Heyaa
Happy New Year.
Iām still in 2023, by the way, as of writing this newsletter, the last newsletter of the year.
Just taking care of a few last rituals alongside while wrapping up the year.
Donāt worry. Itās not another 2023-wrapped piece of content. You already have enough, I guess. (Iāll share my year review next week)
I have taken off from a few clients alreadyā¦ for 10 days. Just need some rest while working on my own side projects. Full vacation? I rarely allow myself that.
By the way, I wanted to put this out-of-office message in my email:
Happy to see you gleaming with pride at how efficiently you worked through the day.
I'm not. Not that efficient today. Exhausted with all the social interactions I had during the week.
So, going on a hibernation mode until Monday morning. You might find me online on various platforms but don't try to get in touch. Your messages will be intentionally ignored.
Please be a lamb and resend your message again after Monday, 10 AM.
Thanks for your patience.
Yours exhausted panda!
Not this exact message, of course. A variation of it.Ā
Would you put it? I donāt feel gutsy enough to do that.
Maybe someday I will.
As of now, I am always open to new projects. Itās possible I am jam-packed right now, but I can always take up assignments for two weeks later. Thereās never enough work for a freelancer, you knowā¦ unless thereās enough.
If anything interesting comes up, I say Yes. The key here is āinteresting.ā I take work depending on the vibe. Money, too, yes.
I agreed to one such task earlier this month. Dec 2023.
Even if it wasnāt a client work, it was still work.
I got the opportunity to be a book reviewerā¦ in return for a free pre-release copy of their book The Human-Animal Connection. I read and reviewed it last week.
Itās a book about relationships: relationships between humans and animals. The book is part psychology, part self-help, and part guide to the world of animals.
An interesting combination, right? I thought the same. You can read my review on Goodreads.
This opportunity arrived on LinkedIn. The terms were clear: We give you a book; you give us a review. As simple as that.
And you know how much I love straightforward tasks.
I received another such opportunity.., on Instagram. I was almost in, then pulled myself out. I did buy the book. But I didnāt buy into their terms and conditions. They had a long list of things for me to do.
Glad I didnāt agree to review. It was like a Bollywood romance, and I couldnāt read past the first 30 pages. Would have probably given a one or two-star review.
Oh, youāre judging me now? For judging an entire book based on the first few pages?
Well, youāre welcome.
Iām not among those who can continue reading a book, even if not enjoying it. I shelve it back and pick another book to read.
It wasnāt always so, of course. I used to read through all the books earlier. Then, with a growing reading list, I learned to let go of books I donāt enjoy.
It was the year 2020 when things changed. And it was a welcome change, I must say.
That was the year when I didn't set any reading targets. And that was the year I read double the number of books I used to. I read 50+ books.
I havenāt been able to get past that number again. Not that I try to. I canāt thrive under pressure.
So, winging everything.
OK, thatās all for today. I donāt know what else to write now.
You let me know how your 2024 is so far.
Bidding adieu. Enjoy your day. Live long and prosper.