A career-path or a just a hobby? July 18, 2008
Posted by NettyD in Health and Well-Being, Lifestyle, Millennials, Theories and Thoughts.trackback
Growing up American, I’ve definitely felt the pressures to live “the dream.” From the age of about 19, however, I realized that this “dream” really is a crock of shiz. I began to notice early on that the people who worked ridiculously long hours, sacrificed their family ties, and who started to rack up clothes in their closets they didn’t even realize they had, not only seemed unhappy, but also really c-r-a-z-y!
And now, eight years later, my opinion about this hasn’t changed at all. And I’m glad.
Having said this, though, I am encountering hurdles when it comes to deciding exactly what I want to do as my contribution to the world. I have read many new-age books that stress the importance of the laws of attraction, and that life and its purpose will be revealed to me. Basically, I shouldn’t try to control my destiny. I believe all of this to a point, and feel that it explains why people who do try to control their destiny are so unhappy. But there are still parts about the concept I struggle with.
So far, what has been revealed to me in this life is that I’m very good at one thing: dancing. I’ve also discovered that I have a passion for writing and expressing myself. For me, these two activities have always been more about escape and release. But, if the universe has given me these skills does that mean I’ve been given an assignment of some sort?
My dilemma is that I’m afraid that if I turn my hobbies into my career, I will start to dislike them. By not doing what I’m good at, though, am I throwing away what I’m really supposed to contribute to the world?
Hmmmm.
I don’t think you are going to become a professional dancer but if writing is not only your hobby but something you are good at, you can make it a carreer and still love it as a hobby. Its simple, get a job writing about facts (reporting) but keep writing your opinions as your hobby (blogging). Let me know if it works.
Here’s what I think… I’m good with numbers. Like freakishly good. I can remember every phone number I have ever had. I know my mom’s driver’s license, and Kaiser card number. I have David and Liam’s social security number, and every bank account number i’ve ever had memorized. I calculate change back in my head everytime I give someone cash before they give it back to me. What good does all of this do for my contribution to the world? I hope I wasn’t put on this planet to be a bean counter!
On the flip side, I have a passion for nature (and softball). I love bugs, trees, rocks, dirt, animals, flowers…etc. I persued numbers over science because I would rather enjoy my environment than feel like a slave to it. If that makes any sense. Maybe I’m wrong, but I personally don’t feel like I have the capasity to change the world. So I live my life to it’s fullest, and try not to obsess over the things I can’t change. I know that may sound selfish, but the things in the world that affect me, I know I have very little power over.
I could write an entire blog myself about this subject. There is more to it than what I can post in just a few paragraphs. In fact, I don’t think I represented myself ideally with the little I have said.
I hope you find the answer you searching for, I know it’s not an easy task.
I think that being a great dancer or an infinitely talented writer are gifts bestowed upon a lucky few. In your case, I believe that you are a multifaceted gem and each of your facets deserves a fair shake at leaving it’s mark on this earth one way or another. What we do for a living and what we do to leave our legacy are not required to be commingled! What’s more: nothing is permanent! Explore career paths within your talents and if they don’t work out, find other roads. Explore your talents in a spiritual, unguided way independently.
Whether you see it or not- your blog is leaving your mark. It has made a difference in my life to read your “hobby” writing. Your contribution need not be grandiose, it just begs that you recognize it for what it is!
You are so incredibly mature for your age. I just emailed this day’s blog to my friend, Terri, who lost he daughter. Her daughter was in many ways like you.