Week 6 of Funemployment: Discovering My Addiction to Busyness.

Friends have been asking, “How have your plans for your 12-month break changed since COVID-19?”

I am clearly just one of many people who has had plans derailed by the global pandemic.

I am also acutely aware that I am extremely privileged to have “how I spend my time” as my biggest concern.

Oftentimes, I just don’t respond because I don’t have anything meaningful to reply with.

I stopped writing for a while because I felt like whatever I had to say seemed so trivial compared to news of the pandemic. … Read More Week 6 of Funemployment: Discovering My Addiction to Busyness.

April 1, 2020April 1, 2020 soniamaoLeave a comment

Yes I’m Unemployed, But No I’m Not Free All The Time.

Day 27 of Funemployment, 19 March:

On hearing news of my resignation, many well-meaning loved ones reached out:

“Woohoo! That means you have more time to meet up right?”

“Can you help me with this project since you have so much time now?”

As much as I knew these were said with the best and most loving of intentions,

I felt overwhelmed by the tsunami of requests on my time and energy.
… Read More Yes I’m Unemployed, But No I’m Not Free All The Time.

March 19, 2020March 19, 2020 soniamaoLeave a comment

Becoming Vegan: 8 Things I Didn’t Expect

I became vegan in August’19, primarily for reasons around health and values.

Despite extensive research to ensure I was making the change from omnivore to vegan in a healthy, mindful way, there were still a few things that surprised me. … Read More Becoming Vegan: 8 Things I Didn’t Expect

March 9, 2020March 19, 2020 soniamaoLeave a comment

‘Focusing’ is the Theme for Month 1 of My Sabbatical. Here’s How I Intend To Live It Out.

I’m starting with focusing because that’s going to be fundamental to the success of everything else.

Here’s what the plan to build my focus looks like.… Read More ‘Focusing’ is the Theme for Month 1 of My Sabbatical. Here’s How I Intend To Live It Out.

March 6, 2020March 9, 2020 soniamaoLeave a comment

Why Travel Isn’t The Focus of My One Year Sabbatical.

Spending on travel: when is it an expense and when is it an investment?… Read More Why Travel Isn’t The Focus of My One Year Sabbatical.

March 5, 2020March 5, 2020 soniamao2 Comments

3 Money Fears That Almost Stopped Me From Taking My Sabbatical.

These three fears that held me back were: 1. How will I know I’m saving up enough? 2. Will I be harming my future self? 3. What are the opportunity costs of this one year?… Read More 3 Money Fears That Almost Stopped Me From Taking My Sabbatical.

March 2, 2020March 2, 2020 soniamaoLeave a comment

What Buying Cake Taught Me About The Joy of Selfishness.

How I discovered being selfish can actually mean making myself and my loved ones happier.… Read More What Buying Cake Taught Me About The Joy of Selfishness.

February 28, 2020February 29, 2020 soniamao2 Comments

Mao is Everywhere

Documenting My 12 Month Sabbatical.

Category: Funemployment