Fewer Jobs. More Hobbies.

I read one of those articles the other day. You know, the “143X your productivity” types.

Among other things, it said:

“You should treat reading more like a job than a hobby. Getting knowledge about the world is work, and it should be treated as such.”

To which I thought: “Thank God. If there’s anything I could use, it’s more work.”

I am a professional at many things.

I am a professional when I write.
I am a professional when I work.
I am a professional when I network.
I am a professional when I plan my future.
I am a professional in my marriage at times.

Do you know what I miss? I miss is being an amateur.

Amateur: (n.) A person who engages in a pursuit on an unpaid basis.
Origin: the Latin word “amare,” meaning to love.

Remember when you did something because you loved it? Not because it was going to “GIVE YOU THE BOOST ON COMPETITION,” but because it was there?

The amateur does not analyze the activity of his affection. He chases it. He adores it. There are no “weird benefits,” surprising effects, or additional ways to get ahead. He does it because he wants to — end of story.

When I was younger, I did things I loved all the time. I had lots of hobbies. I loved to read comics on the weekend. I loved to play baseball in the yard with my dad.

I get the funny feeling that when he passes on, I’m not going to think about those work problems he helped me out with. I’m going to think about us sitting on the boat in the middle of the lake — waves blue and wind fresh—doing a whole lot of nothing. We skipped school that day. (You remember school. It’s very important.)

Remember when you could do nothing and not feel guilty?

Remember when “fun” was more than an synonym for “exercise?”

Remember when you didn’t have to justify every action you took with some sort of immediate perceivable value?

“You should listen to more podcasts!”

Why?

“Because they’ll make you smarter!”

Why do I need to be smarter?

“Because you’ll do better at work!”

Why do I need to do better at work?

“Because you can make more money!”

Why do I need to make more money?

“Because then you can do anything you want!”

You mean… like read more?