As a child, I often attempted to visualize what my life would be. Of course the litany of obvious choices were careers like: doctor, policeman, fireman, delivery man, grocery store owner, etc. The list was obviously generated by those with whom we became familiar, interacted with or saw on TV (at one point, I wanted to grow up to be a cowboy, thanks Marshall Dillion). What do do? What to do? Oh well, there’s time. After all, high school is coming up in a few years.
Then of course those “dreams” get interrupted by upcoming high school graduation and the reality that a plan needs to start coming together. The questions commence from parents, school counselors, friends and neighbors: What are you studying? What are you interested in pursuing? What’s your major? At this point the field consists of wider choices: architect, engineer, medical research, computer programming, space technology, business, marketing. Can’t someone just tell me what to do?? Pressure-pressure !! What if I just skip school and go into trades? plumber, carpenter, guitar player at the local lounge, trucker. If indeed something more “professional” is your choice, a college selection is now necessary. Big school? small school? in-state? out of state? reputation? costs? scholarship availability? where are you friends going? The concept of independence starts to emerge as you contemplate choices and realize that you have the major say in this next decision - and you have to live with it. As a result, more pressure builds ( heck, maybe I should pursue psychology) We make a decision and move forward. Hoping to be successful, educated, and with a clear road map to the mountain top. Along the way, we are introduced to other topics, challenges, situations and career endeavors. And with that, a spark initiates another interest that we hadn’t considered. If lucky, along with that comes an opportunity to experience something that touches a skill, knowledge or ability that we hadn’t considered, nor knew we had a propensity. Before we know it, we are aiming for a target that we didn’t even know existed back when “I just wanted to be a mailman”. As John Lennon said: “Life is what happens while you’re busy making other plans”. Don’t let the turns in the road diminish your desire to pursue success. I have been so fortunate to have experienced a unique career none of which I had envisioned growing up in Whippany, NJ. I’d never say that I wasn’t successful because I didn’t stay the course on my first goal. On the contrary, my life has been quite a journey and I owe it all to planning it in pencil - not ink.
5 Comments
Andi Hearn
7/27/2015 08:55:31 am
I agree, I have worked in several different fields in my lifetime and thank goodness mine wasn't written in pen because the job I have now, working with children, has filled my heart with such joy.
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Dave Force
7/27/2015 10:25:39 pm
Thank you, Andi for your comments. Appreciate your thoughts
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Bill Dittmar
7/27/2015 09:35:09 pm
Well said, Dave. I discovered that my life's treasure lay not in my professional career, but in my family life. Obviously one needs to support the other, but it was an epiphany as my career seemed to lose importance in comparison to the needs of my family - something that was anathema to my employer. I guess that my career choices were not well thought out in this regard. One never knows what direction their life will take. I'm happy for you that your work is so rewarding. I'm sure that the children you serve are blessed. Be well my friend.
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Dave Force
7/27/2015 10:27:13 pm
Thank you for your well composed comments, Bill. Indeed family plays a key role in our "career" and often alters it off of our intended goal, but at the same time makes it an even more fulfilling journey. Dave
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