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Point 1. I got a pita request from a pita relative to do some design work (for free of course) "when you have some free time".
Point 2. I spent waaaayyyy too much time driving in the past couple weeks which equals waaaayyyy too much time for my mind to wander.
Point 3. I am scheduled about 3 weeks out right now, with a nice flow of jobs to quote, so I don't expect to go below "2-3 weeks out" for quite some time (hopefully never!)
Result: I have 2 times. "work time" where I work & (attempt) to earn money. "personal time" where I don't earn money, but I don't work either. I do not believe I have this "free time" people speak of.
Does anyone here have "free time"?
-------------------- Chris Welker Wildfire Signs Indiana, Pa Posts: 4254 | From: Indiana, PA | Registered: Mar 2001
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By now my family knows that I tend to do free artwork on my own terms. They might ask me to help them with something, but they are pretty respectful about not trying to force me into it. I like helping my sisters, so when I can, I do. The best way to have me NOT do something is to try and guilt-trip me into it.
My mind wanders. And that's not a good thing, 'cause it's too small to be out there alone. Posts: 3129 | From: Tooele, UT | Registered: Mar 2005
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Being retired gives me lots of "free time" in the traditional sense.
But, in reality, there is always "something" that has to be done.
It might be as simple as buying groceries or getting the A/C fixed on the vehicle (an easy feat in Mexico!)
Or it might be as difficult as sifting through all the, ever changing, documentation required here in Mexico.
I know...it isn't what you meant in your question Chris...but the truth is..."free time" is an elusive thing for anyone and at any age.
Si probably doesn't have all that much "free time" each day either?
-------------------- Dave Grundy retired in Chelem,Yucatan,Mexico/Hensall,Ontario,Canada 1-519-262-3651 Canada 011-52-1-999-102-2923 Mexico cell 1-226-785-8957 Canada/Mexico home
NEVER do work for relatives! It is never appreciated and then they usually find fault with it!Just refer them to Joe's Sticker Shop down the street ... he works real cheap!
-------------------- Si Allen #562 La Mirada, CA. USA
(714) 521-4810
si.allen on Skype
siallen@dslextreme.com
"SignPainters do It with Longer Strokes!"
Never mess with your profile while in a drunken stupor!!!
Brushasaurus on Chat Posts: 8827 | From: La Mirada, CA, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Im doing less and less of this "crap for friends and relatives" the older I get. I got to point where they're junk was stressing me out cause I couldnt get to it...thats when I had to pull the brakes on that junk and learn to say Nope aint got time for that
-------------------- You ever notice how easily accessible people are when they are requiring your services but once they get invoice you can't reach them anymore
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It's all about laying down realistic expectations. I do 'free' stuff for people quite often. I consider it a good way of sharing the gift that God gave me with others. However, that said: I have come to the point where it has to be on my terms and work with my schedule.
You simply have to tell relatives/friends what *your* schedule is and when you might be able to help them out. If they can't live with that, then they are welcome to pay for the service somewhere else.
I also pick and choose who I will bless with my time and talents. You quickly discover who is a 'taker' and who is a 'giver'.... A 'taker' is someone that *expect* you will always do something for them and never reciprocate with kind gestures when YOU need a hand. A 'giver' is someone that will humbly ask you for something, but is very quick to either offer some sort of payment or are willing to help you with something in return at the first sign of need.
I don't believe in being selfish with my talents and skills. But I won't allow myself to be used either. It all comes down to the heart of the person seeking a favor - which is pretty easy to discern.
-------------------- Todd Gill Outside The Lines Potterville, MI Posts: 7792 | From: Potterville, MI | Registered: Dec 2001
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over time, i have swapped one obsession for another...and now it's "name panels".When i meet people, if it feels right, i inquire if they have kids/grandkids/neice/nephew...and if they're not to old...(20's and beyond) i tell them i make name panels, inquire fav. colour, get spelling right, and soon they have the panel in their hands...i use 1/4" MDF, and 1shot...first name only, every one is different and always fun to do. Everybody likes to see their name in lights...so to speak. I recently sent off 3 sets to people we met in Costa Rica in December... probably done close to 150 of these in the last 3 years...but like Todd, it's on my terms...
-------------------- John Lennig / Big Top Sign Arts 5668 Ewart Street, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada bigtopya@hotmail.com 604.451.0006 Posts: 2184 | From: Burnaby, British Columbia,Canada | Registered: Nov 2001
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Free time IS work time. Any chance I'm not working... I'm working. I wish I wasn't obsessive compulsive but I can't change that. I don't have to set an alarm clock because if I go to bed at 9pm or 2am I still wake up at the same time ready for work. Maybe age has to do with it but my mom is almost 60 and has the same work ethics at her age.
-------------------- Kelsey Dum Dum Designs Sherwood, AR 72120 501.765.2166 kelsey@dumdesigns.com Posts: 827 | From: Sherwood, AR | Registered: Oct 2005
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-------------------- Michael Gene Adkins The Fontry 1576 S Hwy 59 Watts OK 74964 Posts: 845 | From: Watts, OK USA | Registered: Jun 1999
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