On Operating Portable, RF Adventures, And The Future of Ham Radio…
Someone posted a question on a forum “why focus on getting kids interested in the amateur radio hobby when you can focus on adults?” I have often wondered this myself. The respondent was somewhat dismissive, in keeping with what I’ve encountered when musing on the same thoughts. Middleagers, midlife crisis-ers, empty-nesters, recent divorcees…you know, people with both time and cash available for a hobby that requires both time and cash? It makes perfect sense to me that this is the real core target demographic of a ham radio recruitment campaign. Don’t get me wrong, getting kids interested in RF is important and leads to some extremely impressive careers for those that latch on to its STEM possibilities. But, those who have already climbed their own social-economic ladders and who are finding themselves plateauing, or maybe even on the downslope, are the ones really looking to latch on to a new hobby.
The 2020s are off to a rough start. I am one of the “essential” workers that did not work from home during the pandemic. I am not complaining, just setting the stage. The critical work that I am a part of needs to continue regardless of any interference, including worldwide catastrophes. In fact, not only did I go into the office nearly every single day, last week was my first vacation in over a year. While I like to showcase the radio fun I have on this blog, I believe in balance…I work just as hard as I play. And what a mind-numbingly crazy year (two years) it’s been, right? Who would argue that it feels like we’ve been collectively poured out of a blender? But you know what got me through it relatively intact? Not booze…I am a well-established teetotaler. Ham Radio.
Do you think I am alone in wanting–correction needing–an escape from what modern society has become? Do you think I am the only one who has dove headfirst into an activity that helps the ills of the world fade into the background, if only momentarily? I think it would be hard to find anyone at all who does not need a retreat of some sort these confusing days. The problem is finding respite that is entertaining, engaging, healthy, wholesome, and accessible. It’s easy to find activities that provide a temporary neuroendocrine fix (talking about you dopamine and adrenaline!) that will ultimately leave you a lot worse off than when you started. One of the things I love about ham radio is that it is a constructive pursuit…building community along with communication experience (and antennas!) Add in that portable radio provides a means for exercise and mental muscle flexing and you have a perfect hobby for the midlifer.
I would argue that it is really Gen-X’s turn to become ham radio operators. We are at the right time of our lives to take on something new. We are also the last of an untethered type that grew up with the “Be home at suppertime!” philosophy. We wandered freely, largely unwatched and unmonitored, roaming through our neighborhoods (and beyond) on bikes and on foot, knowing all the nooks, crannies, and secrets of the terrain around us. With portable ham radio, I am still a kid.
Truly,
KM1NDY