I used to find it strange when someone said that their
personal reading time suffered because of school, or work, or social life. I
always found time to read. Always. Even if it was just for those few minutes
before falling asleep. I managed to do that through college, wedding/marriage
and a couple different jobs.
Now I work in editing. I literally correct grammar and
spelling for a living. For 40+ hours a week I scrutinize ads and listings,
looking for mistakes. It’s a great job, I actually really enjoy it! However…
for the first time in my life, my
reading has suffered.
I settle down, open a book… and start looking for errors.
Not on purpose! It’s all habit now. I find that my reading speed is slower than
what it used to be. I’m used to reading slowly now, scanning for mistakes. Even worse, finding mistakes in published
pieces! I understand that mistakes happen. (I work in editing/publishing for
heaven’s sake. I understand mistakes happen!) But once I find a mistake I get
thrown out of the world I was trying to disappear into. I complain to my
husband and usually just get a blank stare back. Reading is easy for him,
incorrect punctuation and improper grammar don’t bother him in the least.
The solution? (Well, not exactly a solution, but a happy
alternative.) AUDIOBOOKS. I’ve always enjoyed them, but now they’re a
lifeline. Within the first week of my job I learned something absolutely
delightful: My coworkers are audiobook junkies.
I will never run out of books to listen to! We have a whole library of
audiobooks here at work. We are even allowed to listen to them while working! I have
one ear bud in 90% of the work day, listening to books and music. My coworkers
are the same. It’s seriously a dream job. (Not to mention that working with
such bookish people is a delight in and of itself.)
Can anyone relate? What are your best tricks to continue to
enjoy reading? Share in the comments below!
