Year in Review 2025
2025 was a “sabbatical” year for me. I left my full-time product (software) design job in late 2024, with the optimistic idea that I might “heal” from “burnout” and return in a month or few. That didn’t happen. But it’s a story for another time.
By spring, I was feeling able to work, but put off job hunting for vacation in May/June, which had been planned since before my leave. I went with my partner and two friends on a sailing tour in Greece, and a few days stay in Portugal. It was a great time.
Unfortunately, I got sick. Perhaps some bug from an airport lounge buffet? That seemed to kick off recurrent illnesses when I got back. For four months, I wasn’t doing much other than knitting, reading/audiobooks, and waiting in doctor’s offices. I managed to play Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, which is a great game, especially if you like fantasy RPGs in the vein of Final Fantasy X.
By mid-October I was mostly back to normal. I got my portfolio up and had about a month of looking for work before the December holidays. And here we are.
“Health” was my theme for the year
Ironically.
For physical health, I would try some recipes and cook more meals at home, and just track my steps, not push too hard.
For mental health, I would follow my creative whims and try to connect with more creatives in the local community.
Things I made or did
- Made most meals at home, tried a bunch of new recipes
- Painted some, drew some
- Volunteered at an art non-profit
- Started writing a book (YA fantasy)
- Met up with some local writers
- Designed and made a clothing capsule of nine items
- Learned some pattern drafting
- Designed a house for fun
- Learned a bit of Greek on Duolingo and didn't use it at all
- Knit (or crocheted) four tops and a few small items
- Put together my online portfolio
- Read 22 books: 18 non-fiction and four fiction
Next year, I want to
- Read more, especially fiction and fantasy
- Continue writing blog and book
- Draw and paint more
- Share more online again
- Continue healthy habits from this year
- Continue job search
I will set some measurable steps around those vague goals to build up creative habits. Habits should help me continue with hobbies when I return to work. I think part of my burnout was due to letting myself get drained at work and gradually letting go of all my creative outlets. I replaced creation with consumption: online shopping. Low-effort dopamine. There is more to the story than that, but as I said, another time.
Next I could do a post with a bit more detail on each of my hobbies this year. I’m not sure what I want to do with this blog yet, possibly get back into more professional writing and split that off. I'm not trying to become a craft or lifestyle influencer, just trying to be a human online.