Work work work
I haven’t spent much time in my studio the past few weeks. I made this post about getting all organized and having goals again and then the day job took over my life. Way too much stress and deadlines and working overtime. That is NOT what I signed up for at mega-huge multinational software giant corporation. Sigh.
It saps all my energy when I’m stressed with the day job. I guess the reality is the day job is really a career. It’s hard to be a software engineer without some buy-in to the projects. And I have to admit I’m working on a really interesting project and I’m getting to do work that I enjoy doing (organizing, writing requirements, etc). Problem is there is just too much to do.
But they’ve assigned me to do something I don’t feel competent to do. Not that I can’t learn it – really it’s not hard to do and infact it is really easy but if you screw up (which there is a darn good job of happening because it’s about picky details) the project is delayed and it is all my fault.
So a boring task that often fails yet carries a big responsibility. Serious yuck. I tried to say no to this task but I was the only one that forgot to bring in a note from their mom saying they were going to be sick that day.
So what does this have to do with art? Well – actually nothing.
And that is precisely the problem.
Okay – I’m definitely whining and feeling sorry for myself here. I better get over this and just do the work and get back into my studio before I go nuts!
Posted by Lisa in: Diversions
I feel your pain. I spend all day counting water closets, window glass, cabinetry, etc. ( I’m a estimator for a CM doing a huge school project). Sometimes I just don’t care if there is a pencil sharpener support or not! Plese just let me in my studio to make another quilt! Friday, 4:30 P.M. is only how many hours away?!
Whine away — you have every right to feel frustrated. I feel the same way about my 9-5 sometimes. What I find is harder is cramming my creative time into the weekend…but there’s a balance. Sometimes it just takes longer to fall back into place. Good luck Lisa!
Lisa,
From my perspective you actually have two careers and, on different levels, you are passionate about them both. I don’t know how you do it but you seem to do it well.
Hang in there–you’ll be back in the studio soon.
Hang in there, Lisa! It’s not easy to juggle it all — art, family, day job — I don’t know how you do all with so much energy and determination (and really stunning quilts). For me, I wonder if having to work at something else during the day makes me want to work on the art even more? Doing day job work makes me more committed to getting stuff done in the studio when I find the time.
Lisa
I saw the picture of your quilt on your profile from Kj’s blog and I just had to take a look. I love your quilts! The most beautiful quilts I have ever seen came from the women of Gee’s Bend and yours are very comparable! Did you see that amazing documentary, The Quilters of Gee’s Bend, on PBS? Your lines and compositions are very inspiring! Keep up the great work.
oh to live ina world where we were free to do our art and concentrate on the things we loved most. I owe, I owe , so its off to work I go….
I think you got the job because you always deliver and are good and conscientious (did I spell that right?) Whine away… it actually makes you more human. I am sure your project will be a success just as your quilts are so awesome! I am in awe of all that you do.
My dilemma is exactly the same. It’s good to hear that others struggle with the same issues. And that others–like you–manage to produce great fiber pieces despite it all.
Good luck with your big project at the day job.
Hang in there!
I completely identify. I like to call my engineering job my “day job”, as though it just pays the bills so I can paint. In reality, it’s a career, and it takes a lot of time and energy. Sometimes so much so that I don’t have much left for art. It’s tough to find a balance – right now I seem to just fit the art in where I can.