Laura

Without a Job

Daily writing prompt
Your life without a computer: what does it look like?
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Writer’s block?

Overwhelm?

Boredom?

Anxiety? 

Where did all this paper come from?

Pure ass laziness? 

I can’t put my finger on it, ever. 

Sometimes just the thought of keeping up makes me feel like I’m already behind.

Anyone exhausted before they ever even start?

Burnout is real. 

Does the day ever end? Or does it feel like one big long continuation of hell sometimes?

Funnily enough, most of the nurses who I started with in this new (not so new?  A month in now) Work-From-Home adventure were asked on the very first day why they wanted a remote job (uhhh…duhh???) 

“I’m burnt out. I’m exhausted. I want to leave nursing.”

Truer words never spoken. 

Although I think it’s easy to burn out in pretty much any profession.

Hell, it’s easy to burn out just from life.

Right now, I feel like I’m the exact opposite from everyone else. 

Does that make sense?

If not, make it make sense…please.

Goodbye! 👋

Anyways, back to the question. What would my life without a computer be like?

Wellll…I would’ve not met some very important people in my life without the invention of computers, so there’s that. 😆

But, if we’re pretending like the answer is NOW, in the present –

Glitch-free.

Having trouble finding a rhythm. Think I’m back, and maybe I am, then not sure. Write when I want to, is what I’m trying to do.

May be inconsistent for a while longer, but until I feel like not throwing my computer out the window and taking an extended nap, gonna be up and down a bit. 😆 Some days with, and some days without.

As always, you are appreciated 🙏

94 comments

  2. hi Laura! I understand fully, when the gadgets and computers fail, a technician told me that those tools ,
    it will happen. Take it as a tech-detox.
    Home office is a tricky issue: comfortable but with long hours of attention. (plus the unexpected calls from the boss , for urgent documents at night). The solution: clear and healthy limits for all that.
    When i was a commercial manager, there was a bad joke to give me more paperwork, 20 minutes before the end of the journey. I complain, directly. they didnt repeat it!.

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    • Good for you! And thank you always for the reminder on boundaries between our work and home life. It is true, we must be “us” with our own identities outside of who we are at work. 🙏 I enjoy your take on things 😊 much appreciated, always

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  4. Burnout comes in many professions and yes, also in life itself. No argument there at all. And these days, mostly due to computers, that line becomes more and more hard to walk.

    Ironic that computers can be our best friend and worst enemy, quite often at the same time.

    The signal to noise ratio can get out of control very quickly, and it’s not always easy to differentiate.

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  6. I think my wife would love a life without computers (Maybe I spend to much time on it 😜🤔🫣 ), but honestly, I think the only good thing about it would be doing more outdoor stuff, but who are we kidding, we can’t function without it. 😜🤔🫣

    On another note, have you seen the co-pilot update (UGH😡 ), this is why we need to get rid of computers. 😡🫣

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    • I haven’t! What happened with co-pilot? 🤔

      I agree with her in some ways, lol! 😆 life would certainly be easier, and being outside sounds awesome. But yeah, you’re right, we can’t function without it lol 🤣

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  7. They updated co-pilot and in three word, all I can say is, It Really Su++s. why couldn’t they just leave it alone. Ugh !!! Do you use Co-Pilot for images?

    I would love to be more outdoors, that would be awesome, especially at this time of the season.

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    • I use it, but on my phone. I didn’t notice anything different! I hate when they make updates tho and it’s for the worst! 😫 taking a page out of WP book right there!

      I gotta go look at it now to see if there’s something different lol 😆

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  8. Yep, just wait until you see it. Yours probably hasn’t updated yet.

    They don’t give you 4 images anymore. Only one. And it’s so frustrating to navigate.

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    • Hi Willie, I just tried Copilot with the surprise me button and still got my four images. Maybe the rollout of the update is for now only in the US?

      Anyway at Deep Dream Generator they generate one image at a time. But you’re right this update sounds awful, hope it doesn’t come my way. Probably unlikely 🤔

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      • It seems that the focus has shifted towards being more of a “companion” and another form of an internet search site, rather than an image creator.
        One issue I noticed immediately is the limit of four images.
        There are other annoying things I’m noticing, which I only discovered yesterday.
        I’m concerned about what other issues I might find as I continue to explore. Ugh ! Why ! Why ! Why !

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      • If it’s too bad, go to another AI creator. Or they might want a paying subscription to have full Copilot access. The answer to your question might be, greed. But that’s just me guessing. It’s a shame, because I really liked Copilot

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      • Yes same here. I was finally getting the hang of it and now this.
        I don’t even see how paying for the service will help, considering that it’s so different . I hope they go back to how it was (which I know is unlikely), and I hope you and the others don’t feel the effect of the update .

