What would you do with your days?

[Helen Reddy]

With so many smart and progressive peeps here on DU, I would be curious to know what would you be doing if you didn't have the financial need to go to your place of employment? Many people feel their talents, their passions are being under utilized and in some cases ignored and scoffed.

I wonder about Romneys' female aides, constantly having to clean up his messes, issuing statements that not for one minute do I believe that THEY believe.

I wonder about the server who if she didn't need to worry about her diurnal bills if she would be the next Alice Walker, the next Geraldine Page. She doesn't have much of a chance to explore the talents that may be hidden forever.

Personally, I would travel the Seven Seas absorbing the different cultures wanting to grow and explore everything, amongst a multitude of other cool things.

So what would YOU do?

[HopeHoops]

1. Spend as much time in bed with my wife as I could. Wait. I already do that.

Never mind.

[Helen Reddy]

7. Hah! n/t

[OriginalGeek]

2. Travel, art, eat.

I would definitely build an art studio and then travel for inspiration and eat everywhere I went.

I would probably take a lot of classes to help put the art studio to good use.

I'd take a lot of pictures.

[crunch60]

19. What kind of art do you create, if I might ask?

[OriginalGeek]

43. I've been drawing since I was a kid

(pencil and pen & ink) but I recently tried my hand at painting and enjoyed it enough that I'd like to learn to do it better. I just have so little time and no good place to do it right now.

My wife and I also joined a local ceramics store that has a class in throwing clay and that was fun too - a lot harder than it looks like in Ghost. Maybe the class should have been playing the Righteous Brothers....but they do other things too and one thing I have been working on is a set of hand painted tiles with a small family tree that we will use in our kitchen when we move and re-model. I think it will be part of the backsplash.

I have also been into photography for a long time - Had my own dark-room back in the day - And I recently got a decent digital SLR so I've been trying to learn that too.

I probably should have practiced a lot more in my youth so I wouldn't have so much new learning and relearning to do now lol...

[Aristus]

3. Probably the same thing I do already, providing health care in a clinic for our homeless population.

Only on a volunteer basis.

That, and I'd travel a lot.


Helen, I had a huge crush on you when you were in "Pete's Dragon"...

Welcome to DU.

[OriginalGeek]

5. Ha! I came back into this thread

to add that to my post! I was 13 and really didn't want to see the movie but my younger brothers won the pick that time... but as soon as Helen came on screen I was not complaining any more.

[Aristus]

8. Helen can be my candle over water any day...

[Helen Reddy]

9. Awww

Thank you!

[Helen Reddy]

13. Thanks for responding.

[Aristus]

18. How could I not?

I mean, you're Helen Reddy!

( I hope you like it here at DU. We're fun... )

[MrsBrady]

4. the same things I do now when I'm not at work:

playing music, working in local politics, good food, good alcohol, and good

I would just get to spend *all* my time doing the above, just not on my "off" time

although I would probably travel more, but still not much would change, I think.

[Helen Reddy]

10. The good food sounds great!

My partner wants restaurants to offer a sample of every single dish they offer all on one plate. One bite of everything! Sounds good to me.

[harmonicon]

6. Hard to say...

I'm sort of a professional musician, but that doesn't always - usually, doesn't, in fact - pay the bills, so I work other jobs sometimes. That said, apart from the occasional unskilled jobs I do, I'd mostly just do what I do, but more of it. However, if money were no object, perhaps my perspective would change - I just don't know.

[Helen Reddy]

11. Sounds fascinating

being a musician. You sound as though you enjoy it greatly. It could only be better if you could earn a living full time though. Doing something you love is simply amazing.

[harmonicon]

17. I don't know. It's just how I live my life.

I'm equally fascinated about how people can have both interesting careers and hobbies. There are other topics that I like to read about, but apart from music, there isn't anything I have any sort of passion for. I wonder what that would be like - to be able to "shut off" work and find something else as engaging to occupy your time.

[nolabear]

12. Write and travel. And write about people I meet on my travels.

Someday...

[Helen Reddy]

14. Yes.

Wouldn't that be great?

Removing the P&L from our lives. I think all of our needs would be met. Without hesitation I believe this.

[rug]

15. I'd spend 20 hours a day in Meta.

[Helen Reddy]

16. Hah!

[Flaxbee]

20. Write, read, cook, garden, feed birds (well, feed any creature that wanted/needed a meal)

If I could stand it emotionally (not sure if I could), spend a lot of time volunteering for animal/environmental charities.

