I have no illusions that we're going to win on the corporate tax. I stopped trying years ago. But I won't help them either. Granted that with Shabbat my opportunities are limited but, for example, I've cooked a couple feasts for Sunday events -- only if they're free. And helped mind the gate (again on Sundays) -- only if the event is free. And so on. Since Sunday events are infrequent most people won't see the difference between "doesn't do that work because of Shabbat" and "doesn't do that work because of the corporate tax", but I know. And if it does come up in a context where it matters (hall-cleanup after sundown, taking reservations in advance, whatever), I'll bring it up in the discussion if need be.
All that said, as I've drifted away from the SCA the SCA has also drifted away from me, so it's not like people often ask me to do stuff like cook feasts.
On solitary time, I hadn't considered the effects of your work situation. Yes, that'd be big. (Has it really been more than thee years already? How time flies! Maybe not for you, but for me. :-) ) Online activity is good as part of a mix, but actual in-person gatherings are important too. It needn't be as organized as a weekly choir or a monthly gaming group; are there people (maybe the same group, maybe different ones) who enjoy a group meal in a nice restaurant or a group theatre outing or the like? Can you do something along those lines every week or two (or whatever frequency scratches the itch for you)? Are there "for fun instead of for a degree" classes you can take? Places you'd like to volunteer occasionally (animal shelter, food pantry, STEM tutoring, whatever)? All of those can provide predictable, regular contact with other people who share at least one interest with you.
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All that said, as I've drifted away from the SCA the SCA has also drifted away from me, so it's not like people often ask me to do stuff like cook feasts.
On solitary time, I hadn't considered the effects of your work situation. Yes, that'd be big. (Has it really been more than thee years already? How time flies! Maybe not for you, but for me. :-) ) Online activity is good as part of a mix, but actual in-person gatherings are important too. It needn't be as organized as a weekly choir or a monthly gaming group; are there people (maybe the same group, maybe different ones) who enjoy a group meal in a nice restaurant or a group theatre outing or the like? Can you do something along those lines every week or two (or whatever frequency scratches the itch for you)? Are there "for fun instead of for a degree" classes you can take? Places you'd like to volunteer occasionally (animal shelter, food pantry, STEM tutoring, whatever)? All of those can provide predictable, regular contact with other people who share at least one interest with you.