It's still quite a long ways off, and, of course, I run a risk of things changing in the intervening time, but, after thinking on this for some time now, I do think it's prudent to put this out there. I intend to, in 2024 and for the foreseeable future beyond it, take much more of a backseat role in the community. Truth be told, at that point, I think I'll have offered about all I have to offer in formal positions, and I suspect I'll be devoting more time to other activities, as well.
Now, to be clear, this isn't a plan to retire from the community entirely! Let's be honest. That wouldn't happen, and any such post implying a retirement for me would join the long and storied history of folks making retirement posts and then jumping back in six months later. I'd still stay on in some positions, like SW Director, and I'd probably keep joining ACs, but... well, I probably won't be running for anything anymore, at that point, and I doubt I'll be hosting any big projects.
I feel like, by 2024, I'd like to have more of a casual presence - still around, still involved, but in a more of a reduced, backseat role, flitting between projects, offering advice, maybe doing more varied and smaller projects, and generally just being able to support endeavors informally, that kind of thing.
So with that being so far off into the future, what value could making this post now possibly have? I'm making this post now because,
1) I really want to encourage more folks to get more deeply involved in some of the community's activities, if they've gained anything from them, because I do believe there's a lot of talent here than can take the reins! Your taking part in and contributing to something is what makes the difference between something you enjoy and appreciate continuing on and coming to an end - and that's not specific to the community; that's general life advice! Make a habit of giving some time and energy to the causes, organizations, and even the for-fun projects in the communities you find yourself in, because, seriously, just a couple people choosing to put forth the effort to get the ball rolling often makes all the difference. So, you know, if you've been in this community and it's brought you joy, and you want to keep that going for yourself and for other people, I really want to encourage you to get involved - join the long-time projects and traditions around, make art, make silly Mindless Junk threads, all that - and especially consider these things for next year and beyond.
2) I also say it now, because, honestly, if I don't commit now, I'll probably end up agreeing to do something in 2024 sometime in, like, July, and I just don't think that's the best outcome for anyone. I'm liable to agree to requests and nudges in the moment! I just know that I'm not going to be the right fit for big projects next year, and it's better to establish that up-front when you know it, so as not to waste any time or raise any hopes, y'know?
Anyhow, like I said, I'm not going anywhere, not now, not in a year from now, but, yeah, there's, overall, the direction I intend to head in the long-run - a different, more backseat role. That's for next year, though, not this one! For this year, I'm giving it full steam still!
