On the one hand, I'll miss your crazy adventure watch "reviews" - I don't know who the young lions are but to me that was a niche you owned, and to be frank it elevated Hodinkee.
On the other hand, as a fan of your other work, I'm excited to see what's next.
Mostly though, on the human level, it's pretty awesome to see. You've inspired me to dust off the first 3 chapters of a novel I started a while back.
Great read. This really hit home. In my field (medicine), I was told there was one way to get there: graduation college --> med school --> residency --> fellowship --> career etc. I learned along the way of people who took a more circuitous route. They took time off after college to work as a medic. Or a wilderness guide. Switched residency programs. Went to fellowship after working for years in general medicine. One of my only regrets is that I did not take a less direct route to get to my ultimate career position. Once I was on the train, I couldn't get off. Letting go of what you are comfortable doing is hard and I applaud your resolve.
Great perspective! As a similarly aged guy, I completely understand the above board realization that some of the things you used to be the ‘best’ at, you no longer are. Either from age or desire. But, experience is a wonderful thing, old age and treachery...
I’d recommend David Epstein’s book Range. Excellent, scientific, insight into how society tends to create experts instead of all rounders. And how people who discover their true calling later in life are often most successful and happy.
As always, thanks for all the excellent content! By the way, any chance for some of the Depth Charge merch from the Lake Monster event to be available online?
I applaud your decision, Jason, and want to thank you for the dive watch content that I’ve idled over for the last few years. I’ve 10 days vacation coming up starting next weekend and Depth Charge is coming along. Looking forward to a rollicking great read! Safe travels, mate.
I really hope the occasional dive watch review pops up on Swimpruf. You really nailed them on Hodinkee and that site has a huge Jason Heaton sized hole in the reviews department.
As much as I’ll miss the reviews and dive stories, it’s good to see you evolve and change. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this newsletter and Depth Charge was a fantastic read. I can’t wait to see what’s next.
One door closes and another opens. The good news is you’re the one holding the door knob. That means it’s on your terms. And for the right reasons. If the quality of your first novel is any indication, you’re definitely on the right path. Best wishes going forward!
Good post Jason. I am your age and the idea of "making a switch" vs actually doing it can seemingly be vast and risky, or difficult. Good on you for making it happen.
Congratulations Jason, I think this makes so much sense. All that you’ve done so far has got you to where you are and there are wonderful records of it, but the work you’re doing right now feels like it’s authentic to how you feel, and that’s so important (as I learn more and more). Really looking forward to all that comes next. But would also love to hear you as a late night jazz DJ too!!
So happy to read this! From my point of view you are primary a novelist, now. I've had a lot of joy with Depth Charge, waiting for the next book. Your attitude is an inspiration for changes in my own life.
I relate to this very strongly. I don’t do well with being bored for long. It’s probably why I’ve not stuck with a few hobbies I’ve tried for too long.
Whenever you feel like hanging up diving watch reviews for good, let me know. I’ll be happy to take that responsibility on! 🍻
On the one hand, I'll miss your crazy adventure watch "reviews" - I don't know who the young lions are but to me that was a niche you owned, and to be frank it elevated Hodinkee.
On the other hand, as a fan of your other work, I'm excited to see what's next.
Mostly though, on the human level, it's pretty awesome to see. You've inspired me to dust off the first 3 chapters of a novel I started a while back.
I will the first to admit I had no idea what FOMO meant.
God bless you!
Just remember, I am a geezer.
How did the book signing go? I haven’t been to anything like that in 2 years!
Best wishes,
JR
Great read. This really hit home. In my field (medicine), I was told there was one way to get there: graduation college --> med school --> residency --> fellowship --> career etc. I learned along the way of people who took a more circuitous route. They took time off after college to work as a medic. Or a wilderness guide. Switched residency programs. Went to fellowship after working for years in general medicine. One of my only regrets is that I did not take a less direct route to get to my ultimate career position. Once I was on the train, I couldn't get off. Letting go of what you are comfortable doing is hard and I applaud your resolve.
Great perspective! As a similarly aged guy, I completely understand the above board realization that some of the things you used to be the ‘best’ at, you no longer are. Either from age or desire. But, experience is a wonderful thing, old age and treachery...
I’d recommend David Epstein’s book Range. Excellent, scientific, insight into how society tends to create experts instead of all rounders. And how people who discover their true calling later in life are often most successful and happy.
As always, thanks for all the excellent content! By the way, any chance for some of the Depth Charge merch from the Lake Monster event to be available online?
That first line made me gasp like when the Beatles broke up! Okay I’m not quite that old but I’m sure people gasped…
I applaud your decision, Jason, and want to thank you for the dive watch content that I’ve idled over for the last few years. I’ve 10 days vacation coming up starting next weekend and Depth Charge is coming along. Looking forward to a rollicking great read! Safe travels, mate.
I really hope the occasional dive watch review pops up on Swimpruf. You really nailed them on Hodinkee and that site has a huge Jason Heaton sized hole in the reviews department.
As much as I’ll miss the reviews and dive stories, it’s good to see you evolve and change. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this newsletter and Depth Charge was a fantastic read. I can’t wait to see what’s next.
One door closes and another opens. The good news is you’re the one holding the door knob. That means it’s on your terms. And for the right reasons. If the quality of your first novel is any indication, you’re definitely on the right path. Best wishes going forward!
Very exciting news! Looking forward to what the next chapter (pun unreservedly intended) brings!
Good post Jason. I am your age and the idea of "making a switch" vs actually doing it can seemingly be vast and risky, or difficult. Good on you for making it happen.
Nice scratch Jason, I hope your follow up novel is coming soon.
Congratulations Jason, I think this makes so much sense. All that you’ve done so far has got you to where you are and there are wonderful records of it, but the work you’re doing right now feels like it’s authentic to how you feel, and that’s so important (as I learn more and more). Really looking forward to all that comes next. But would also love to hear you as a late night jazz DJ too!!
So happy to read this! From my point of view you are primary a novelist, now. I've had a lot of joy with Depth Charge, waiting for the next book. Your attitude is an inspiration for changes in my own life.
I relate to this very strongly. I don’t do well with being bored for long. It’s probably why I’ve not stuck with a few hobbies I’ve tried for too long.
Whenever you feel like hanging up diving watch reviews for good, let me know. I’ll be happy to take that responsibility on! 🍻
Your money or your life. Choose wisely. Thanks for reminding us, Jason.
Thanks for explaining FOMO. Have read it before, now I know what it means.
As always, a good read, because I enjoy your writing style, irrespective of the content. I guess this qualifies for me as ‚author‘…