Taking Stock: Thrill of the hunt (Chapter 46)

As the end of the month approaches, I find myself reflecting on the journey that has brought me here, navigating the professional world while leaning into my passions. For most of this month, I’ve been focused on my side hustle aka 'self-employment', that is enjoying the seasonal bounty of Christmas sales, and balancing the demands of self-employment with fleeting moments of creativity. It’s been very intense, but rewarding, and midst it all, I’ve found joy in small indulgences, like scouring eBay for treasures to enhance my quirky office space.

One recent find was a rare British Telecom Rhapsody telephone handset, a striking piece of 1980s design. With its leatherette finish and geometric styling. I imagine it sitting on the desk of a yuppie banking executive, a status symbol as much as a communication tool.

When the phone arrived, it bore the marks of its age, a patina from long use and poor storage. I spent hours restoring it, cleaning the leatherette, and bringing its charm back to life. It’s the little details that captivate me: the flush flat keys, a sleek departure from the clunkier models of its time, and its versatility to be placed flat or mounted. Despite its modernist flair for its era, it retains a classical bell ringer, bridging the gap between old and new technology.

For me, this telephone is more than a vintage collectable, it’s a symbol of the time I was born, a nostalgic nod to the world as it was before Teams, Messenger, and VOIP phones transformed communication. It also ties into one of my ongoing projects: building a mini home telephone exchange. There’s something thrilling about the hunt for these artifacts, each with its unique story and character.

This love for restoration and vintage design reflects a broader theme in my career: a deep appreciation for detail, craftsmanship, and evolution. Over the years, my professional journey has taken me from design roles that spanned focusing on branding and creative communication, to my more recent foray into workplace and FM.

My side hustle has been a saving grace, giving me not just some financial stability but also the freedom to pursue passions like restoring vintage finds. These moments remind me of why I’ve always been drawn to creating: it’s not just about producing something tangible; it’s about finding joy and meaning in the process.

In the meantime, the thrill of the hunt continues, whether it’s for the next phone to add to my exchange or the next chapter in my career. Times have changed, as has the technology we rely on, but the desire to create, connect, and contribute is timeless.