Swinging on a Star

You covered so much here, it almost leaves me breathless. However, while I have had loads of stops and starts with my career, being a multi-tasker (like teacher, nurse, administrator, public speaker) which has not really helped me long term, I am happiest writing. I love the printed word and seeing my ideas come to lif. I also like research, which is partially related to my degree in the social sciences. Yet another winner, for you! You make this seem so easy, Jay!

So many thoughts on this one, love the humour but always something much more Money pays for the heating but contentment and creativity pay for the soul. 🤍

I like my money in my pocket where it belongs, then I spend it! I love this Jay, it's good humour.

I've never been driven by money. Kind of wish I was 😅 I like being my own boss. I like being expressive and helpful. I like learning and sharing what I learn. As long as I can do those, I'm good 😁

I have always been content, I guess. Sure - a lot of money would be nice, take the pressure off, and all. But I have ALWAYS just wanted to be happy. That prospect is harder than you think. Life does what it does, and we react. Writing for me helps alleviate some of the stress. I know I'm a little too feely for some, but variety - am I right? Thank you, Jay, for always being so genuine

nice message -- doing what you want for a living has always been my goal glad to know another kindred spirit.

When I eventually grow up I’m going to have a create Dr as a writer hahaha. Great article Jay.

Great article, Jay! Seems silly to think that we would have a career for life, as we are all constantly changing! I’m definitely not the same person I was when I chose a BA in Communications (although I picked it knowing I had no idea what the hell else to do). I had no idea what I wanted to be for the rest of my life, and I still don’t:) I’ve already been a couple things: an esthetician (do still dabble because I love it), boutique owner, art gallery director, content creator and aspiring author. My peeves are the same as yours! I need fresh air. I need natural light. I need nature! When I have those simple yet rare things you find in a work environment, I am the best version of myself and the most productive! Great read! 💫

I think the issue is that we force children to make a “career choice” fresh out of high school. A career chooses you, not the other way around—and it’s usually something you fall into with experience. You need life experiences. The brain isn’t even done developing until age 25. Teenagers do not know who they are or what they want. Putting them in debt for a major they’ll change their minds about, or face fierce competition for, is just cruel. We all have a purpose. That doesn’t mean we’ll immediately know what it is, especially with family pressure and societal pressure. People want to be accomplished and own a home and start a family by age 30, and they want to do it in this economy. It’s bullshit. Also, why do we teach children to choose one thing? That’s so limiting. The most wealthy people on this planet have multiple streams of income. My son wants to be a marine biologist, YouTuber, graphic novelist, and video game designer. I’m certain he can do it all. He can find a way to tie his passions together in a way no one else could. Meanwhile, his dad is trying to teach him to pick one practical thing to study in college (and he hasn’t even hit puberty yet). I think some adults want their kids to be as miserable and limited as they are.

Windows & fresh air. Preach it, brother.

Loved the article ,Jay. We are alike when it comes to cubicle work. Couldn’t handle that. I get claustrophobic in settings like that. I had a lot of aspirations growing up, including wanting to be a air force pilot and an astronomer. Never followed the path to either of them. Thank you everything you said in your last comment on the gravy train gang. I love getting to know other creators. I do enjoy the challenges, so my profile is full of past challenge material. I think you might enjoy “Greed” a non challenge piece that was inspired by a tv show of the same name. You would probably enjoy “Miranda’s purge” I had fun writing that one. It’s a mostly humorous story about an unlikely pair who end up helping each other. Can’t wait to read more of your stuff. I love the play on words you used when you said “I toss ideas against the wall and what schticks is what my fingers write about, through me.” Lol. So true. Have a great day!

Wow, I enjoyed reading that! So much in it, I will prolly need to read it again. Many thanks for the recommendation!

Yes, the work world has definitely changed; or has it? People may dress down at work but still strive to get the next promotion. I know very few people that have a job in what they went to school for. Good read!🙂

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If I didn't have children to support, I might already be living in an urn out on the street like old Diogenes...

Ever notice the 'Meteorologists' aka ~ Gorgeous T.V. Weather Women? Wonder what their degree majors were as their hiring criteria? Ooh, that's just me being cynical; probably the only one that's noticed? Yes, Jay, I have noticed and the hypocrisy of the system has been bothering my witnessing eyes and soul for far too long. Great write.

Brilliant! I am picturing this "professional" office, everyone dressed down and walking their emotional support dogs. What a mental picture! I used to live next door to a Walmart. In an attempt to avoid the crowds, I tried shopping late at night. I was amazed at how many parents drag their young children to the store for middle-of-the-night shopping excursions. These are the same toddlers often seen guzzling Monster drinks. So sad.

You're so right about career choices. My sister didn't want the career she ended up doing but actually thrived in it. She wanted to go into research but found (at the time) she needed a nursing degree - something she didn't want. She ended up being a "research nurse" dedicating her life to patients with AIDS. When 9/11 came by, she was thrown into research for anthrax and smallpox. She's worked with Drs. Fauci and Birx. She retired a few years ago with a fabulous pension. I, on the other hand, never had the opportunity for a college education and yet, ended up being a caregiver to people with dementia. Guess now matter what your given choice is, fate has other plans.

Lots of food for thought here, and a couple of questions that, for me, are easily answered. Pet peeves? Mean people. Irresponsible parents. People that follow blindly. Choices? I never knew what I wanted to be when I grew up, so I never grew up. Fortunately, when the career finally chose me, it was what I'd been doing for fun all my life. Can I make a living at it? The jury's still out.

Out of this world! (And forgive me, but much as I respect the mighty Bing, my generation only has to hear that song to think of our mutual crush on Evie!) The job market has truly changed many times over. On my side of the pond, some time ago the humble BA began to be steadily devalued by the growing availability of MAs, such that soon "graduate employment" would have been better termed "postgraduate employment." It's also an irony I never tire of that an English PhD at an English university equals unemployment at home, but go to Northeast China and you get the biggest apartment and can throw the best parties on campus! As always, J-Dog, your thought-provoking and absorbing article has sent my train of thought in all sorts of unexpected directions this evening! Please keep doing just what you do, for my sake and that of your other devotees below. By the way, how are you getting along with the other article we spoke of...?

Dentists and hair dressers know all, lol!! This was such a fun and thoughtful read. I loved getting your perspective on the clothing situation in professionals anymore. It's such a mix! Great article, Jay :)

Lol, dentists always do that! They wanna hear your life story while working on your mouth! As for the School Psychologist you dated, she's scary. But sadly, there are many doctors like that too. They treat medical aid as a business rather than a service.

I find that the more educated people become, the bigger jerks they tend to become (there are exceptions of course). My friend was great when doing his BA. Went off to Californi'ea to do more. Now PHD and unrecognizable. Lords it over those not phd'd. Not much of a friend anymore. So many fake ppl. World has changed drastically. Lots to think about.

Fantastic story. I totally relate to the conversation with the dentist, and I love when they ask you a question (chuckle, chuckle). I have sat behind a cubicle It drove me crazy. I had photos to feel like I had someone to talk to. Now retired but still willing to learn. @AgingWithKnowledge. Your story has me thinking. Thank you