What I learned when my macbook died.
Just a few short weeks ago, in the midst of my pre-Christmas freelancing frenzy, the unthinkable happened. My macbook died. I could hear the lovely mac start-up noise, i could hear the fan, but nothing was happening. A black screen of death.
Now, usually, this would not have been a very big issue– I could have used backup machine to get my work done… I have all of my work backed up, etc. However, I recently moved from Toronto temporarily to Ottawa, where I have been and will be until December 29th, when I fly out to Vancouver where I am moving. Until then, I am bouncing back and forth between family members, and friends, and do not have access to a machine with all the tools I need to get my work done.
Admittedly, the timing was pretty bad. This was my chance to get everything done before Christmas, and start the new year on a fresh foot. I had just launched a pretty major website, and the client was in need of post-launch document explaining how to work with their new CMS.
I took my macbook to the Apple store, where it was determined that the logic board had an issue. Luckily my machine’s serial number fell within a specific range that had a known defect, so the $1500 cost of the replacement part was waived. Phew. Next question… how long will this take to fix? The guy at the counter says usually within a day or so. Phew. It’s thursday, I’ve got a long weekend, ALL IS GOOD. Better enjoy it, right?
I don’t receive a call on Monday. Or tuesday. or even wednesday… I am getting client calls, asking me when I expect it to be ready… I have no idea what to tell them. I have no backup plan, it’s completely out of my hands. For the first time since starting my solo freelance career, I am actually FORCED to be without my computer, without ANY computer for about 9 days.
Now, as I said, I’ve been bouncing back and forth between family and friends in Ottawa, trying to visit everyone, spend quality time together, while still completing my ongoing work. Being a self-professed workaholic, not being attached to my computer, work, internet, etc. was an extreme shift in my lifestyle!
I had absolutely NO choice but to give in, and enjoy the little time I have here before I begin my new life in Vancouver. I know that the workaholic in me would probably never have been able to grant me that much time away from work.
Being away from my computer for those 9 days, was absolutely by far the most incredible time I’ve spent with my family- EVER. I had a chance to bond with all of my family in a way that I know I couldn’t have otherwise (were I not moving to another province, and had my laptop not broken).
I made crafty Christmas presents, while my mother sewed some of her own. I watched movies and played with my nieces and nephew. I watched many episodes of Dexter with my mom, played many games of scrabble, did some fairly relaxed and stress-free Christmas shopping. We ate chips and ice cream (please don’t tell my nutritionist!) and spent hours going through old family photos, telling stories and laughing til our tummies hurt. I had long, interesting conversations with my dad that showed me more and more how much we are alike, and how much I have to learn. I was able to cuddle with my sister, and eat delicious vegetarian burritos while sipping wine and watching highly offensive comedy shows. I spent many evenings cooking delicious veggie food for my in-laws, while we sipped tea, sat by the fire, and talked about life. It was fun, lazy, relaxing, and definitely stress-free!
What did I learn when my macbook died?
I learned that there are things far more important than work. It was a real wake-up call for me, especially after reading recent articles by Jina (Make out like a bandit) and Scott Boms (Burnout)
It was the first time in about a year that I allowed myself to unwind, destress, and truly enjoy one of the most important things in life – Family. I will never forget this time that I’ve been able to spend with them.
It has inspired me to use the new year to take a new approach in the future with my work and life.
It’s definitely time to slow things down.
Thank you, Macbook, for breaking down when you know I needed it most!
Happy Holidays to everyone. I hope you are all able to take some time to unwind this holiday season, and enjoy the company of those closest to you.
blame it on the cat?
Douglas Neiner
22 December 09
Thanks for sharing Marie! I really need to put my laptop down more often to realize what I am missing. Have a great holiday!
Marie Poulin
22 December 09
Thanks Doug, you too!
Go enjoy some well-deserved family time, so you can be recharged for the new year! ;)
Les Reynolds
22 December 09
Great reminder, really liked the article. I’ll try and slow down over Christmas, but this year has the unfortunate timing of lots of projects needing to be done around Christmas :(
Marty
22 December 09
us in that capacity take the necessary time to spend with loved ones. Taking time out is
something I’ve had to learn to do. Owning a 14 month-old definitely helps with this. It also takes an extraordinary family/partner to understand the freelancer mentality:
the constant search for work, the initial frisson of a new project, learning new techiques etc.
All these occupies ones mind!
Trish
22 December 09
I’m so glad you wrote this Marie, and I’m also pretty glad that your MacBook died! ;)
Merry Christmas my sweet friend.
Nathalie Poulin
22 December 09
Comment number 2 for the win. This made me weepy.
I love you!
Alex Swanson
24 December 09
Great read! I’ve always said everything happens for a reason (even if it seems awful at first).
And the holidays are always the best time to spend time with your families.
Happy Holidays everyone :)
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