When I Grow Up
I look at those kids who at the age of four know exactly what they want to be when they grow up. I never was one of those kids. At least I can’t remember knowing, or ever being told about my childhood pledge of future occupation. One thing I do remember saying (or at least I think I said it) was that I never wanted to grow up.
Well I’ve accomplished that one…just imagine what I could have done if I had chosen a more lofty pursuit.
There’s definitely been one consistency along the way, and it is my total lack of consistently staying on track in one job or profession. They say it’s normal these days for people to jump around between different careers, but I really do think I’ve stretched the limits a little more than the norm.
But you see, it ain’t all my fault. I was born a pirate…and a gypsy….and some guy with a surferesque attitude on life. Or did I somehow acquire this personality along the way?
An interesting question was posed to me yesterday…why are you so anti-business? I’ve been thinking about it and still haven’t come up with the answer, but there is no mistaking that something in my past has fueled this aversion.
Maybe I wasn’t able to prelude the future and tell the world what I wanted to be when I grew up because my ideal job was non-existent. I think Jimmy Buffett knows what I’m talking about as he has stated “My occupational hazard being my occupations just not around”.
I’m a self proclaimed Beach Bum and still trying hard to make it a legitimate career.
This post is partly in fun, but also so very real. I am fortunate to own a business that I love, and totally enjoy spending my time and energy on it every day.
I may not have known it then, but I know it now. What I want to be…actually…Who I want to be when I grow up is Jimmy Buffett. Better known as a professional beach bum. Who do you want to be?
I agree.
I wanna be a rock star. Well not really but I had fun playing in bands for a lot of my life. I really wanted to be a Football player but alas things did not work out real well there. I really enjoy Triathlon and suspect that is something I will always gravitate too, as long as I can get on my bike and pedal, that is.
I was one of those kids that knew what I wanted to be while still in High School (Chemical Engineer) and made that happen BUT, the reason was not because the subject fascinates me, but because the career has allowed me to live where and how I wanted to live.
The beauty of this conversation is for folks to realize that there is no one right choice. What Darryl does is awesome and it is right for Darryl but that does not automatically make it right for everyone else.
What do you mean? I thought you were a Rockstar…..well, to me anyway. Thanks for your comment, Eric. Total wisdom once again.
Paul,
Breaker, Breaker 19, what’s over your shoulder good buddy. Any bears in the area.
Darryl, I would if I could. Health insurance is a big issue and a must is why I keep my full time job. otherwise I would.
Bethel
Daryl, I heard your podcast the other day about “your story” getting started. I was impressed. I decided to become an engineer years ago while I was on watch one night on the USS Nimitz. I got out of the navy, went to college, got married, worked in a shipyard, got divorced, got remarried, kids grew up and left home. All the time I rode my bike. At some point in time I got the idea I wanted to own a bike shop then I would always have people to ride with and have plenty of good bikes. Unfortunately, I have never been able to convince my self to take the leap. The other day my wife suggested we do what you did. Pack up and move south (we live in upstate NY). Give the bike shop idea a try, but alas, I still have bills to pay. The downturn of 2009 was hard on us financially and we are still recovering. Someday ……
Okay, Chris let me give it to you straight up. Oh, and thanks for writing in by the way. If you don’t shake the “I have bills to pay” and “someday” thinking you’ll never ever get there. IF you really want it, you need to fully believe you can make it happen and then just start moving forward. Otherwise it will always just remain “something cool I’d like to do”. Let me know if I can help get you there.
OK. I know, but therein lies the problem. I do not have the confidence that I can make it work.
I wanted to drive 18-wheelers when I was a kid. Well, I still want to do that, actually. I’m a geologist because it pays the bills. Lucky for me, I like my job and the people I work with, but I’d still like to be a truck driver. Maybe someday…
Yeah, yeah….become a truck driver. I’ll buy a CB Radio and we can talk trucker talk all day long.
Dude, that would be awesome.
Working on that for sure. I’m starting to design homes and if someone wants one to build they can purchase the design from me. I have a specific type of home I’m making plans for.
Retire??? hahahahahaha
Bethel
Good luck with it all, Bethel….I have faith in you, so just go out and do it. Oh, I was following a bus today that had “2B Strong” on the back…..made me think of you.
I get that some people know what they want to do from a very young age. While others take a little longer. But for me, I’m 42 years old and still have no idea what I want to be. As long as I can spend time with my family and have time to ride my bike, I’m happy.
You sounds so much like me, Mark….I guess that’s why we connected even though we’re on opposite sides of the world. Keep on living the dream, my friend.
I’d like to be a home designers/remodeler or work building wood decks, patio covers etc.
Even own a small town hardware store. Thanks to the Big box stores like Lowe’s and Home depot, that could never happen.
I’ve actually done some of these in the past. I’ve designed many homes that have been built and I’ve built several patio covers and decks. I’m going to start designing a specific style of homes and see if people will be interested in buying the plans and building them.
I currently own and operate a Mobile Disc Jockey Business for the past 30 years. Djing weddings, corporate events etc.
Bethel Strong
I think you should retire and just design and build for the rest of your life. Do it, man.