"Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game." - "A Cinderella Story."
That was my senior quote. And it's funny that I chose it because I really didn't believe it at the time.
You see, my senior year of high school rolled around, and I realized how quickly things were going to get serious. So, I assessed my perceived career goals and I decided I wanted to be a Physical Therapist. And let me tell you how I wrongly came to that conclusion: 1. I wanted a job where I could be a mom. 2. I wanted a job where I would have flexible hours. 3. I wanted a job where I would be financially stable. 4. I wanted a job that was practical.
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You're probably thinking, okay, what's wrong with that?
Well, Physical Therapy was not a true passion of mine... I quickly learned that after taking Anatomy and Physiology my first semester of college. I also learned that by settling for a so-called "practical job," I was the one telling myself no. No to my passions, no to my dreams, and no to the gifts and talents God has blessed me with. And once I realized that I took a big turn in the opposite direction.
When I was younger, I always dreamed of being an actress. It seemed like such a fun career. And I was that kid that was anything but shy. I've never minded getting up on stage in front of a crowd of people, or being interviewed on the news, or giving speeches—it always just seemed to be second nature for me. I took on lead roles in my church's plays and then a few minor roles in my high school's musicals. To me, there was just always something special about performing in front of people, entertaining people, and just making people feel something.
But I never really thought that could translate into a career... that is, until this year.
I am now studying Creative Media Production and Marketing in hopes that someday I will be able to create, produce, and perform in order to entertain others. That has always been my passion. And while it may not seem "practical," I believe it is part of my purpose, and it is something I am choosing to pursue.
So here is some advice I have been given along the way that I am still learning to follow:
1. STOP settling for the "mom/family-man job"
No matter what career you choose, you can make time for your family. If they are a priority (as they should be), you will find the time to spend with them and make memories that last a lifetime. So do not allow that factor to limit your career choices.
2. STOP settling for jobs with flexible hours
My dad has always told me, choose a job you love and you'll never have to work a day in your life. Assess your passions, skills, and talents and find a job that will allow you to live those out. I promise it won't feel like work even if you do work odd/long hours. If anything, it will feel like you're being paid to have fun!
3. STOP settling for jobs that are "financially stable"
This is hard point for both men and women. For men, there is this overwhelming expectation to be the bread-winner. It is common for them to settle for a job simply because it is "financially stable," setting aside their own dreams for their family in the process. For women, especially ones that are single, there is this subconscious desire to be independent and to be able to fend for ourselves—it is simply a protective mechanism. Therefore, both parties tend to settle for jobs that may not necessarily make them happy but that will bring home the bacon. But as we all know, money cannot buy happiness! So don't choose a career for the money—no amount can afford true happiness.
4. STOP settling for jobs that are "practical"
Practical, conventional, normal. They're all relative words. In fact, I don't believe there is such a thing as a "practical job." In any job (or really anything in life), there are always risks. And sometimes you have to take big risks to truly follow your pursuits and passions. This may mean falling flat on your face at times, but after you rise again, you'll realize it was all worth it.
5. Stop telling yourself no
"The fear of striking out" is something we create for ourselves. In other words, our fear is the thing that keeps us from pursuing our dreams, not necessarily society or other people. We are oftentimes our own worst enemies. But you can change that—stop settling and start serving those around you using the gifts and talents God has given you. You'll find you're much happier when you find a job that pays you to pursue your passions.
If you and I can learn to heed this advice at a young age, maybe by the time we're 35 we'll be the generation that has no need to say, "Yeah, I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up."
