I don’t know about you but my life seems very busy!
At the beginning of the year I set myself some goals, partly around what I would model for my YouTube videos and partly around what else I needed to do. In 2022 I’m running the NMRA National Convention in the UK and my layout may need to be open. That occasionally sends me into paroxysms of panic!
So here’s the list I made in December last year:
Video
Grass
Dock/Tarmac
Remaining water
Remaining Grass
Creamery Mock Up
Trees
City
Non-video
Treadwell
Background Hills
Road
Air Conditioning
Stock back on
Sound
Frankly, I’m over half way through the year and I’ve only done one or two of the items. Maybe the list was a bit of an ask but I still haven’t touched any of the non-video items and I’ve only done two of the video items!
I work as a contractor in Finance and I’d normally arrange to have a couple of months off between contracts. This year, I’ve worked all year and my only time off is when I’m not in the country. That’s seriously dented my available time.
Going on holiday for two and a half weeks made me realise just how much time my videos take up. It’s not just the modelling but the photos, video editing, blog posts etc. They all add up to more time than the modelling. Some weekends, I do nothing but edit video.
I’ve found myself saying, I can’t go to that exhibition because I don’t have time. I can’t do my garden, go out etc as I have a video schedule. Going on holiday was the real crunch as I needed to get about 6 videos ahead of where I was as you use one up every week.
What’s worse is that I feel that the quality of the videos is beginning to suffer as I don’t have time to redo things if they go wrong (which they do!).
Hmm, I’m not sure life should be like that!
At the end of the day, the videos are more stressful than my job as a head of department. They don’t pay (yes, before someone comments, YouTube gives me some small amount but I am way in the red just on video equipment; it will take years to get out of that hole).
I would like to do some modelling for fun – it is a hobby after all!
So after much thinking, I’ve decided to drop my number of YouTube videos. I’m thinking once every two weeks instead of one a week for now but we’ll see how life plays out. If I can get a decent amount ahead, I may add some more in. I may find other avenues!
Hello Kathy, I will bear with you. A video every two weeks is fine with me, even every third week. I don’t have a claim,seeing free videos. Don’t crush yourself! Just take care.
Hans-Peter
Thanks Hans-Peter
I appreciate you writing. Thanks for your support and I’ve still loads of ideas for videos…
Kathy
I love reading your posts! I’m not too much into the Halo stuff but love your RR things. You are totally wonderful in every thing you do. Don’t stop, if you were here I’d give you a great big hug!
Thanks, that’s so sweet.
Halo is nearly over so back to trains soon, I promise!
Kathy
Kathy,
You are doing the right thing. I applaud what you achieve but you need your time to do your stuff.
Good luck rediscovering the fun
George
Thanks George,
It was a hard decision but modelling is supposed to be fun and I don’t want to lose that joy.
Kathy
I wish I could help you out like working on some scenery on your layout but I’m so far away…
Modelling is about fun so please don’t stress yourself. I want to see your happy face again!
Christoph
Christoph
It would be great to have help but then I’d feel it wasn’t my layout.
Thanks for the well wishes.
Kathy
Remember. it´s just a hobby thats supposed to be fun! Love your videos and looking forward to the next one, if it takes 2 weeks or a month doesn’t matter. I know the situation, mine is just backwards my job life is just chaos and been so for the last year.
Just take it easy and breathe
Peter
Peter
Thanks, there is the slogan “model railroading is fun!” I try not to do too many lusts and timetables as otherwise, it’s just another job.
I do hope your own job balances out. We spend so much time at work, it needs to be in balance.
Kathy
Kathy,
Please don’t despair your videos and blogs have brought fond memories of when my father and I would build layouts in the late 50’s thru to the 70’s. Being raised in the military we could never have a perm. layout. I have recently got back into model building and your videos have been a pleasure to view, your insights to problems and solutions can be applied to all builders….. railroad and modelers alike. So take your time and do what makes you happy… Thank you, Jim
Jim
Thanks, I used to model with my Dad and that’s what got me into this great hobby.
Good luck with your own models.
Thanks
Kathy
Sometimes life gets in the way. But it’s the moments when we have a break in our life to enjoy our hobbies. I love your videos and no matter if you do one every day or once a month, I will always be on the lookout for new ones. The goal is to have fun, remember this is a hobby not a job. If you have to make changes in the way you do things so you can bring the fun back then I support you 100%.
Keep up the good work and look forward to more of your videos down the road.
Kathy,
I want to make sure you are aware just how much your efforts are appreciated!!!!!!!
No worries, Kathy. Better to cut back than burn out and not post anything for your loyal fans! Your work is admired and appreciated by all of us.
Ken
Thanks for the kind words!
Kathy
Funny I was just saying today I did not see how you managed to fit it all in. You can only do what you can do, no more. Quality not quantity. Take a breather and get some modeling done relax a bit.
Regards Neil
Thanks Neil
I have no idea how I fit it in either! This will give me some time to experiment with new techniques.
Kathy
Kathy,
Firstly I enjoy your videos immensely. Secondly I don’t know how you have managed to fit everything in. I don’t do videos and yet it is now 10 days since your post and it has taken me this long to read it. Time is the one thing in life that we can’t get back and it is important to utilise it wisely.
More than happy that you drop the videos down to one every couple of weeks. Your videos are inspiring and informative. Keep up the very good work and remember that it is a hobby and you do it for enjoyment.
Don
Don
Thanks for commenting. I have no idea how I fit it all in it but it’s my holidays that have scuppered me as I can’t get enough videos ahead to take time off!
You are right that time is my most precious commodity and I do struggle to get enough to do everything I want. Work pays the mortgage but does get in the way of hobbies!
Thanks
Kathy