When it comes to non-work related activities, I have a hard time relating to my peers at work.  Perhaps the better statement is “they have a hard time relating to me”. Except for a couple of friends that I met at work with similar hobbies in music (we formed a band), it is extremely rare to find anyone who enjoys the same hobbies, music, books or even movies that I do.

I’ve found that my management peers (I am a Director that answers to a V.P. of Engineering) don’t understand my hobbies and interest.  None of my peers:

• order, read and collect comic books on a monthly basis.  
• buy toys with the prospect of collecting and photographing them.
• own a DSLR camera and enjoy taking photos of stuff.  
• collect, currently rebuilding, their vinyl record collection.  I don’t think any of them have ever owned a vinyl record.
• Play an instrument (except for previously mentioned two friends)
• have ever been in band or played live music
• write and record their own music
• like KISS (who doesn’t like KISS??)

When my peers find out about any of the above, they wonder why?  Why waste the money on comics or toys?  I’m sure if my job did not pay as well as it does, I probably would not be buying comics, vinyl records or toys regularly.  Their hobbies are investing or attending and discussing professional sporting events.  That sounds boring to me.  And I played Texas High School football as a starter.

I have stated this many times over, I’m an 18-year-old Nerd trapped in an old person’s body.  

I work with some serious people who take their roles in the company very seriously.  Don’t get me wrong, I am not a slacker, I am a Director because of my experience, common sense, and hard work.  I’m fairly smart and logical.  I’ve paid my dues, traveling to many places in the U.S. as well as Europe for the company, but I’m tired of that and it doesn’t excite me.  Lunch discussions with my work peers usually revolve around work.  I don’t participate unless asked a direct question.  I hate talking about work outside work.  It has come to the point that I just don’t go out and eat lunch with them.  This has had the welcoming affect of saving me money (because lunch has risen to $15-$20 lately) and I am able to stay on my low carb, low sugar diet (see resolution post).

I guess, to summarize, I am tired of working for others.  I want to do something for myself or something meaningful.  I’ve even looked at volunteer activities or even teaching when I retire.  Write a book?  Eventually.  Start back up a recording studio?  Would love to do this again.  Become a YouTube or blog influencer?  Not likely.

I look forward to retirement.