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      • Yes. I noticed it first on my mobile yesterday when I was trying to create an image just for fun. It had me sign in tttt o my account and verify it (which hasn’t happened). Then I noticed the update and the complexity of creating an image. When I got home, I checked on the laptop and same thing, it had me sign in . Ugh !!! I’m hating it. Time to search for another AI generator. But Co-Pilot was perfect and so easy to work with 😡😱🤨

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    • I do hope you’re enjoying Mary 🙏 you deserve it, and I agree it should be fun. Especially creativity. It should be what gives us an outlet to keep us sane 😊 always appreciate your kind words so much *hugs*

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  10. Good Golly! You’re like a magnet pulling us all together! You’re just keyboarding to your own unique algorithm, and that’s what makes you stand out from all the other bit-byte-talkers😊

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    • Haha! Your comments are always seriously the greatest lol 😆 I guess you could say I just “try to do my own thing” when I can 🤣 if I pull people together cause of that, well…I’m more talented than I thought lol 😆 you are too kind! 🙏

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  11. “Pure ass laziness.” I like that one! I always like to say that I never do anything half ass. It’s full ass or no ass. And, for those working in the office, if you’re sick, stay your ass HOME! 👿

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    • God, I so agree with you! Can’t tell you how many times I’ve gotten sick because some inconsiderate ass came into work with some cold or something. Stay home! I love “full ass or no ass” that one is pretty epic! 😆

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  12. Burnout is definitely real. For me, it came from caring too much and staying late to finish work that, in the end, didn’t matter much. It took me a while to find the right balance at work and focus on the essentials: people and priority tasks for the day. It’s tough because we get pulled into all kinds of insignificant activities during the day. Thirty-minute lunches turn into an hour, and people want to talk about all sorts of random things. Before you realize it, you’ve spent half the day on non-essentials, and then stress takes over because you’re behind. You feel guilty and don’t want to take time off or go on vacation. Over time, you burn out, and that is no bueno.

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    • Dang Edward, your comment alone shows what and how much you’ve gone through the burnout at times, I definitely felt that one! We do, we extend and give, give, give so much of ourselves and then we run out of time to do the things we need to and then we are rushing to keep up.

      And then drinking five coffees 😆 to try and cope with the fatigue

      ☕️ ☕️ ☕️ ☕️ ☕️

      (But seriously, it’s needed!)

      lol, 🤣 thank you for sharing your thoughts, as always. Balance really is key, but it’s so hard to do sometimes!

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  13. I believe they are a bondage, I remember when we were kids and computers were pretty much non existent, we used to go outside and play. We were forced to use our imagination, and got physical exercise running around. Why can’t those days come back?. When kids were kids, playing cops and robbers, cowboys and Indians, hide and seek, popping wheelies on bikes, jumping bikes, rollerblading. Now all kids want to do is play on the internet and get exposed to thing adults aren’t even supposed to be exposed to. It’s a sad day in age, I pray daily for these kids. Only my opinion and conviction, if you don’t like it don’t post this message. As I read through these replies Iam saddened to see all these folks who rely wholly on devices yet I understand it’s the time we are in. Laura, just to let you know I appreciate you ;oki g what I wrote today, shows your state of mind on some pretty heavy stuff that ,oat people hate to hear.

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    • Appreciate you sharing your perspective 🙏 and it’s no trouble to me at all. I do think people rely so heavily on them and it can be bad in ways. That’s why I’m really big on breaking away from that at times and spending time outdoors, etc. has to be a balance. People used to have to figure out how to do things without the internet. But honestly, without it, I wouldn’t have met some amazing people. So there is give and take with all I suppose. But I definitely can see how it’s a bondage, especially when we don’t go anywhere without our phone – always connected

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      • Yes the internet can be used for much good, I definitely agree. As an ex convict, Liberty Behind Bars ministry ministered to me while I was in jail. Today Iam a part of the very ministry that helped lead me to the Lord. Our ministry is not like other Jail ministries, as we truly care for the men and woman that are in jails and prisons as once suffered the same afflictions as they. Addiction is very much a part of criminality in one form or another. But these men and woman who are in the Jails now have tablets, they cannot access whatever they want, but they can read books, listen to podcasts, and message people who are approved on their list. So we use the internet to minister to these men and woman in hopes of leading them to Jesus, the one and only hope they may ever have, seeing that when they get released 65% of them die due to fentanyl overdoses. I have been blessed by the mercy of God that I didn’t perish in my way. I do recognize that there is good that comes from the internet, what Iam talking about is these people who are abusing its freedoms to satisfy their wicked imaginations, to defile themselves and others.

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      • That’s a very noble cause indeed. 😊 I work with patients in recovery, so unfortunately I’m very aware of the lives that fentanyl has taken in such sad ways 🙏 keep doing your great work

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  15. I remember the days when no computers or internet existed and when it just did, I didn’t get any experience of it until an adult.

    Now, I feel over the years that doing everything online is heavily relied on and here in the UK, but I am sure it will be same everywhere, I feel we are pushed to using it regardless whether we have any experience with computers or not and whether we can afford it or not.

