Here's to the people who see me in a way that I sometimes can't see myself.
As a Careers instructor at the Oregon Youth Challenge Program, it was my job to encourage young people to fit themselves into their career choice. I would administer personality surveys and help the students interpret the results. It was all pretty standardized and clear, shooting squarely at the middle. Some of the students would be relieved to find that what they dreamed of doing had low to no schooling required. Others got an immediate reality check. Nearly all of the kids that said that they wanted to be fighter pilots discovered that at least a degree in Applied Mathematics was required to start what would be an attrition based program. I felt that I was helping these young people find employment that would facilitate comfortable living. Let's face it. Our life is lived in thirds. A third of twenty-four is eight. You sleep for eight hours (hopefully), you work for eight hours and then you have fun. If everyone's entire waking life was fun, don't you think the world would be a better place? I do.
My own work history has been very varied. I did the run through the restaurant scene in Portland and in Bend. All told, I worked in seven restaurants or bars. I've done nearly every job you can do in a bar. I've tended bar, short order cooked, waited, managed a high volume kitchen and bounced. I once worked as an instructor at a military modeled high school for six years. I have dealt with the military both directly and indirectly as a contractor for a over a decade. I was a landscaper for three years. I was the director of a summer camp at a community center. I continue to teach deep water fitness...
There is only one thing that I do that makes me feel the joy that I think one should feel when they work. Theater. Not just Theater, but everything associated with Theater. When I am backstage, I am focused and present. Thinking about nothing else. Trying to do my very best, naturally. I feel an odd romantic thrill working in Theater. Currently, I am involved in two productions. They could not be more different. There is Pinocchio at Tears of Joy puppet theater in which I get to dress up in a terrific long coat and top hat. I get to do multiple voices and explore a physicality that I haven't had a chance to explore. I am thrilled to work with these very wonderful people. I expect to learn a lot. I am also in Animals and Plants at CoHo in Northwest Portland. This is a play that has male nudity, adult themes and terrifically tense moments while being one of the funniest things I've seen. I get to work with a great group. I am thrilled to see the level of aptitude and availability. It is amazing to me to be around them. I got to help finish circuiting and focus the light plot. My role is magical.
Here's the thing. I am not necessarily proud of the way that I presented myself in many of the jobs I described. Simply, my heart just wasn't in it. I know that co-workers and managers have reason to complain. That is, everyone that is not of the Theater. It is completely opposite. I am early to work, I show up prepared, I listen, I volunteer to do things that need to be done. I am the best version of myself that I can possibly be.
So, imagine yourself in my position. Maybe you already have... "Hey! That's me!" If you can look at my description of the ongoing discovery of the Job I am Meant to Do and say "Duh." Then perhaps I could look at you and say the same thing, "Duh."
If you are doing what you love, congratulations! However, if you are not, life is too short. If you don't like your job, quit.
You may be amazed at what falls your way.
