Mar 16, 2023 4 min read

Time Is A Luxury

Written by Megan ~ Having time to pursue your passions is a luxury. I've always wanted to pursue art as a full time job and I've finally started doing that in the last year.

Having time to pursue your passions is a luxury. I've always wanted to pursue art as a full time job and I've finally started doing that in the last year. In the past I didn't have enough time to take it seriously though. I realise that time is a real luxury in our society. I have been listening to other artists and creators talk about this on their platforms. I agree that what I am doing is a privilege and feel so grateful to have that space.

Background

When I first moved out on my own my main focus was paying rent, finishing high school and working. I had a lot on my plate and not enough time to pursue these creative hobbies. I really struggled for a long time trying to find my footing, career-wise. I knew that having a better paying job would help me financially afford my hobbies. I tried taking the traditional path by going to college. My first semester was mentally challenging and I dropped out to find a quicker training route. I realized that traditional school was going to be too expensive so I become a nail technician for a while.

After our son was born, my husband and I decided it'd be best if I was a stay home mom. We figured we could do it if we kept our budget really tight and didn't spend on too many extras. Honestly childcare was more then my pay so it just made sense. Art became a smaller hobby for those years. A year and a half ago our son started school. Since our budgeting had went fine for those 5 years. We didn't feel the need for me to go back to work. I could spend the time being a mom/wife at night. During the school days focus on building business/marketing skills and doing art.

I feel very grateful to have made this transition to a full time artist with the help of my husband. He's been so supportive and understands why I want to pursue this creative job verse anything else. I may not be making very much right now but pursuing my ikigai was way more important.

Time = Luxury

I want to touch on other reasons that result in time poverty. There are many socio-economic factors that contribute to time poverty. Many people work multiple jobs or long hours to make ends meet. Others may have to spend hours commuting to work or school. These 2 things take up a lot of time. Then when they get home from overworking, there's hardly time to do basic things like cook food and shower.

I have been there at points in my life and it's a really frustrating cycle to be in. There's not one good solution to this issue and that's what makes it so frustrating. I have compiled some things that have helped us as a family get closer to more free time. I'm not saying it's a perfect solution for everyone but it has helped us.

5 Ways To Create More Time

Minimalism: The concept of minimalism is living with less stuff. Having less things in your house means there's less items to manage. Cleaning, organizing, storing, fixing and then, in the end, selling items eat away at your time. By only keeping the items that "spark joy" your free time goes up.
Pomodoro Time Management: We use this technique to plan out our days. By breaking your work into 25 minute tasks and taking 5 minute breaks in-between, you can avoid burnout and increase your overall productivity. I've found this really helps keep me focused. I end up making better use of my limited time using this method. Sometimes you just can't find more time and this is a good way to really get more out of the time you do have.
Taking Care Of Yourself: can actually help you create more time in your day. Hear me out! When you prioritize self-care activities such as cold showers, exercise, healthy eating, and sleep. You will have more energy and be better able to focus on your tasks. I notice how big of a role this plays when I don't do these things. When you feel good your mind is able to get going a lot easier.
Essentialism: Greg McKeown is the author of the book Essentialism. He talks about the practice of doing and saying yes to only the things that are essential. We use our values and goals to help us decide what to say yes to on a daily basis. By saying no to the things that you don't value. It leaves a lot more room for the things that bring you joy.
Be Critical: This one goes with Essentialism too but it feels like a good point on it's own. It's import to be critical of how much time you spend doing something. Greg McKeown touches on this in his book Effortless. Be aware of perfectionism when it comes to daily tasks and projects. Sometimes it's best to just get it done. Good is better then perfect.

For more of my thoughts on Essentialism and tips on learning how to say no, read this next blog post below.

"Essentialism is not about how to get more things done; it's about how to get the right things done." - Greg McKeown