Presenter and Contact Person: Debra Minar Driscoll Extension Educator, Family and Community Development Oregon State University Extension Service Polk County PO Box 640 Dallas, Oregon 97338 503-623-8395 Phone 503-831-3095 Fax Debra.Driscoll@orst.edu
Conference Objective:
Acquire more effective skills to maintain an appropriate balance between work and other aspects of life. Strive to look at the "whole" person in terms of wellness and job performance. Strive to broaden their horizons without broadening their workload. Identify ways to prepare for and enjoy a fulfilling retirement.
Abstract:
You've read about them in magazines. They've been featured in newspapers and on television. They are people who are joining a national trend to simplify their lives. Some of them have abandoned their career tracks, taken a cut in pay, started a home business or become stay-at-home parents. They may have quit the daily commute, sold their cars, stopped recreational shopping, eliminated their clutter, moved to the country or small towns, started recycling and bicycling, and become frugal.
As an Extension professional, you may find it difficult to relate to their stories. After all, you probably enjoy job security, have opportunities to do a variety of tasks, enjoy spending time with co-workers and clients and feel that you are making a good contribution to society through your work. And all of that is true.
There are, however, downsides to our Extension jobs: demanding hours, frequent travel, too many meetings, reports, having to please multiple bosses, and not enough time for our families and private lives. It is easy to become overwhelmed. Often it is of our own doing. Because we often have the flexibility to choose what we do, we try to do more than is realistic.
There are concepts from the voluntary simplicity movement and simple living literature that can help to enrich our lives, uncover our authentic selves and empower us to make needed changes in our daily routine. This presentation will include information about the impact of our current consumer lifestyle on our lives and the earth. The concept of the fulfillment curve will be introduced. The program will focus on clearing out material and emotional clutter, improving our office environment, exploring options to reduce travel time, negotiating job changes, making and preserving career memories, managing our time to match our values, finding and living our purpose, and developing a sense of gratitude.
The presentation will have an interactive format, with time for participants to reflect on ideas and share their experiences. Materials for self-study use after the presentation will be provided and sample resources for further study will be displayed.