Career Paths

Peter and I watched a show where the ne’er do well son was once again disappointing his family.

In one of my funnier peanut gallery moments I said, “Look! He’s fulfilling every parent’s dream. After years of education and ample opportunities, he’s become a DJ. Can’t get much better than that, unless of course he becomes a yoga teacher as well.”

Those DJ’s and yogis who know me, know that I find myself very funny. They also know that I have a deep respect for anyone who loves what they do.

Admittedly, I get a kick out of some of the less conventional career paths. Probably because there are so many out there that I never paid attention to before. Or maybe because I’ve had a number of them.

Actors, teachers, nurses, writers, artists, mechanics, gardeners, restaurant staff, driveway restorers, yogis, athletes, researchers, curators, health care providers, craftsmen, DJ’s, veterinarians, UPS and bus drivers, sports professionals, resort workers, town officials, and tour guides have something in common. Their income doesn’t often reflect the benefits, passion, commitment, and effects of their endeavors onto others.

Don’t stop reading!

I’m not going to pontificate on inequality of pay or how I’ve never managed to get health insurance as part of my employment status. (That fault is mine. I’ve made my choices.)

I’m by no means knocking those with more traditional, better payed occupations. My aim is to clarify that we all do what we do so that we can do what we want to do. I may be speaking for myself but let’s say I’m not.

Because I hadn’t seen the UPS man around town for awhile, I asked if he was switching his route. “I had a substitute last month while I was on vacation and I have two more weeks coming up in July. We’ve been hiking the Long Trail and only have 25 miles to go. I live for that” he replied.

You could have pushed me over with a feather.

Why do you do what you do? Does it allow you to do what you want to do? Are you improving the quality of life for yourself and others? I’m willing to bet you are if you get some satisfaction out of what you do do.

(Yes, it makes sense to read that last paragraph again, just for fun.)

Namaste- everyone has the possibility to make ones day.