Are you building on your dream, are you living your life purpose?

[foozball3000]

I just want to start a thread where people can share, collaborate and chat about this winding road of building dreams and finding purpose.

For myself, I unfortunately have to do mine in stages. Stage 1 being able to make enough of a living on my own feet in order to build Stage 2.
Stage 2 is a Design and Innovation Studio. Heavily inspired by Cameron Sinclair (Architecture for Humanity).

Stage 1 is simply Freelancing as a 3D ArchViz Artist, which so far have proven to be good training grounds for Stage 2.
I'm often amazed at the skills I've had to learn (on the fly), that I never thought I'd be able to do way back when I was just a Software Development Programmer.
So far Freelancing has been insanely hard, some success here and there. Although I'm not sure that the hard way is always the best way to learn, it has had the benefit of pushing me to try different approaches and learning how to pick myself up after massive potholes.

What about you guys?

 

[Aghori]

**** no. I'm barely making enough to survive and pay off debt due to this cockdown. You can only build dreams if you have money - that's the problem.

 

[Herr der Verboten]

I just want to start a thread where people can share, collaborate and chat about this winding road of building dreams and finding purpose.

For myself, I unfortunately have to do mine in stages. Stage 1 being able to make enough of a living on my own feet in order to build Stage 2.
Stage 2 is a Design and Innovation Studio. Heavily inspired by Cameron Sinclair (Architecture for Humanity).

Stage 1 is simply Freelancing as a 3D ArchViz Artist, which so far have proven to be good training grounds for Stage 2.
I'm often amazed at the skills I've had to learn (on the fly), that I never thought I'd be able to do way back when I was just a Software Development Programmer.
So far Freelancing has been insanely hard, some success here and there. Although I'm not sure that the hard way is always the best way to learn, it has had the benefit of pushing me to try different approaches and learning how to pick myself up after massive potholes.

What about you guys?

How would you know that you are living your life's purpose?

 

[newklear]

I just want to start a thread where people can share, collaborate and chat about this winding road of building dreams and finding purpose.

For myself, I unfortunately have to do mine in stages. Stage 1 being able to make enough of a living on my own feet in order to build Stage 2.
Stage 2 is a Design and Innovation Studio. Heavily inspired by Cameron Sinclair (Architecture for Humanity).

Stage 1 is simply Freelancing as a 3D ArchViz Artist, which so far have proven to be good training grounds for Stage 2.
I'm often amazed at the skills I've had to learn (on the fly), that I never thought I'd be able to do way back when I was just a Software Development Programmer.
So far Freelancing has been insanely hard, some success here and there. Although I'm not sure that the hard way is always the best way to learn, it has had the benefit of pushing me to try different approaches and learning how to pick myself up after massive potholes.

What about you guys?

Good thread and thanks for sharing. Never been involved in design much but seems like you are on the right path! Glad to hear about Cameron Sinclair, socially responsive architecture is a good out of the box approach which more should be introduced to. Thanks be to TED.

Unfortunately as most of us learn too late, sometimes HARD is good. Helps us to grow in various aspects. Sounds like you are coming to grips with your purpose in life. Do you think those that have it easier than others find their purpose to life sooner than those that have it harder ?

I used to be a know it all successful person until I lost it all. Now I am humbled and only starting to learn and am only starting to find my purpose. Life surely does seem to be getting better in what we define better the older we get, I kid you not I am 42 years old and am still but a puppy in life but it's getting better day by day!

 

[foozball3000]

**** no. I'm barely making enough to survive and pay off debt due to this cockdown. You can only build dreams if you have money - that's the problem.

Yeah, 2020 certainly have given us a massive kick. Weirdly I find that it's both a yes and no. Until last spring I managed to get a meeting with a (now executive) that I worked for many years ago. He simply pointed out that there wouldn't be much difference between doing what I want to do completely broke vs not broke. And he had a good point, sure it will be harder and I'll be doing less, but it will roughly look the same. And when that sunk in he kicked me under the arse a bit with the second part.. that I don't have a team. And money won't fix that one. He said that the sooner I start looking for that, the better. Even when I can't even stick someone for coffee.