Travel, too, and make sure I knew several other languages.

[Helen Reddy]

21. You are a great friend!

So many of us would do things that really matter. Thank you.

[Flaxbee]

22. :)

[femmocrat]

23. This very question is driving me crazy.

I am contemplating retirement. For years I thought I couldn't wait to retire, but now I am facing all those days with nothing to do.

People say, do volunteer work.... but I haven't found anything that really interests me yet. I really like working and it makes me feel like I'm doing something worthwhile. I'm just getting too rickety to do the work anymore (elementary teacher) although I still try my darnedest! I haven't taken a sick day in over ten years (knock on wood)! But, oy, the pain!

I am waiting for a bolt of lightning or something to tell me what I should do.

[Helen Reddy]

27. The 'Man'

has told us to feel "worthwhile". What is worthy? Everything we do in my opinion, if left to our own devices, would be deemed worthy. Humans care, humans without profit motive would flow with nature.

[femmocrat]

52. I don't necessarily agree....

If left to my own devices I would while away the days sleeping and watching TV. I am afraid of that, I really am. I am not a highly motivated person and I am afraid of developing Alzheimer's (which runs in my family). I might get it anyhow, but brain activity might hold it off for awhile....? I don't know.

I currently work with children which is more "worthwhile" than becoming a giant slug. It keeps my brain active at least!

[Helen Reddy]

54. Your days of snoozing

and watching t.v. wouldn't be that long lasting. I have a feeling that would get old sooner rather than later. But that is just a guess.

[Tobin S.]

24. It would probably involve a lot of beer...and a chauffeur.

All of my life I've just wanted to take it easy and slack off. If I didn't have to work a regular job I might do more writing, but it's just because I enjoy doing that sometimes. That's probably the only thing resembling work that I'd do. The rest of the time I'd just goof off.

I suppose that after a few years of goofing off I might find some cause to dedicate myself to, but I really don't know because I've never had that much free time. Seriously, I'm the hardest working lazy guy you'll ever run across. I'm working hard right now so I can afford to be lazy at some future date for an extended period of time; hopefully, before I reach retirement age.

[Helen Reddy]

25. Sounds good to me.

And what the heck is "lazy" anyway?

Perception.

[riderinthestorm]

32. I went to see a lecture by Wayne Dyer. He's one of the oldies in the "new age" movement

I saw him a couple of decades ago when I was in that phase.... Anyway, I digress.

He starts out his spiel with how he came to be writing books....

He was initially a high school teacher - waaaaayyyyy too much work even though he liked the summers and holidays off.

So he got his masters and became a community college teacher. Still okay but still waaaayyyy too much work.

So he got his PhD and taught at the university level. Same thing. Too much work!

So he quit his teaching gigs and it forced him to begin writing a couple of decades after trying to make it in his "chosen" career - teaching.

Now of course he LOVES writing! He says that finally giving up the ghost on a "career", enabled him to spend his days staring at the sea contemplating LIFE, and writing about that.

Voila! Happiness and success combined.




(of course that was the gist of the entire lecture series - follow your heart's desire and it will lead you to happiness which we all know doesn't always work out that way. But it was a GREAT series. Dr. Bernie Siegel was one of the highlights too, as well as Marianne Williamson).

[Tuesday Afternoon]

26. go back to school. do more volunteer work. travel.

[Helen Reddy]

28. Absolutely awesome! n/t

[Lady Freedom Returns]

29. That is a conundrum for me.

Last edited Sat Nov 3, 2012, 10:33 PM - Edit history (1)

I have done so many cool things with what I am trained for. So for me I would be getting some overtime! You see My main interest/profession is Broadcast News Production. In this field I have a tiger place my hand in it's paw, met Politicians and Criminals, ate many an exotic dish including scorpion, and the list goes on.

[Helen Reddy]

31. You are truly blessed.

To have accomplished even an iota of doing what moves you is powerful!

[Lady Freedom Returns]

38. I have been, yet cursed as well.

May 22, 2011, I lost my heaven. I got to see hell up close and personal. Things I will not place on the board due to the graphic nature of it. That is why I am in Tucson now and trying to pick up the pieces. I am looking for a job in that field, but I will have to get a job to afford to get my portfolio back together first.

[riderinthestorm]

40. Your story is/was so vivid for me. I was with you in spirit as you walked.

I hope your future is bright. You deserve it.

