Why Your “Past Life” is Never Really in the Past
“I get tired of these “Under 40” lists. Show me someone who got their PhD at 60 after losing everything. Give me the 70-year-old debut novelist who writes from a lifetime of love and grief. Give me calloused hands and tender hearts.”
Amen — And I’m 36! Thinking back on almost 20 years of employment and passion pursuits, I’ve been a photographer, bartender, server, babysitter, environmental fundraiser, event manager, children’s apparel designer, art teacher, yoga teacher, and let’s not overlook the (unpaid, but that’s a different conversation) role of mother.
In building this brand as a Coach and Creative Consultant, I literally draw on experience from every position I’ve had. And not just the obvious ones like photographer and apparel CEO either!
Bartenders and servers understand efficient multi-tasking, artful upselling, and service with a smile.
Babysitters manage big emotions, are skilled in conflict resolution, and creatively keep engagement high.
Teachers extensively study material and deliver information in ways that are best consumed & understood by their students.
Parents, whether married or single, working outside the home or in the home, are eight-limbed magical beings capable of basically doing all of the above simultaneously 😂🙌🏾
So if you aren’t in your “dream career” right this second, take a big deep breath and a look at the experience you’re building. It might not necessarily be something that makes it to your resumé, but in the grand scheme of things, your experience helps shape your vision — And that has true value in the world.
I worked the night shift (for YEARS) to make my daydreams a reality. I still am, in a sense. But when you own your hustle, you build trust that your path doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s.
Your path is your own.
Your vision is your own.
Your hustle is your own.