Other than money, what do you need? Where can you start? Maybe someone here knows the right person to talk to

 

[foozball3000]

How would you know that you are living your life's purpose?

Very good question. I've read a number of books and blogs about that, most say that you kinda know it already. Some say that people who know you best might be able to tell you that.
Somehow I just know that if my particular talents aren't used to create amazing things, solve complex problems and inspire a few others along the way, I'd simply feel ashamed of what I've done with it.
But that's based on something my brother used to say... if you don't know where to go, knowing where not to go is a good start.

 

[TEXTILE GUY]

Other than money, what do you need? Where can you start? Maybe someone here knows the right person to talk to

If that INNOVATION portion is truly innovation, you could start by talking to the folks at the innovation hub in Pretoria.
If funding is a problem, but you have a good business plan, try TIA (Innovation Agency in SA)

If you want to try something different, you could crowd source ideas - like you have here, or even consider crowd sourcing funding.

HARD can work out.
I am living my dream - I am out of SA earning $, and this wouldnt have happened had it not been for the fact that the company I used to work for was bought out by a jerk who is busy killing it, and BBBEE wouldnt allow me to work in SA.
It took 32 years to get here though.

This shidty set of events sent me on a path where I am now debt free, earning US$, travelling for free and am essentially the lead on a project of a life time.
4 day work week and relatively stress free living.
In ZAR, I put some R20 000 away a week after expenses now.

Dunno whats coming up next, but in this moment, the bad stuff has made me a happy chap.

I also think, if you say you can do it, and stay positive .... good things will come.

 

[foozball3000]

Good thread and thanks for sharing. Never been involved in design much but seems like you are on the right path! Glad to hear about Cameron Sinclair, socially responsive architecture is a good out of the box approach which more should be introduced to. Thanks be to TED.

Unfortunately as most of us learn too late, sometimes HARD is good. Helps us to grow in various aspects. Sounds like you are coming to grips with your purpose in life. Do you think those that have it easier than others find their purpose to life sooner than those that have it harder ?

I used to be a know it all successful person until I lost it all. Now I am humbled and only starting to learn and am only starting to find my purpose. Life surely does seem to be getting better in what we define better the older we get, I kid you not I am 42 years old and am still but a puppy in life but it's getting better day by day!

His books, Design like you give a damn, were amazing and daunting to read. I think in the TED Talk he mentions that he kicked all of that off with only $100.
There's this weird thing that happens with projects like that... very unexpected doors open up.

I certainly think a lot of the hardship is completely pointless, and with a lot of the rest there seems to be better and faster ways to learn the same lessons.
BUT... people who've explored the basement levels of rock bottom seem to have a fierce bite and a kind heart coming out of that.
I have a friend who grew up VERY wealthy, and he said that he envied the look in my eyes, because none of the perks of wealth can buy that kind of determination and focus.

Honestly, I don't know what to make of it, I certainly wouldn't wish my past on anyone. But when I look back, if I had to meet my 22-year old self, it would be hard to believe we're the same person. I'm grateful that my first few ventures were a complete failure because that version of me would not have been able to handle the success.

Ouch, that sounds rough. It's always shocking to hear how fast the bottom can drop out. I'll admit I'm sometimes a slow learner in that one, but I'm starting to see in my own life what you mean with life getting better as that definition changes.
But if I may ask, besides that bad things simply happen from time to time, was part of the crash and burn due to not having the right people in your life? My first proper crash and burn left me homeless for a while, but what shook me to my core was how fast the people in my life just disappeared, some even going on the attack.

 

[foozball3000]

If that INNOVATION portion is truly innovation, you could start by talking to the folks at the innovation hub in Pretoria.
If funding is a problem, but you have a good business plan, try TIA (Innovation Agency in SA)

If you want to try something different, you could crowd source ideas - like you have here, or even consider crowd sourcing funding.

