by Silva Payne

Created on: November 06, 2009

Some of us just don't want to conform. The desire to buck the trend or live an unconventional lifestyle can be something that runs deep in an individual's heart. Often it can be spotted at an early age in the toddler who has an unusual interest in something specific such as dinosaurs and does not loose that fascination as they grow older. Alternatively it can happen in the teenage years when people start experimenting with new social groups, or even late into life at retirement when a person sells their home and belongings and buys a boat to sail around the world.

For most people, the security that can be found in the normal work-life routine is enough to keep them happy. In hard economic times, having any job at all, even one you hate, is preferable to no job. There is a reassuring regularity to going through the same motions for 5 or 6 days out of every 7; you know where you are and where you should be. Many feel that they have little enough control over their lives as it is, without adding the extra stress of an unpredictable lifestyle. If enough adventure can be found in going to a different hotel in the same holiday resort, or taking the bus instead of the car to work occasionally, then living an unconventional lifestyle probably isn't for you.

On the other hand, having an unconventional lifestyle does not always mean living dangerously. There are many people who have very normal and uncomplicated day jobs, but who turn into something completely different when they are away from work. The mild-mannered librarian who gives belly dancing classes 3 nights a week, or the office janitor who is a martial arts enthusiast and has trained with Japanese monks would not stand out from any crowd if you were asked to pick someone with an unconventional lifestyle.

There may be small giveaways however for these part-time unconventionalists. The tell-tale signs of an alternative life often sneak their way into the everyday mundane. Take a look at your work colleague's desk; is it the normal clutter of staplers, photos of the kids, empty coffee cups, climbing crampon, pens, folders.... wait a minute, climbing crampon? Could it be that Giles from accounts spends his free time as a mountain rescue volunteer?

Naturally, some people do not feel the need to hide their unconventional lifestyles from public view. This can make others feel a little uncomfortable if your particular personal passion is attending tattoo conventions as a model or if you regularly turn up to work

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