Art is a great word. It conveys so much meaning when it is thrown out there. There is an implication of a way of thinking. It calls for challenge to thoughts. Art makes people think about what they are experiencing.
Problem solving (also known as Account Management, consulting, engineering or “work”) has its own art as well – the same art that exists in programming and process design: Simplicity.
When I was still playing trombone in the Tech Jazz Band the constant call was for simplicity. Add silence to heighten the moments. Add softness to accentuate the hit. Sometimes a single note can be a solo. Not everything has to be busy and crazy.
Too many of us think that we have to look busy to be thought of as being busy. We fill our days with stuff; things to do. But stuff and things to do are not work, they are busy work that adds no value to ourselves or others. Being concise in the work that we do, or do not do, is powerful.
Take it to mind. When your full-time, salaried job doesn’t need you for 40 hours in a given week take it as accolades to your success and enjoy it. Don’t necessarily feel that you need to fill the rest of the hours. Your job will make sure to get you back later!