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So what is an evil plan?
If you want to stop whining and learn more about evil plans, I defer to Hugh MacLeod who has written a book by that title. Hugh says:
“Eveybody needs an evil plan. Everybody needs that crazy, out-there idea that allows them to actually start doing something they love, doing something that matters. Everybody needs an Evil Plan that gets them the hell out of the rat race, away from lousy bosses, away from boring, dead-end jobs that they hate. Life is ahort.”
Hugh is telling something that we desperately want to believe. But most of us gave up even thinking about it years ago. We sold our souls for the expediency of getting by, the illusion of security or comfort of the crowd. It isn’t the way humans are wired. But still we keep hearing that it is the responsible thing to do. Our parents and teachers kept telling us to be practical. And that’s the way we lived our life adventure- playing safe even when playing safe wasn’t working. But it’s not too late., even if you spenr your working life at a dead end job that ate your soul. You can still make an evil plan.
But what about retirement?
Let’s be honest. Lifestyle is lifestyle, whether you are working or retired. It’s all the same. There are choices with each situation but in the end, all that matters is that you are happy and fulfilled each day. Retirement is an artificial distinction because, in the end, everybody, every day wants to matter and be doing something that is important to them. Life is precious. No moment can be repeated or changed once it is past and if you arn’t living with passion, you are squandering your gift.
I got confused when I started my career.
I thought that what I had to offer was commitment and dedication. In return for this I believed that I would receive respect and security. Passion was not part of this compact. I settled for ‘responsibility’ and expected to be rewarded with security. I squeeked by. I didn’ t have the guts to go for the passion but retirement gives me a second chance. I can dig out the passion buried under my routines or create a new one to inpsire me every morning.
Put passion in your retirement lifestyle.
You have the same opportunity. Maybe you know what your passion is and how to fan the smouldering coals into a raging inferno. Maybe you need some help. Whatever, I recommend Evil Plans to help you get your head straight
I’m presuming/assuming that by “evil plan” that you really mean some funky, off-beat, totally about-face passion pursuit/exploration.
If so, then bravo! After almost 40 years in the classroom seeing to the needs of kids, their parents, and administrators, I now can pursue/explore the kinds of passions that, when I mention them to others, often get a quizzical look and “Oh Really?” response (followed by the person quickly moving on to another topic…..or location).
Compared to an earlier pragmatic pursuit as a puppeteer (supplementary $ while teaching), my new exploration of the art/science of busking (street musician) is even more loads of fun. I sing, play banjo, and am often accompanied by one or more members of my “Critter Band” – stuffed animals rigged up to be able to play a percussion instrument via a foot pedal. A total lark to make the critters, learn new songs, and enjoy the different reactions of people I (we) encounter on the sidewalks. And I get to play music for as long as I choose!
Not quite yet a “crazy old coot”, but certainly a whimsical one. What fun!
Banjo Steve,
You have it precisely. That is an evil plan.
Ralph, My retirement lifestyle IS my evil plan.
Bill
Ashton-under-Lyne, UK
Bill Murney’s last Blog Post ..Robin Hood Tax
Exactly!
Ralph…You know I’m all for evil; may even call me an Evil Doer. “For it’s not the hearers of the word, but doers who shall be rewarded”. Somehow I don’t think evil is what that Bible verse had in mind, but it’s working for me.
Hansi’s last Blog Post ..The Repeat Offender
Hansi,
I hear your words but what I want to see is deeds. Talking evil is one thing. Being evil quite another. Lets see some action!