I was walking and talking in the teachers' lounge. I am a Dutch teacher at a school. My dad was there too, proud of me (teacher in real life). My old friend and I reconnected because he was a teacher as well.
I felt important and loved.

This was my dream before I woke up this morning. Now the reality:

1. Me as a Dutch teacher is ironic - probably the last thing I would ever become. Even an English teacher would've been more realistic, while I don't even speak English, but retorlanguage.
2. My dad is extraordinarily disappointed in me. He can't hide it.
3. My friend does not want to have anything to do with me anymore.

The feelings I felt in my dream were real - feelings I hadn't had for years. And it felt good.

The solution is very simple: go back to work again. You will get that for sure. But I'm older and wiser now, and I've learned that there is no such thing as being important. It is just a fake feeling.

Look around in your life - all the moments you think you were important. All those moments are passed. You moved on, and the people you left behind are doing just great without you. I don't fall for that trap anymore.

Even while I know it's fake, there is a real feeling.

I decided not to work anymore for a decade or so. It's a luxury that many people would dream of. I think if you would win the lottery and quit your job, you would feel the same. You will find what is important in life.

I know - nothing more pathetic than sharing a dream 😅 - but some people do not have much more in life. A dream about having a regular job.