Stepping away from optometry... completely.
In software, a regression is when you introduce a previously fixed bug into production. This becomes a drop-all-tools priority issue to fix.
So far, I decided to keep my optometry registration active. Yes, that meant paying the registration fees out of my own pocket. The idea is that I can locum at the weekends for a bit of pocket money, keep up practice and knowledge with optometry, and do optometry for ‘fun’.
But would I go back to optometry if my current situation didn’t work out? This is what I would call a regression but in my real life.
But lately, I’ve been really thinking about this. Would it actually be fun to spend time in an optometry clinic when I could be focusing on other things, like writing this newsletter, creating content, or my hobbies?
I rather do the latter.
What about more money from locuming? Locum rates are around $90. But I don’t think more money at the expense of losing a weekend would make me happier. My lifestyle is maintainable with my current income. If I were to earn more “pocket” money, it wouldn’t significantly shift how I live. In fact, I would find needless ways of spending this money, which leads to a hedonistic adaptation (I get used to spending more money). In other words, locuming is not worth it — it’s good money but not life-changing money.
Coming back to the beginning point: what about web development not working out? So far, I’m enjoying it and I’m confident there are plenty of jobs out there. I don't see myself losing interest in web development — it’s a vast field and I’m learning every single day. That’s more that I could say about how I felt about optometry. But if I did lose interest in the field, I have confidence and faith that I can move on to another challenge, on to something else.
With all this being said, I’m compelled to downgrade to a non-practising registration. I believe after 3 years of not practicing it becomes more difficult to reinstate actively as an optometrist. But I don’t think I should worry about this.
There is fear in moving on and the uncertainty, but I think we should all embrace it. It’s cool that I can say I’m a web developer who can also practice as an optometrist, but this is mainly ego-talking. The reality is that it is too difficult to keep up with both professions just for the aesthetic of it.
At some point, I need to give something up and move on. I need to trust myself, my ability and have faith in the future. Instead of looking at it dauntingly, look at it with excitement for the unknown.
Jaffna
Since being in Sri Lanka, I’ve seen a huge improvement in my parents’ overall mental well-being. They need to live here!
Here is a video of a house my parents will be building in Jaffna.
An idea I had was when my parents do move back to Sri Lanka. I can come and visit for a few months at a time. And since I’m in a role that allows me to work remotely, this should be achievable. On top of this, my dual citizenship allows easy travel between New Zealand and Sri Lanka.
Despite the political and economic instability Sri Lanka has faced, I do see a bright future. I can only hope.
Thanks for reading this far into this newsletter, I hope you found my thought processes at least somewhat useful.
I’m always looking to improve these newsletters. At the moment, writing my thoughts has allowed me to reflect on each week, which has been greatly beneficial — to me. However, I’d like to write to benefit you as a reader. So feel free to jump into a conversation.
Stay focused and talk soon,
Shivan