[Lady Freedom Returns]

41. Thank you.

I appreciate the sentiment.

[Helen Reddy]

44. Indeed.

My wish for you is light, sweet light.

By the way, how was the scorpion? Did you need a good, chilled pint to wash it down?

[Lady Freedom Returns]

50. It was great.

It is a lot like lobster. I was expecting something like a crawdad. And the trick is to not put them in boiling water but to skew them and place them strait on the BBQ.

[Helen Reddy]

55. Sounds like a culinary

treat! Yummy.

[handmade34]

30. farm

organic vegetables, small fruit and chickens and pigs... about 100 acres

[Helen Reddy]

33. Envious! n/t

[riderinthestorm]

35. Man, that's what I do. Its backbreaking work. Are you sure??? nt

[handmade34]

37. never been so sure

of anything in my life... farmed most of my life but have had to travel for a living the past 8+ years... I would give anything to have land again (I do have 4 acres but not too suitable for farming)... now that I'm home I will be making extensive raised beds to do some gardening and have planted quite a bit of fruit around the property... (headed on a thru-hike on the Appalachian Trail come March so all hints of gardening/raising chickens will have to wait until I get back...

[riderinthestorm]

39. Good luck and PM me if you need any help.

While my horse business is my primary source of income, we also grow 2 acres of vegetables and herbs for my sister's catering biz and the local green market.

Raised beds are a lot of work to begin (setting up the frames etc.). You may want to consider simply intensively fertilizing a small patch to get THAT going well, then expanding the fertilization area to create a larger garden. You can start fertilizing now so it's ready by next spring. Too bad you aren't closer to me (where ARE you? I'm in N Illinois), I'd supply you with ALL the horse manure you need....

LOL, here you are ready to begin, and here I am, ready to get out!

[riderinthestorm]

34. Create a foundation and fund micro-projects

I'd research new ideas and fund those people who were passionate about them.

New art/music/story? Micro grant

Archaeological dig? Micro grant.

Researching, funding, fostering, and discovering new "thoughts", new minds, new ideas, new music would keep me young forever. I'd be free to travel the planet and help curious, intelligent, passionate creativity grow and develop. It would be a personal mission and wouldn't be delegated to anyone else.

That's what I would do.

[Helen Reddy]

36. Your independent energy

is to be lauded!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

42. I'm already doing what I want, my dear Helen Reddy...

I'm retired and have been since 2005.

My husband and I travel, I write (and occasionally publish) my poetry, I take pictures...

I love sleeping in! I go to the gym...

And I wonder how I did stuff back when I was working...

I love my life!

[Helen Reddy]

45. Yay!

Very happy for you. You have health, peace. What the heck more is there?

[RebelOne]

46. I have been retired for almost 3 years.

I would still be working now, but I was laid off, so I decided it was time to retire anyway. I wish I could afford to travel.

[Helen Reddy]

48. Without money as the motivator...

we would be able to travel as we wish.

Good health to you in your retirement.

[femmocrat]

53. How do your fill your days?

I hope you don't mind my asking, and you certainly don't need to answer.

I'm just afraid of having nothing to do after retirement.

[LWolf]

47. I would

travel, spend more time with family, and turn hobby gardening into producing most of my own food.

[Helen Reddy]

49. Gardening.

That is fabulous! You will be healthier for it staying away from Monsanto.

[Iggo]

51. Non-stop rockin'.

[Helen Reddy]

56. You go Iggo!

Last edited Sun Nov 4, 2012, 08:27 PM - Edit history (1)

Edited for stupidity (on my part) D'oh!

[Ikonoklast]

57. I would do the one thing that I am best at doing.

Avoiding hard work.

Then I would be awesome, full time.

[Helen Reddy]

58. Hah!

That would not last forever I becha!

Your latent talents and passions would begin surfacing sooner or later.

[We are Devo]

59. Probably what I'm doing now..

which is, not much. I can't work due to chronic health conditions. I take care of my dog and my apt. the best I can. Even that wears me out..

[Helen Reddy]

60. Ohhhh. My sincere sympathies to your physical limitations.

Good news is that your pooch has you for many hours a day! Happy dog happy dog!

[We are Devo]

61. Yes indeed! n/t

[klook]

62. I don't think I will ever be bored for long.

My spare-time interests now are photography, playing music, gardening, reading, writing, and fooling around with a couple of small web projects. It's a fight every day to carve out a little time to spend on one or more of these, after my job and various other mundane activities have sucked most of the time and energy out of my day. So if I had more hours every day I could call my own, I would spend more of them on these same activities and hopefully make progress more quickly on them. I would also do more volunteer work and travel more.

