Doing What YOU Want to Do
Posted on May 24, 2009
Filed Under Careers |
There’s a great line in Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull where Indiana Jones tells “Mutt,” a kid who keeps dropping out of school, that if fixing motorcycles is what he wants to do, then “don’t let anyone tell you differently.”
As a writer, this line really speaks to my own experiences. I spent most of my youth being told that I couldn’t do what I really wanted to (write), and so for a while I struggled to find something else to do. Of course, I ended up falling back into writing anyway, and when I did I discovered that I actually could make a living at it.
Of course, you still have to be realistic about it. It’s good to find someone in the industry you want to pursue, who can tell you both the good and the bad without distorting either one, so that you can make the most educated decisions about your career path.
Often schools will help you to do this. For instance, Tom Addis III recently spoke at a California academy of golf about the golf industry, and what kind off golf employment opportunities they can expect after graduation.
If your school doesn’t offer any opportunities to speak with people in your chosen industry, you still have other options. If you are doing an internship or have a part time job in the industry, of course, you will have plenty of opportunities to speak with others and get a read on the job market. You may also be able to find a professional on your own who is willing to mentor you or at least give you a little bit of advice.
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4 Responses to “Doing What YOU Want to Do”
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This is great advice. I have wanted to get in to sports broadcasting but people kept telling me it wasn’t realistic and I should find something else. After years wandering in college I find myself back at the Journalism school working towards a career in sports. Do what YOU want!
Although it is great to do and pursue what you want, I do think you should have a back up plan just in case. Especially in this economy you don’t want to limit yourself and find that there is no availability in what you want. You can always come back to it later.
There is so much to do in every field you can definitely pursue whatever you want. You can get in whatever industry and start at the bottom if need be. You may not make as much money as you want but you will get experience and working towards something you love.
It’s all about being happy! If you don’t enjoy what you do then it doesn’t matter how you are doing financially, you’re probably not enjoying life as much as you could be. Do what you want to and things will fall in to place.