HARD can work out.
I am living my dream - I am out of SA earning $, and this wouldnt have happened had it not been for the fact that the company I used to work for was bought out by a jerk who is busy killing it, and BBBEE wouldnt allow me to work in SA.
It took 32 years to get here though.

This shidty set of events sent me on a path where I am now debt free, earning US$, travelling for free and am essentially the lead on a project of a life time.
4 day work week and relatively stress free living.
In ZAR, I put some R20 000 away a week after expenses now.

Dunno whats coming up next, but in this moment, the bad stuff has made me a happy chap.

I also think, if you say you can do it, and stay positive .... good things will come.

I have to admit, there's quite a lot of envy at how you landed on your feet. But the amount of shitty things that hit you, that's rough... I can just imagine the uncertainty while going through all that.

Thank you, I might need to chat to the innovation hub and TIA. The studio's business plan is basically that one set of projects jump starts the other set. So that may be a great way to at least kick one or two of the designs off.
So I spent my summer building a small venture purely designed to solve the funding issue. Low maintenance, moderate cash flow, with the steps needed to be able to adapt into big success (if it comes to that)
Then a bit of bad luck turned to good luck. Something happened, I physically could not take the needed steps to launch it and then COVID19 hit.. the timing of which would have wrecked my venture.

My two biggest challenges are to manage all the ideas and projects and finding like-minded people. Because some of the designs would be amazing for crowd-sourcing, like the design for recycling water (specifically inspired with the Cape-Town water issues). I just can't give it the attention it needs along with the main projects.

 

[Fulcrum29]

Building dream, well, that has been put on hold thanks to uncertainty. The only purpose which would make me happy is to live like Tarzan.

 

[DsBalsak]

Because some of the designs would be amazing for crowd-sourcing, like the design for recycling water (specifically inspired with the Cape-Town water issues). I just can't give it the attention it needs along with the main projects.

What attention does this design need ?

 

[backstreetboy]

Are you building on your dream,

No dream jobs are just that dreams.

are you living your life purpose?

No again not going to pick something to suit my appetite and choose my own reality that will never satisfy me anyway because it's bull. Happiness doesn't come from a job it comes from knowing what you value and spending your life striving to live that way.

 

[newklear]

His books, Design like you give a damn, were amazing and daunting to read. I think in the TED Talk he mentions that he kicked all of that off with only $100.
There's this weird thing that happens with projects like that... very unexpected doors open up.

I certainly think a lot of the hardship is completely pointless, and with a lot of the rest there seems to be better and faster ways to learn the same lessons.
BUT... people who've explored the basement levels of rock bottom seem to have a fierce bite and a kind heart coming out of that.
I have a friend who grew up VERY wealthy, and he said that he envied the look in my eyes, because none of the perks of wealth can buy that kind of determination and focus.

Honestly, I don't know what to make of it, I certainly wouldn't wish my past on anyone. But when I look back, if I had to meet my 22-year old self, it would be hard to believe we're the same person. I'm grateful that my first few ventures were a complete failure because that version of me would not have been able to handle the success.

Ouch, that sounds rough. It's always shocking to hear how fast the bottom can drop out. I'll admit I'm sometimes a slow learner in that one, but I'm starting to see in my own life what you mean with life getting better as that definition changes.
But if I may ask, besides that bad things simply happen from time to time, was part of the crash and burn due to not having the right people in your life? My first proper crash and burn left me homeless for a while, but what shook me to my core was how fast the people in my life just disappeared, some even going on the attack.

Most definitely, a mistake is just another lesson. More mistakes == more lessons. Guess some kids prefer 6 of the best as opposed to writing out chapters from the Bible.

Sad to say and I hope I am not killing anyone's dreams with saying this, sometimes we need to rely on ourselves without hopes of relying on others.

