The Hidden Cost of Completing Every Job: A Dad's Boxing Day Struggle

ERROL PARKER | Editor-at-large | Contact

A local man has arrived on this Boxing Day afternoon having successfully completed every summer job he set for himself, leaving him with only the most difficult task of all still ahead.

Up before dawn, the 60-something was already outside watering what he described as a "stressed lawn", taking advantage of the cool air and the quiet while the rest of the house slept.

Neighbours reported seeing him shirtless in the half light, hose in hand, studying the grass with the seriousness normally reserved for long term infrastructure projects.

By mid-morning, he'd moved on to servicing the outboard motor on the tinny, stripping it down and reassembling it with calm, methodical precision despite having no immediate plans to take the boat out this summer. Sources say the job appeared to exist largely so it could be crossed off a mental list.

From there, the man continued to work his way through a loose collection of seasonal tasks. These included sharpening mower blades, reorganising the shed, checking the trailer tyres and making minor adjustments to a sprinkler that had not previously caused anyone concern.

At regular intervals he was seen leaning against the fence smoking cigarettes taken from his adult son’s overnight bag, staring out across the yard while the smell of leftover prawns drifted from bins. Witnesses say he remained facing away from the back door for the duration of each cigarette. The sun is biting.

Family members confirmed he was present throughout the day, though generally just outside, always occupied, and usually a few minutes away from finishing something that did not urgently need doing.

Experts say men of his generation were raised to measure their value through maintenance and preparedness, and often find unstructured time indoors more confronting than physical work. The most difficult task ahead is simply wasting time. The idleness of tired conversation is like being spiritually-waterboarded for him. Daylight is burning.

As the afternoon wore on, the man reportedly stood in the yard surveying his work, lawn watered, motor serviced, shed in order. After a brief pause, he checked the house, lit another of his son's cigarettes and began scanning the backyard for anything he might have missed.

More to come.