When I'm Sixty-Four

When I was a kid, if someone asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, my response would likely be......

1. An Astronaut
2. A Formula 1 Driver
3. A Firefighter
4. A Doctor

Pretty normal response right?? Well, I thought so too. But apparently times have changed. I asked my son and his buddies the same question the other day, and without any hesitation, they screamed….

1. A You Tuber
2. A famous TikTok person
3. A Streamer
4. Mr. Beast

WHAT? (jaw on the floor and everything)

Somewhat disturbed and disappointed, I then went down the path of questioning how they would make a living with any of these professions. Much to my dismay, they had a prepared thesis:

Ads!

"YouTubers and TikTokers make millions on just ads." (I was starting to worry)

Subscriptions!

"Some of these guys have millions of subscribers, but only the Top Gs have the most subscribers and they are GOATed." (Beyond Worried)

Cryptocurrency!

"You can make sweet cash on Cryoto these days." (Now getting scared)

Be Like Mr. Beast!

"Mr. Beast does so good on social media so well that he practically just gives all his money away, so he’s helping people too." (I was now dazed and confused)

I had to stop them to ask them the inevitable question - who this 'Mr. Beast' was;? and the look I got back from the kids was beyond shock and embarrassment.

“He’s huge on YouTube! How have you not heard of him?? You’ve eaten his chocolate bar, Dad!”

“Ahh yes..that Mr. Beast with the great chocolate. He’s a great guy!” is what I responded, and then casually walked away as they moved on to some other candy-making celebrity name I hadn’t heard of, who was a big deal on YouTube.? Perhaps I shouldn’t be putting too much thought into a banter session with a bunch of 11 year-old knuckleheads.?Lesson Learned.

However, notice how easy it was for kids to talk about what they wanted to be when they grew up.? Although I did question their responses, they were so confident in their responses; perhaps even over-confident.? But kids are so open-minded and full of wonder and imagination.?As we get into the hustle/bustle of life, with financial obligations and a long list of adulthood responsibilities, we tend to lose a lot of this.? But why do we struggle with talking about what we want to be, or what the next big job will be?? Why is it so hard?? I dread it when people say “oh, make sure you know what you want to do next, that [leader] will definitely ask you.? Make sure you have a great answer!”

You know why I personally dread this perplexing question??

It’s because I don’t know the answer. I don’t have an answer.??

There I said it.? I don’t know what I want to be when I grow up, and I’m not even sure which industry I’ll be in next; that’s the honest truth.? For years this has haunted me, but I’ve come to grips with not knowing and not having an answer, and I’m perfectly ok with it. Getting to this stage was one of the most liberating things for me and it occurred when I started at my current company, where my new boss assigned me my new responsibilities, which were to “do good things.”

HUH?

First I was scared. Actually, I was terrified; but over time, this made more and more sense to me. I know my role will continue to morph with the needs of the company, and I’ll continue to take each assignment on with an open mind. I will do my best. I will fail, but I will learn from it and improve.?

Did I say this was liberating?? It is LIBERATING.? I don’t have a permanent destination. I’m going to hitchhike through the galaxy of work, take it as it comes and do good things.?

So, will you know what you want to be when you grow up?? Sure, some people know. Some know from a very early age. Some people find their calling later, and some will never find out, but that’s okay too. As long as you are happy, and doing the things that you enjoy, more power to you.

So when will I know?? Hopefully The Beatles have the right answer.?TBD.