I was at the local Cold Beer & Wine store the other day. Normally I go straight for the beer. I like beer. I like fruity beer, hazy beer, pale ales, loggersโฆ lots of kinds of beer.ย
But on my way to the cooler, I got distracted by the ciders, coolers and hard seltzers. Hmmmmmโฆ maybe I should try something different, I thought. And then I saw a package that looked familiar. It was a 6-pack of gin cocktails. Normally Iโm not a huge gin fan, but a friend had given me one of these a couple weeks ago at a picnic in a park and it was quite refreshing.ย
Proud of myself for stepping out of my comfort zone and trying something new, I paid for my gin cocktails and went home.ย
Later that evening I cracked one and took a sip.ย
You guysโฆ I donโt like gin.ย
I donโt know why I liked it that day at the park with my friends. Maybe it was because it was sunny, and I was hanging with some great people and I didnโt have a care in the world. Maybe it was because it felt good to expose my pallet to a different array of flavours. Maybe it was because the gin complimented the Greek takeout and honey cruller donuts we were eating.
But nowโฆ drinking it at home, in my living roomโฆ I donโt like it. I made a bad decision. I brought the wrong drink home.ย
And therein lies one of my biggest fearsโฆย
As you all know, Iโm in a major (not self-imposed) transition in my life: I need a new job. I would love to stay in radio; I know it, Iโm passionate about it and Iโm gooooooood at it. But there arenโt a lot of radio jobs in Vancouver so Iโm trying to broaden my horizons. Iโm looking at other industries and other jobs and other ideas and other optionsโฆย
But, you guysโฆ WHAT IF I BRING THE WRONG CAREER HOME?
What if I think I like something but itโs just BECAUSE IT WENT WELL WITH HONEY CRULLER DONUTS???
Iโm so easily influenced. True story, after I watched โTop Gunโ in high school, I sent away for information on flight schools. After I watched โUp Close and Personalโ I signed up for the Broadcast Journalism Program at BCIT. I have to be very cautious about what I watch over the coming months. My friend Jen doesnโt want me to watch Jurassic World Domination until I somewhat figure out my life.ย
(How long does it take to get a Ph. D. in palaeontology?)
But seriouslyโฆ what if I think I want to be a nurse and I take the classes and write the exams and then remember that I didnโt want to be a nurse at the Blood Donor Clinic, I just wanted the cookies they gave us afterwards?!??!?
(Note to self: lay off the donuts and cookies for awhile. Itโs clouding your focus.)
In all seriousness, Iโm not 20. Hell, Iโm not even 30. (And weโll stop there.) I donโt have the luxury of trying to โfind myself.โ I have a mortgage and a few kids. (Does a few mean three? I bet a Doctor of Palaeontology knows that.) I kinda need to figure out my lifeโฆ sooner rather than later.ย
So… Iโll continue to work on that. (PS any tips or ideas are VERY welcome!)
And in the meantime Iโm going to crack a gin cocktail, because thatโs what I have in my fridge.ย
I wonder if we have any donutsโฆ
(And no disrespect to the beverage I bought. The flavours are lovelyโฆ for people who like gin.)
Start your own podcast while you figure it out or are you already doing that? I donโt know haha
It’s on the list ๐
I like gin! I’ll be right over!
You will find your MOJO no doubt about it! There will be great things coming to you. Thank you for sharing your story. I had no idea you liked beer so much!
I’m outside, waiting… with gin…. when are you arriving!??!?!!?
I love how you write so much… lean into that Amy Ruth. ๐
Love you, Melissa Rose. ๐
As someone whoโs in the same boat Iโd say, take your time (Iโm preaching to the choir). The right opportunity will come up, until then enjoy the time with those 3 beautiful kids. PS. youโre an amazing writer โค๏ธ
You’re a source of strength for me during this time. โฅ๏ธ
So what if you bring home the wrong career, you now know it isnโt a good fit. You are in a position to try a few things out. Youโve got qualifications, people to back up and give references. You most certainly have great life experience. Youโre an author. You do voice work. You have so many qualities. You will fall into the right job at just the right time. I think like the gin, try shit out. You will know in your gut whether it fits – much like when a drink doesnโt sit well.
You have wise words, Kathleen. At least by trying things out I’ll find out what I don’t like!