That is true though, some of the loveliest people I have encountered in life are those that have been through quite a bit, can swing the other way though hehe.

 

[RedViking]

Ive been a self taught Architectural Freelancer for the last decade. Been getting a set small income from one company I've been doing work for (New Zealand , never done work for South Africa). Freelancing Architectural industry is very tough competing specially with the Indians and Filipinos charging 5-8$ an hour.

Been trying really hard to start my own company. Having no. qualifications it's been very challenging, but after pushing really hard working day and night since November last year I've partnered with a friend and it looks to be on its way towards success. Currently still doing two jobs 15-18 hours a day, 7 days a week. I've had at least 2 projects from our new company each month. If this is successful I hope by next year to finally be part of a company growing towards success.

Besides building clause and standards I am not good at reading self help books. I generally just start something and fight till I get it right.

 

[foozball3000]

What attention does this design need ?

If we're going the open-source version?
Well, the design needs to be refined into a less complicated version that's much simpler to share. Something that would inspire people to prototype different ways to make it work. (A contest might work)
That will give a nice variety of home-built-solution spin-offs. (Because the heart of the idea is that you should be able to build a DIY version following the base principals)

That alone won't be enough.. so borrowing from Richard Brandson, you can make a fancy-kit version for the people who can afford it, saying that for each purchase a couple of the simpler versions go out to the poor.
For one person, this is quite a lot of ducks to juggle at once.

So what I have is a basic demonstration of the core idea, just enough for an intro meeting (none of the 4 that I had went well)
But I personally haven't had the capacity to properly prototype a few physical designs and troubleshoot them.
It's just that I did the maths.. 90% of our water usage doesn't need to be drinkable, only clean. And on that level it can be refined with a bit of physics and that we happen to live in a hot country.

 

[Hamster]

I decided to complicate my cushy life and meet my now wife five years ago and get two dogs. Said wife wants children but don't want to raise them in a "prison" where they can't play outside.

So basically, my short term life goal is to find a safe place to raise children.

My real life goal is to live next to a body of water, own a row boat, catch fish and not have to work.

 

[RedViking]

**** no. I'm barely making enough to survive and pay off debt due to this cockdown. You can only build dreams if you have money - that's the problem.

If you have Internet. You have money.

Now wait...

What I mean is, the internet opens up the whole world to almost any opportunity you can imagine. Most of the time the only thing stopping us is ourselves. We were taught from a young age how to think within a box. In order to do this or that you need X qualifications or X experience. To hell with that.

 

[Inn3rs3lf]

I started to learn how to code in January. Gave up after two weeks after thinking it was difficult and I couldn't do it (This was only on CSS, mind you).

Lockdown came, and my business tanked (I am in security - not armed response, CCTV type things). We didn't have work for 9 weeks. No savings due to the economy going down over the past two years or so.

I decided to take up coding again. I have always loved websites and the interactivity. Design is something I can't do, even though I know what I like to look at, coming up with that is a different story. But who knows.

I was given a 6 months free tech degree from Team Treehouse. I have been doing their web dev path now for 3 months. Done some JavaScript, and JQuery and I am enjoying it. I seem to be a slow learner though, but I am okay with that...kinda. I am 37, 38 this year October. Age is an issue in regards to companies wanting a junior at 38-39 years old. But even so, using a few HTML/CSS/JS templates and bashing out some freelance stuff is something to consider.

My dream, honestly, is more to make my family happy and not have to worry about where our next meals/petrol is coming from. It's truly been a tough couple of years. I think that is my true purpose...to provide for those I love.

 

[RedViking]

I decided to complicate my cushy life and meet my now wife five years ago and get two dogs. Said wife wants children but don't want to raise them in a "prison" where they can't play outside.

So basically, my short term life goal is to find a safe place to raise children.

My real life goal is to live next to a body of water, own a row boat, catch fish and have to work.

I just want my Filipino island

 

[Smugs]