    Take for example if you are a job seeker or on Universal Credit as in my case, you have to apply and do everything online. I have experience. But when I first applied online for UC I found part of it difficult. I have friends who don’t have the experience of technology and they certainly cannot afford to have a computer and the internet at home, yet, if she applies, she will be expected to do everything online. She’s avoiding applying for many reasons. Some for the same reasons as I held of applying. But seriously, I don’t know how they are doing it. Neither work and one half on benefits because of reasons he can’t work. Yet, I am working sime hours but had to apply, otherwise I would have been homeless.

    I helped last month with food even though I am having difficulties in parts. I helped because I was in a better postion to. They offered to pay back. But I declined because I know they won’t be able to afford it and will be same again unless she applies. But if she applies, she will have to actively look for work. Helping them though has made it slightly difficult for me. But I won’t be able to help another month like that if they asked, because of how I have to prepare for when I am off work for possibly a few weeks when I have my CI operation at some point next year. Why can’t it still be done both ways when applying to suit the person, paper or online?

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    • Thanks for sharing your experience Liz 😊 always appreciated. I agree it’s pushed on us in ways where it’s expected. It does make it hard, and it automates a lot of things instead of doing them in person. Convenient sure but sometimes more stressful on us as opposed to someone who could be there to help with the application or what-have-you. That was super kind of you to help! Make sure you look out for yourself too, though. I feel like sometimes we stretch ourselves too thin. But that was such a nice and kind act for you to offer help with 😊

      I agree it could probably be made less confusing overall!

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      • I don’t help in ways that I stretch myself. I haven’t done it for years and it’s hard not doing it. But when in the past it was thrown back in my face. Or where I have found only who can count on one hand that helped at times, I make sure I never go back to helping on a level I once did. Especially when I have seen how no one has been there for my mum ever since she has been in a care home. X

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      • Aww that’s rough!! ☹️ I agree, we have to know also who will be there for us as well 🙏 you can’t give and give too much, done that myself before and it never feels good when others don’t appreciate

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    • Haha!! Omg, you’re too right! I used to have a job where I had to write constantly and man, that cramp.

      But then again I guess there’s carpal tunnel ugh 😫

      Been a minute! Hope you’ve been well 😊

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      • When I did my masters, it had been years since I had been in school. I had forgotten how much writing was needed to take notes or tests. And I’m left handed so I got the classic buildup of pencil on my hand from how it sits on the paper. I was immediately transported to another time!

        It HAS been a minute! I’m not as consistently keeping up with my WordPress reading. School has been hectic and I feel like I’m constantly prepping for the next rehearsal, gig, or event. #teacherlife

        Hope you’ve been well, too!

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      • Ahhh a lefty! My grandmother and brother are lefties! Makes sense too, since you are so musically inclined!!

        That’s nuts about going back for the masters and the writing. Sheesh! Another reason why school is so hard sometimes. That’s a lot! But you did it! 😀

        Hope it calms down a bit, it’s good to be busy though! ☕️ make sure you have a coffee! 😊

        Yes, I am well. 🙏 thank you

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      • Thank you! 😊 I’m trying you know? I definitely needed one and won’t let myself feel too bad when I do take one. Probably will post a poem later for my bday haha 😆

        About the go get me a coffee ☕️ myself! Coffee helps with LIFE!! lol 🤣

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      • Haha! Yep! Today! 😊 thank you! Gonna try and enjoy it since I’m off!! Woohoo 🙌 😀 yes, all the coffees please ☕️ ☕️ ☕️ haha 🤣 ✨

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  19. Looking back at my 20s I definitely experienced burnout. I was an OT working in mental health – wrong job for me and although I tried my best, my own mental health ended up being a casualty. I was fortunate in a way as I had a motorbike accident and kind of used that as an excuse to leave. Never went back to OT!

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    • So sorry for your accident Sharon ☹️ that’s terrible! But I do understand the excuse to leave – working with mental health especially can be rough! Not for the faint of heart, I’ll tell you. I do often wonder if it’s time to hang my hat on the career, or just do it part time. Thanks for sharing 😊 always appreciated 🙏

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  20. Burn out is real! I got it as a corporate workaholic and am still getting now, in the Blogosphere. Too much time online is bad for you, mentally and physically. You should definitely write when you want to and not be a slave to some self-imposed schedule! Also, posting less frequently gives other people a chance to read and respond to more of your beautiful creations. Rock on!

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    • Thank you, Debbie 🙏 this was just the thing I needed to read. Some people just post and post and post, I try to do 1-2 posts a day. If that. And of course, we have our real lives to attend to. I agree, we need to be connecting with our world outside of blogs and social media. To the people we care about, to nature, etc. quality over quantity. Appreciate your kind words 😊

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  21. Once you start using a computer, it’s easy to get hooked. You might want to avoid them, but in today’s world, you can’t escape them. Like it or not, we can’t live without them anymore!😅😅

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