firewall /fīr′wôl/noun
- A fireproof wall used as a barrier to prevent the spread of fire.
- A software program or hardware device that restricts communication between a private network or computer system and outside networks.
- A fireproof barrier used to prevent the spread of fire between or through buildings, structures, electrical substation transformers, or within an aircraft or vehicle.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
Roman “Testudo” formation. Original source unknown.
One of the few things I’ve done well in my checkered, so-called professional career is make a strong demarcation between free time and work time.
When I am off work, I am off work.
I do not respond to emails, phone calls, IMs, etc. When I am on vacation, the work phone stays off and gets a fine patina of dust sitting by my work keys.
I have a love-hate relationship with the technology field.
It’s a trade for me.
I am a solid middle technically but with a strong work ethic and good organizational skills, and I always follow through with the problems to solve.
It’s provided a steady income over the years, and when I leave it for a bit, it somehow pulls me back in as it is what I know, and I can always find a job doing it.
But it ain’t my passion.
Through this trade, I’ve made good friends. The trade also paid for my outdoor excursions, which has led to my life here in Moab with the best trip partner ever.
You could say I indirectly met Joan because of server patching.
However, what I strictly maintain is the “Free Time Firewall.”
Work time will not bleed into my free time.
I will work hard and do my best, but when I am off the clock, I am off the clock.
Perhaps that tradesperson mentality stalled my so-called career in many ways.
I’d argue two things: Being available to a company 24/7 is very much an American thing, and I am from a family of tradespeople—and quite proudly so.
My jobs give me timebank funds and allow me to receive the gift of time. The free time firewall ensures the job does not take away said funds.
My current job respects my free time, and the people I work with in my small community are also my neighbors, friends, people I see at the grocery store, bump into frequently, and share some like-minded passions overall.
But at the end of the day, I work to live.
My gear pick of the year for 2024? The “Free Time Firewall.”
Work time shall not intrude into my free time. And I like it that way.
Gotta keep the time stealing enemies away!