I fell into my career in design by circumstance and fortune, and certainly had no great plans to be doing what I’m doing now when it all started. My education was all geared towards fieldwork, language study, and sustainable development. I figured that eventually my path would lead me back into the university life as a professor. Yet here I sit drawing and making things look pretty on a daily basis.
Let me be clear on this point: I love my job. I would not be doing what I do if I didn’t love it. That’s just how I’m built. I’m not someone who can do the mundane droning jobs and find happiness and satisfaction. I paid my dues working those kinds of jobs when I was younger, and put myself in a position to (hopefully) avoid going back – you never know, life’s a trip and filled with surprises and unexpected turns and twists.
But right now, I wonder regularly if my efforts are actually making anyone’s life better. Does my job improve the world, take away from it, or as a third option, does it have a significant effect either way? I think I’m sitting in the third seat right now, just whiling my time away making things function. Of course I’m learning skills, honing my tools (take it easy dirty birds), and hopefully fostering the different talent I work with on the daily.
However, I am filled with a sincere passion for affecting change, and when that variable enters the equation, I can’t help but wonder whether I’m where I should be. No regrets though, for sure.
Honestly, ten years ago, I figured I’d be living in East Africa (or at least spending all sabbaticals there) studying/teaching. I have sketches for rainwater catchment systems and village planning diagrams that (I think) could actually help people live better lives.
Today’s not the day to make the change, for certain – I have a wife and three kids (two of which are very young) – but knowing that the fire is still burning is what’s important. Maybe I need to be sharing ideas at this point, and maybe the right opportunity will present itself. Hmm, what do you think?
Greg,
When pondering over some of life’s questions, particularily this one, you have to consider circumstances. I too think about my purpose, and if my work impacts others and makes the world a better place. The fact that you think this way is a step in the right direction. It takes creative people to create the jobs that do this, usually. If there is good in your heart, and your intentions are positive, the universe will move you in the direction desired, as your attitude dictates your life, typically. (I got that one from the movie, Mulholland Drive lol). We know that you support a wife that is fortunate to have your help to afford her life of working in her passion, and you have three happy children. You impact them positively and that’s a great reward in itself. The rest will come. Sometimes we want things to move faster than the universe allows. Keep sharing those ideas, and like-minded individuals will help you CONTINUE to make the world a better place. That’s my best answer.
-Sommer, the child bodyslammer
I really identify with your sentiments. Thanks for the insightful post.
I really identify with your sentiments. Thanks for the insightful post.