Swinging on a Star

Author © Jay Kantor

"Would you like to swing on a star ~ Carry moonbeams home in a jar ~ And be better off than you are ~ Or would you rather be a Mule…?" - Bing Crosby circa 50ish -

CAREER CHOICES

– What would you like to be...and WHY? –

Those working in fields with their degree majors, or even minors, can be a rarity these days. Many are hired just because they have a General-Liberal Arts diploma, thus displaying a higher learning level. Of late, most large companies prefer to focus at in-house training for their programs. Regardless, there is an ever decreasing need for related career choices, having nothing to do with their 'pre-set-goals'.

At the infant stage 'Tech' and online services was open wide - now it's the norm - Not to mention the highly competitive field of journalism within any venue, certainly.

My best subject was Philosophy: Kantor~Kant (Immanuel Kant "Practical Reason–Perception may not be Reality"). Dad said, in his always less than subtle fashion. "So, Big-Shot, can you make a living by having this degree?" I changed majors after this appraisal. Even honor graduates from highly recognized institutions, at enormous expense, are working far beyond their chosen career-professions.

Hey, maybe I could become a Newbie-Type Boomer ~ Influencer? But, our generation never called it that. We were referred to as Schleppers (Salespeople) Pitchmen or Barkers! There may be a current opening in that noted-diversified field? Same flavor - just different recipes!

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?

My Good Friend, Joselito, worked for my fathers' factories in his art Department. He did paste-up (before computer graphics). Such an incredibly gifted-talented painter, with a Master's Degree in Fine-Arts, and finally got a job as a Docent at the Getty Museum. Joselito said, "that's the closest I've ever been to earning a living from my passion. And although Docents don't get paid, I also work at Getty as a Security Guard, as long as I'm there anyway." Not a job that gets a lot of compliments! He has a terrific 'tude!

When you're really good working within your chosen career, work is not really work at times. Kind of like if you're a good bowler, you enjoy bowling a lot. My Twin, Lucky-Lar, Quote: "I still get-to-work!" Good for him!

– Not An Anti-Dentite –

After a recent visit at the Dentists' office, this came to mind: Very wonderful-rewarding feeling to belong to a profession alleviating people from pain. But, poor guys, they don't get to gab much to their patients, once "Open Mouth Wide" is announced – but, lots of sign-language! And, with everyone 'specializing' not a lot of variety in this 'job' category; although an essential 'healing-aesthetic' occupation to be proud of. General Dentistry is not so General anymore. Not unlike HMO's, referrals to specialists are not uncommon.

I once dated a PhD - School Psychologist. Oddly, she was the least 'maternal' woman I had ever known. She told me she was in it for the "easy money" (2) month yearly vacation, and the prestige – we broke up!

My personal pet peeves are, for example: No office without a window. No cubicle, ever. I need fresh air, as with my open floor plan home. Lucky-Lar likes the high-rise; not me!

But an odd incongruity. When you walk into his gorgeous penthouse office all 'Professionals' are walking around in huaraches~tank tops and shorts; with their dogs following them! This is just so unlike our generation's attire-presentable décor. We wore impeccable suits/ties every day; our uniform of the day: Dressed to present the 'Professionals' that we were.

Haven't noticed the once constant barrage of T.V. commercials with competing Men's clothier ads of late! When home, we wore the 'huaraches'.

"You wouldn't worry so much about what people thought about you...

..... if you realized how little they did!"

What are your 'Peeves?' What are your 'Choices?'

– Can You derive income from it? –

Jay Kantor, Chatsworth, California

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