43 Folders

43 Folders feed subscription icon - Shiny!Time, Attention, and Creative Work. After 4 years and a lot of productivity pr0n, we’re shifting gears. Re-learn how to use 43 Folders. Then back to work. [»]

”What’s 43 Folders?”
43Folders.com is Merlin Mann’s website about finding the time and attention to do your best creative work.

What does everyone do for a living

What does everyone do for a living? Just curious. Want to see if I can relate to anyone and how GTD plays out in their work.

I am a manager for a restaurant.


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wood.tang's picture

I'm a stay-at-home dad who...

I'm a stay-at-home dad who helps manage my wife's real estate business while trying to finish a master's degree in creative writing. In GTD terms this means a relatively low volume of projects, NAs, and incoming stuff but even less time in which to do it, so my system is focused on knocking out all the bookkeeping and housework as fast as I can so I can write during my son's nap time.

MikeGreene's picture

My Corner of the World

I manage force structure for my slice of the Army National Guard. I also have a hand in mobilization, but not as much as I'd like (though I can see to potential for successful GTD).

My life revolves around activating/maintaining/inactivating units, maintaining lineage and honors (back to 1636 in our case), documenting stationing actions, staff studies, resource allocation, new equipment training, coordination with equipment manufacturers, schools and higher headquarters, training Army-specific software packages and, since it IS the National Guard, supporting emergency response missions within the State.

Add in periodic conferences (six or seven a year) and additional duties as required. And this year I need to do some professional education via correspondence course.

My biggest problem is managing frequent interruptions - many phone calls or emails contain a new Top Priority, which throws my fledgling GTD for a loop.

Regards,

Mike.

solidsnot's picture

I'm a Marine in an...

I'm a Marine in an enlisted-to-officer commissioning program. That basically means I get to go to college year 'round until I graduate (I pay for it, of course). Adapting GTD for a student is interesting and I haven't gotten that figured all the way out. It is coming together piece by piece though and I do see a tremendous future for it once I get out of here and back to the "real" Marine forces.

patrickrhone's picture

I am the resident "Mac...

I am the resident "Mac Guru" and Team Lead for Deep Desktop Support at Carleton College in Minnesota. Also, I have my own Macintosh Consulting business on the side. Plus, I was a full time single dad but am getting married in ten days so I guess I can't really say that anymore.

DINO's picture

I build community radio stations,...

I build community radio stations, and teach emergant technology.

My second job is I run a indie record label.

two.olives's picture

I'm a freelance consultant specializing...

I'm a freelance consultant specializing in the convergence of information technology and the accounting and financial needs of small businesses.

I'm also a senior at California State Univeristy at Fullerton finishing up my Marketing degree, as well as being in the initial stages of launching a small craft business with my future wife.

The old GTD methods I used when I had one job don't work very well for me anymore. I find myself with drastically different needs and motivations, so I'm still searching for what works.

rollasoc's picture

By day, I'm a mild...

By day, I'm a mild mannered software engineer for an pro audio company.

By night, I'm mostly doing music stuff for my band (www.hairthieves.com). Plus webdesign for the band and my possibly soon to be released own website.
At the moment I'm trying to get started back doing creative writing. (now I can see what things I can leave to find the time to do it).

So busy busy busy....

Rollasoc

dwmatteson's picture

My day job is as...

My day job is as a program officer for a private family foundation. (Basically this means that I read grant proposals and make recommendations to the trustees about what to fund and what not to fund. I also get to work with different school districts and non-profit agencies to help them get their projects running, then monitor their progress.)

When I'm not doing that, I'm an adjunct instructor at the local mega-university. I teach mainly statistics and research methods, but when the need arises, I also teach demography and social psychology.

Chrome47's picture

My day job is that...

My day job is that I'm a graphic designer at a small (but very fun and fulfilling) marketing firm.

By night, I'm an artist who loves to paint large canvases.

How does GTD fit into all that? Good question. I think a lot of it is being aware of what's going on when and where, and what needs to be done. I'd say the most important categories for me are @Errands, @Online, and @Work. Then I have a list of things to do @Studio, which will really kick into gear once I get my house hunting done and I'm moved into a new place, with a room designated to be my studio.

alia's picture

I work for a marketing...

I work for a marketing company. I do some event planning and alot of budgeting for the promotions.

 
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The Podcast Feed

Inbox Zero

The original 43 Folders series looking at the skills, tools, and attitude needed to empty your email inbox — and then keep it that way. Don’t miss the free video of Merlin’s Inbox Zero presentation.

Making Time

3-part series on attention management for artists and makers. Read Bad Correspondence, The Job You Think You Have, and One Clear Line.