Funny, reading this makes me sound like a hyperkinetic productivity monster, which -- believe me -- is very far from the case! I just have these proclivities, and they have to be satisfied or I'll go nuts. As Tobin S. describes himself on this thread, I'm one of the hardest-working lazy guys you'll ever meet. I'm just cursed / blessed with a range of interests that are broader than those of many people.

I really envy people who can hone in on one thing and get great at it. I will always be more the generalist type, with a few strong areas of interest & skill. So my challenge is devoting enough time and energy to each that I can achieve enough competence and satisfaction to make it worthwhile.

[Helen Reddy]

63. Thank you for..

giving us great insight in what appears to be your very active, brilliant mind!

[RedCloud]

64. My days are so confused for so long it's not true,

[Still Blue in PDX]

65. I would travel.

[Helen Reddy]

73. Grand! n/t

[Wait Wut]

66. Assuming I was filthy rich...

...start the 'charter school' for at risk teens that I've been daydreaming about for two years (before I get mauled...I'm hiring all those young teachers that were axed by cuts in education). I'd also be restoring/renovating homes for the poor and elderly. After that, rescuing pitties.

Oh...and I promised my DIL I'd go to Japan with her.

[Helen Reddy]

74. Very noble passions!

I also have a rescue pittie. His name is Seven, and he thanks you from the bottom of his big, big heart!

[Taverner]

67. If I could save time in a bottle...the first thing that I'd like to do

Is do everything I wanted to do! To hell with spending it with you! It's party time!

[Helen Reddy]

75. Hah!

Sounds good to me.

[newcriminal]

68. Whatever my kids wanted to do, at least for a long while.

[Helen Reddy]

76. All of you would do something

creative and worthwhile!

[Chan790]

69. Ironically, I'm doing it.

I teach writing, am a working writer and I run a community development organization that manages an arts-space and venue.

I sleep in. I eat what I want. if I want to go to the matinee, I go. I get to talk to artists and other scenesters of the DC performing-arts scene. My life is like a salon party except that I do have to have meetings, balance the books, talk to potential donors; attend neighborhood meetings, crime-summits, work with local elected officials on neighborhood concerns, speak to residents and business owners. All of that is balanced out by the constant parties, the free shows, the art galas.

I don't mean to make it sound like a cakewalk, it's a hard job. I am at varying times of my workday: curator, bookkeeper, PR professional, marketer, contract-agent, activist, referee, problem-solver, bouncer, journalist, handyman, life coach...but it's the answer to what I'd do if I didn't have to work.

[Helen Reddy]

77. I'm so pleased for the way

you are able to conduct your life. You sound very talented and my guess is quite satisfied with the way things are going.

[MrSlayer]

70. Endless world tour with my many bands and acts.

Wealth is freedom.

[Helen Reddy]

78. Sadly that is true.

Hence me fantasizing about removing that from our lives.

I should say "wealth" can be a prodigious factor in some feeling free.

[zen_bohemian]

71. I first would do as you, travel the world and learn and explore cultures, spend 6 months at a time

in each country. Once I conquered that, I would find a small home near a quiet beach, and just be.....waking to the sound of the ocean, explore and learn about marine life and how to make their environment better, have a cat rescue center, oh the things I would do if I had the money.

[Helen Reddy]

79. Your heart is pure.

Thank you!

[jp11]

72. Depends on how much money I had to blow

just enough to not have to work, like just enough to cover a good home/food/etc then probably write/make things like arts/crafts/inventing stuff. While I worked on setting up my own little compound of renewable energy/being mostly self sufficient somewhere in California. I'd also spend time just learning things, music, other languages, skills, etc.

If I was loaded I'd do mostly the same plus make a few of my own movies, and doing things like building lowcost homes, funding shelters, education, trying to get liberals elected, etc.

[Helen Reddy]

80. Yours

is just another example of the altruistic true nature for most.

[a la izquierda]

81. Write travel guides for the history buff...

Which I may end up doing if I end up unemployed in May.

[Helen Reddy]

82. So many writers here on DU.

Maybe I could watch and learn.

The possibility of losing your job? Sorry about the stress of that.

[a la izquierda]

83. Thanks...

I'm a professor, but on a terminal contract. I've applied for 40 jobs, so we'll see.