’s loads of fun.) The disapproval just leaks from my more feminist friends – it’s obvious that in their eyes, you would only ever choose to stay home if you had somehow “failed” on the career front, or were woefully confused.

I have four degrees and a professional certificate, and never would have guessed (and certainly never intended) that I would have found by far the most job satisfaction to date in caring for my kids. And I do sometimes wonder if there’s something wrong me that I don’t feel more stifled and frustrated (and perhaps there is LOL – but I can live with that).

What do I like about it? One thing is I like the opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life with kindness. I know that when I respond with kindness, compassion and understanding to my kids when they’re the most frustrating, I know that I’m helping them form inner self-talk in which they will have compassion for themselves as adults. I like being able to see the world fresh, through their eyes, and that in order to be a good parent, I’ve had to learn to calm myself, to breathe and realign myself daily.

My time to do what most consider the “want to” things is limited, but perhaps that makes those moments all the sweeter. All of this has made me re-think entirely how we derive meaning from work, particularly “women’s work” vs. “men’s work” (the former being dull and repetitive and the latter being the “sexy”). I think of the Zen idea of “draw water, carry wood” (or something like that) – that throwing yourself entirely into the moment of the unsexy tasks, is precisely and paradoxically the thing that can bring us meaning. I think western society has lost touch with this idea altogether.

Not saying I don’t have my bad days, because I do, and sometimes putting my goals into practice is very hard. But on the whole, this is what is working for me now at the advanced age of nearly 47, and that will change in a few short years when my youngest is at school, and then I’ll have to reinvent myself again. That’ll be another trip, but I feel more prepared for it than ever since “dropping out”(though it feels like dropping in), and having a chance to breathe.

]]> By: Carina http://blog.sweetgeorgiayarns.com/2009/05/meaningful-work/comment-page-1/#comment-6551 Carina Tue, 05 May 2009 04:30:10 +0000 http://blog.sweetgeorgiayarns.com/?p=814#comment-6551 <p>Well today was the first day of my ugly job. I can't tell you how hard it was to wake up this morning. And how weird it feels to think that I have to go to work at the same time every day after so long going where I want when I want.</p> <p>Don't get me wrong, it's meaningful work, and it is definitely a career (which according to everyone else in the world, I should be thrilled with) but, as you know, I'm not completely enthusiastic.</p> Well today was the first day of my ugly job. I can’t tell you how hard it was to wake up this morning. And how weird it feels to think that I have to go to work at the same time every day after so long going where I want when I want.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s meaningful work, and it is definitely a career (which according to everyone else in the world, I should be thrilled with) but, as you know, I’m not completely enthusiastic.

]]> By: k http://blog.sweetgeorgiayarns.com/2009/05/meaningful-work/comment-page-1/#comment-6550 k Tue, 05 May 2009 01:56:03 +0000 http://blog.sweetgeorgiayarns.com/?p=814#comment-6550 <p>Thanks for this - interesting to see the movie trailer and hear your thoughts on that forever struggle of balancing life and work, work you love and work that pays the bills. I have a more creative job than most as a graphic designer, but staring at a computer screen all day is getting to me and I'd love to be doing something tactile - you are a great inspiration with sweetgeorgia!</p> <p>My partner does encourage my creativity at home, but he in some ways has chosen a career that lets him do the things he loves (outdoor instructor) even if it is not financially rewarding, but I wonder if this too puts more financial pressure on me and makes me fear striking out into something new?</p> Thanks for this – interesting to see the movie trailer and hear your thoughts on that forever struggle of balancing life and work, work you love and work that pays the bills. I have a more creative job than most as a graphic designer, but staring at a computer screen all day is getting to me and I’d love to be doing something tactile – you are a great inspiration with sweetgeorgia!

My partner does encourage my creativity at home, but he in some ways has chosen a career that lets him do the things he loves (outdoor instructor) even if it is not financially rewarding, but I wonder if this too puts more financial pressure on me and makes me fear striking out into something new?

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