A question everyone should answer for themselves

Alan Watts has been dead a long time. I used to listen to him on the radio in the mid 70s and he was dead then. Seems like I've read a book or two of his ... but that was a long time ago.

I think you can take what he said too literally. His question was, to a young person just starting, "If money wasn't a consideration, what would you do?". He alluded to the idea that at some point your expertise could be marketable, and in the 60s/70s I believe that was probably true in a fairly literal sense.  But even now, taking a moment to think like that might get you closer to an ideal.

I pushed my eldest son pretty hard to get a pharmacy degree. But he pushed back and is now (after $120k between us) teaching music. I'm sure he'd rather just be playing his sax in a band, but this gets him close. My youngest was always fascinated with how shit works, and is now working on his masters in Materials Sciences. Who woulda thought, how shit works at the atomic level? We're all a little surprised.

Personally I've always had the luxury and misfortune of being self employed. I can think of dozens ways it could have been better, or worse, but mostly it's been a fun trip.

Ben

Such a great topic, and perfect timing for me personally....

I don't love my  "M-F, 8 to 5" job, but there are certain aspects of it that I do enjoy. I do "what I do" because that is where I can find employment...I have the experience, the certifications, and the knowledge base.
The pay is so-so, and could be better if I worked for another company.

I think the environment we work in has a lot to do with our enjoyment level.

A couple of years back I was laid off after my position was eliminated, and I had to re-think my plan and my goals. What I did as a job had become a large part of my identity, and I had to make some decisions about my future. I decided to go back to school and finish the degree I never finished, which was good - I felt more confident. I never liked school, but it was a personal goal I wanted to achieve.

I found a new job (where I am now) and then began to realize that my life is half over! Did I want to spend the rest of my days stuck behind a desk and not loving it?
Then reality sank in....if I have any chance of being able to retire and not be beyond poor, I am going to have to pay my dues and do what I can now, while I am still mentally and physically able to do it.

I think there is great value in doing what you love, even if you are not paid to do it, like said earlier (genius, by the way). It fills our tank. I volunteer my time in ways that helps me do this.

I was listening to Armstrong and Getty on the radio, and while they interviewed an author I had an epiphany....I figured out what I am good at and what I love. But to work it into a career/work option, I am going to have to go back to school. And I can't afford to do that without taking out even more student loans. If I can't pay them off by the time I retire, I won't get my social security checks when I'm 65 (federal law).

Not sure what I am going to do....but this thread has given me some insight.

-Cherie

Good stuff Howard, thanks for posting. 

Follow your passion, even if it's in your spare time.