So, a few days ago, I decided to change the bulbs in one of the rooms and in the kitchen. I had bought the replacements earlier and then set out to do the job. At the time I chose to do it, everyone else in the house was busy in the kitchen, so I started with the room.
Ideally, if it had been the typical screw-type bulb, it should have been straightforward. However, this was a whole new energy saver that required screwing the base to the ceiling before fixing the flat, round bulb onto it. I first had to remove the old bulb and bulb holder, then screw the new base to the ceiling.
I spent over 30 minutes battling with this. I was sweating, and my neck was aching from looking up for too long (sebi I am the one doing DIY, nobody kuku sent me).
By the time I finished fixing the one in the room, I was already tired and blaming myself for not calling an electrician. Still, the DIY spirit in me prevailed, and I went on to fix the one in the kitchen, with the assistance of others at home. It took a much shorter time, partly because I had gained experience from the first one and partly because I had help.
I learned a few lessons from this hapless experience.
First, don’t go at it alone. Even if it seems you’ll go faster, distance is better than speed.
Second, experience makes you better at a task.
Third, don’t underrate what others do. Even if they do it in a few minutes, it’s often because of years of practice, so value their skills.
Lastly, some things are simply better outsourced, especially if they cost you more in time than money.
Will I still DIM (Do It Myself) for future minor repairs? Maybe or maybe not. But I know I derive pleasure from the thrill of getting things done without calling a technician.
Do you have a similar DIY experience? Would you like to share your story or other lessons you picked up from mine?
Have a wonderful day. Cheers!
adewumioni 