DETROIT CALLING !
A few years ago, a manager I know was visited in her office by the son of a business acquaintance. He was about to graduate from Harvard and he needed career advice about two worlds she was familiar with - investment banking and management consulting. The manager had worked in consulting before joining a consumer goods company and had many acquaintances in investment banking, so she answered each question thoroughly. She watched as the senior took notes but could tell he wasn't particularly curious about anything she said. Infact half an hour later, he thanked her politely and stood to leave. As he was doing so, he tucked his pad inside a folder, which was covered with intricate drawings of cars.
Wow, these are amazing, Who did them, she asked ?
Suddenly the senior was filled with energy, " I did- I'm always drawing cars", he said. " My dorm room is covered with posters and paintings of cars - I subscribe to every car magazine ! I've been obsessed with cars ever since I was five years old. My whole life I wanted to be a car designer. That's why I'm always going to shows and NASCAR races."
The manager shook her head in disbelief ! You've got to go work in Detroit, she said. " Why in the world are you thinking about consulting or banking" ?
The senior deflated as quickly as he had come to life. " My dad says the car business is not what I went to Harvard for".
She was not surprised a few months later when she bumped into the young man's father and he proudly told her that his son was working eight hours a week at a Wall Street firm......
I guess, over the course of years we all take jobs to meet the needs and dreams of other people- parents, spouse, teachers etc. That's not necessarily wrong unless you don't realize your doing it. Because working to fulfill someone else's dream almost always catches up with you. I know someone who became a doctor because his entire childhood his mother introduced him as saying "Here's my little doctor" !
As we grow older; Life and relationships get complicated. Very few people have the total freedom and independence to take a job just for themselves. There are tuition's to pay, spouses with their own careers and yes, inner voices saying what you should do with your life, even when your long past being a college senior.
Over the course of your career, your Detroit will surely call you at one point or another and Your Work will Fill a Large Portion of Your Life....If you can get There....That's Great !!! If you cant; Make PEACE with the reasons why.....
I wish someday, you DO Indeed Find your Detroit calling... and hopefully make that journey there......!
Cheers ,
Mitchelle