So here’s the question of the day: What do you want to be when you grow up?
Yeah, I know, I’m thirty-one years old. It’s probably a little late to be considering this question. But I think of all the people who’ve done great things with their lives well after age forty, and keep doing them up until their dying day. For instance, I think about Arthur C. Clarke, still writing great science fiction and pushing the frontiers of modern science to this day. (For those who don’t know, Clarke was the discoverer of the “Clarke Belt”, that special zone of space about 28,000 miles from earth where a satellite will appear stationary from a given point on Earth. You owe Clarke for your television broadcasts, many radio programs, and other inventions which rely on geosynchronous satellites.)
So what do I want to be when I grow up? Among other things, a philanthropist, a scientist, and a PhD. Not sure what in, really, but I’d like to involve law and sociology in there.
If you think that’s one of the farthest things from UNIX systems administration (my current career), you’re right. I’m taking “the long view”, and thinking of what I’ll be doing once all the kids are out of the house twenty years from now. I’ll be fifty, and, with luck, looking at thirty more years of fun, adventure, and pushing the frontiers of human knowledge. Looking at that perspective, though I’m probably at least 1/3 done with my lifespan, I still have plenty of time to make my mark on the world.
I heard two great quotes today, that are only tangentially related:
We do not inherit the world from our ancestors. We borrow it from our children.
Power does not corrupt. The corrupt seek power.
What about you? What do you want to do when you grow up?
so you wanna be a rock and roll star
Matt, reevaluating your career decisions in your 30s is not unusual, especially today. Look at me – I’ve spent the last 8 years spinning my wheels trying to be an opera singer, and at 29 I’m planning to attend law school, graduate at 32, and start a new career then.
My priorities definitely shifted in the last few years. I always felt that I had to be greatly invested in what I did for a living. But I don’t feel that way anymore. Now I feel that my job is simply something that gives me the resources and time to do the things in life I really enjoy. It will give me enough money to support my family comfortably, without worrying month to month where bill payments are going to come from, and will enable me to pursue hobbies like music on the side. It’s a win-win situation.
So, take your time. 🙂
— Ben Schuman Mad, Mad Tenor
When I grow up…
WOW, Matt…your OLD!!! Hehehe. I know I am 3 years older than you but for some reason I thought the age difference was greater. I still consider you the little brother that is still in his mid twenties.
What do I want to do when I grow up? Well, it has nothing to do with being in hotel industry. I wanted to be a CPA and also kicked around the idea of being social worker who helped children get a brand new start in the world. But alas, I am here at Choice Hotels International. I wanted a large family too but I have one special little girl that makes me so very happy. That’s it!
A nurse, but I don’t play one on TV
I think that it is possible to mix the dreams..
I finish Nursing school this week. For the rest of my life I kind of know what my Day job is going to be. I will be doing this thing that some people call noble, and some people dream of doing all their lives..
And its my day job.. its rewarding, its interesting, I’ll be pretty good at it, but its not what I want to be..
I am an actor, and during school I have had some good strides in that regard.. I just got cast as a Killer in a horror film and I will be doing that as I acclimate to the new job.
Matt was also able to be a dad, be a computer Guru, and be a Musician (yup.. either making videogame music – making him a pro composer – or teaching, or making songs on garageband, or becoming a rad producer) Matt has been doing something or another on and off along with being a good dad and running this site.
My point is this..
WHo you are is not defined by what brings in most of your money. Its defined by where your heart is. Everythign else is just what you do.
You can do both, I’ve done it, Matt’s done it..
Some thoughts on that
I had been doing a lot of thinking about what I want to do when i grow up. The hard reality i have been facing is that of supporting my family versus going after my dreams. It is something that i have not been able to find a balance with. I have just recently decided to go back to school to get my bachelors degree. It is something that i have started on a couple different occasions, but i am trying to keep my eye on the prize now and buckle down.
Ulimately all that matters is that i try to be a great dad to my children and that i try to offer them all the oportunities that they deserve. I think as we all grow up our view on the world changes as do our dreams. In a way i have accomplished many of mine by finding a loving wife and having two wonderful children. In a way what i want to be when i grow up changes with every passing year. As long as you are happy with where you are and have learned from how you got there you can never go wrong.