Being realistic..

After a great journey around the country I'm back to the familiarity of home.

Now that it's been more than five weeks since I resigned, I don't regret the decision to leave but I don't feel closer to making a decision about what I want to be doing (I guess there is no great hurry, right?)


A few years ago when I was considering career possibilities I basically ruled out everything I didn't wanna do and sorted through what was left. The past year and a half I was building up to starting a job that I wasn't sure I wanted and as it turned out, I didn't.

The other day I watched a fantastic youtube compilation of stuff Will Smith had said during interviews throughout his career.

Whatever you make of the guy's acting or music, he has come from the stereotypical working class background and through hard work and the right opportunities has become phenomenally successful as both an actor and musiciain. Check it out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLN2k0b3g70.

One of his memorable quotes was that "being realistic is the most commonly travelled road to mediocrity." I think that's exactly right. Mediocrity is not necessarily a bad thing, it just depends on how ambitious you are and what sort of life you wish to lead.

It got me thinking, do you have to accept that you will work a job you don't really like because it's the easiest and most societally accepted path? People who dare to dream are often shot down as unrealistic - sometimes they are.
But it those who push the boundaries of possibility that expand human knowledge and help us better understand the Universe we inhabit.

They say necessity is the mother of invention so it's probably good advice to take a job when you can, especially when there are not many on offer. However, I want to hold onto the idea that a satisfying career where I can contribute to humanity and live my passion is out there.

As an atheist, I believe the only life I'll ever have is the one I'm living right now. It makes me very wary of wasting time. What I'd hate more than anything is reflecting back on my years and thinking of the things I wish I had done.

At a certain point, holding out for that perfect opportunity or partner or whatever it is will be challenged by the realities of life. I think a good attitude to possess is not to think, "I can't" but instead "how can I?"