I saw a post elsewhere that was just a picture of giant construction machines and I was like HELL YEAH and it reminded me of this story:
A couple of years ago I heard that a nearby city’s public works department was having a BIG WHEELS EXPO where they were going to have all the giant trucks and machines out and people to talk to you about them and I was like, amazing, sounds fun, can’t wait!
So, I make plans to go with my husband. I’m a 40-ish year old lady type. Somehow I was surprised that this was literally an event for children. I became wildly embarrassed and even though my husband was really trying to encourage me to have a good time I was like, nah let’s GTFO.
Anyways, I’ve since leaned in to the joy I feel from GIANT MACHINES AND STRUCTURES (it’s important to capitalize that lol). In hindsight, things like this should have probably been a pretty big sign that my brain worked different and I wish I had figured that our through my joy and not burnout.
I’m also a 40-ish neurospicy guy who had to burn out before realizing this. It sounds trite but learning not to give a fuck and instead “just doing me” has been such a blessing and confidence booster. Lean into what makes you happy! I like to think that those same giant machines were probably designed and built by adults who share your appreciation for them! Happy to hear you’re leaning into what thrills you.
My love for huge structures got me my jobs and I’m very grateful for that. I’m getting more comfortable being the weird goblin at work - people react positively to it and say it inspires them and their staff so that’s great!
In the new year I’m going to get to do more teaching and helping people learn the science behind their work so they can make better decisions. This means less weaponizing my neurospiciness in what is basically quality control tasks which is so draining because all I ever do is tell people they are doing things wrong and they fight about it and uuugggghhhhhhhhhhhhhh
Hah I can relate! My “special interest” wound up having a very niche application related to QC and ergonomics… essentially like you say, by understanding the “why” behind decision making you can help people make better decisions. I’ve been a professional nag before and it took a while to develop the skills to deliver criticism constructively… anyway if you’re getting positive reactions then keep doing what you’re doing! That’s really great!
Good luck with the new work next year. Here’s something else I learned which helped me turn the corner it seems like you’re approaching. Maybe it’ll help you: if you make it easy for people to do the right thing, they will. Easier said than done, and it requires agency to change things, and willing management, but if you can pull it off there’s far less of telling people they’re wrong because… they got it right in the first place.
Thank you so much! 😊
Reject the idea that adults must abandon the innocent things they enjoyed as children as “being too childish.”
💯
I will never stop playing with toys and enjoying things that give me a sense of wonder. Refuse to be shamed, become ungovernable
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Thank you for sharing, we could all use a little more joy in our lives!
Absolutely! I’m learning to let go of that.
That’s really cute lol. I’m glad your husband is the kind of guy to encourage you to still have a good time, too.
He’s literally the best, I have no idea how I tricked him into marrying me.
One of the best Christmas presents I ever got was when my sister in law worked for a winery tour company. One of the bus drivers also worked for a quarry, so she arranged for him to take me out and drive all the big trucks around the quarry while it was closed. I was in my late 20s, it fucking ruled lol
Your sister sounds amazing 🤩
Lol I had a similar moment years ago at a demonstration of antique mining equipment and steam engines. It was mostly children, with a few clearly neurospicy adults. If you’re ever in Colorado Springs, CO, check out the Mining Museum. They have lots of GIANT MACHINES AND STRUCTURES.
Neurospicy, love it (somehow this is the first time I’ve heard this, but it’s all over the thread, lol)
Thank you for sharing! I think I would love that. I’d also love to go see these bad boys: https://www.ferropolis.de/
Wow, those MACHINES are much more GIANT than the ones at The Western Museum of Mining and Industry
I have kids and one of my favorite things is renewing my love for “kid” things. We went to a monster truck event and I had never been, and I was roaring and cheering. And I remember watching discovery documentaries about mining equipment that was the size of large buildings.
Amazing! I don’t understand why these things are considered kid things. I’m not saying kids shouldn’t enjoy them, but why are we expected to stop? Weird stuff for sure.
I’ve run some events (science night) for kids like this and tbh it’s fun to have adults interested because you can talk to them more. Interested adults learn more and it can be really fun to talk to them and answer questions.
That sounds so fun!
I do less of this now but I used to do more outreach and talks for students about my industry. I love giving tours of facilities and I’m over the moon when people ask good questions.
I did something similar with a tram museum.
Still, I had a great time
I’m glad you had a good time!
You probably already know about this, but if you like giant machines and structures, you’d probably get a kick out of Bagger 293 and other bucket wheel excavators. They are some of the largest machines ever built, and they’re mobile, they have tracks and can drive around. This pic shows a different Bagger similar in size to 293, note the tiny tractor next to it
