Planning

[skreidle]

With few exceptions, I can't plan much in advance. Exceptions like my upcoming 5.5-yr HS reunion this Saturday, which someone else planned and I'm attending. The APO National convention in New Orleans later this month? I wasn't sure if I was going or not until I knew where I'd be and what I'd be doing--as it's "home" and "working", I'm not going. But at any rate, I wouldn't have committed before November at the earliest; one girl I know, Beth, got her tickets in June. At the moment, she's planning a trip around Ireland and Scotland for May and June; already has her flight booked, is currently booking hostels for half her trip--the rest will be bumming around with a backpack.

Maybe if I knew where I'd be and what I'd be doing, I'd be more able to do that sort of planning, but as it stands, I don't. If I'm within a few hundred dollars of NYC/Boston/DC, I might be able to join her, as she's invited. And if I have a job that'd let me take a week or three off, which is unlikely.

If I have trouble committing to weekend plans, how am I supposed to plan for months in the future? I'm a much more spur-of-the-moment activities guy, or a "find something to do on this evening", or a "I want to do this one thing, so I'll plan it." Those plans are often last-minute, though. More complex or long-ranging plans, and I'd just as soon let someone else arrange it.

Comments

[xviragox.livejournal.com]

I know exactly what you mean -- the limbo between graduation and finding permanent employment is so hard. I feel like I wasted a lot of the summer and fall because I was waiting for things to come through and they either didn't or took much longer than anticipated.

If I did it over, I'd do some of what I did -- relax and make some trips that I really wanted to make -- and also do what you did -- get a part-time job that pays reliably. If you decide on something you really want to make plans for and you have tickets in hand when you get a job offer, I bet potential employers would cut you some slack, or at least make a deal with you.

[skreidle.livejournal.com]

The "reliable pay" thing was why I didn't want to temp.. I wanted one job that would give me regular hours and regular pay, even if not as much pay as I might get with a riskier job footing.

[euphoric1dr.livejournal.com]

omigosh, i'd absolutely DIE to go to scotland/ireland, you have to let me know how that goes if you go =)

[skreidle.livejournal.com]

But of course! Like the last time I was away for a week (last spring break), I'd keep notes on paper and write up a lengthy set of journal entries when I got back. :) (If I go, anyhow.)