I’m a Canadian telecom engineer. But not for much longer. 
Johnny Oneiric
Shall I introduce myself as who I am now, or as who I hope to become?
In the near future… I am a fellow fulfilled, who leaps out of bed every morning full of enthusiasm for the day ahead. My work is an extension of my talents, values and interests. Some of my tasks are indistinguishable from “play.” In social settings, I gush about my work all the time.
I’m not a workaholic, no. I only work 40 hours a week. I’m just a guy whose work, interests, talents and values are in perfect sync. Outside of the office, I’m happy, relaxed and generous. That’s me… in the near future.
How do I get there from here? And what is this great career, anyway? What does it look like? And can I really give up my current trajectory, ill-fitting but secure, the one that pays all my bills and leads directly to a comfortable retirement?
In my present career… I am bored, disengaged, unfulfilled, not happy. Every day, I spend an inordinate amount of time goofing off. I put in just enough effort to get by. Evenings, I leave the office drained, discouraged, grumpy and dreading more of the same tomorrow.
Some days aren’t that bad. I don’t love my work but I’m good at it. I make a decent wage, I work for a good company in a growing industry. The barriers to egress are high. I’m comfortable.
How did I get like this? Is the job really the problem? Maybe I’m just a slacker with bad work habits. Should I just suck it up, get back to work and count the days ’til retirement? Could I maybe re-dedicate myself to my present career, learn to love it again?
This argument has been going around in my head forever. No longer. I can’t badger myself through 25 more years of work that I just don’t care about. Time for a sharp left turn. I’m going to look within, get really specific about what I love to do, what’s meaningful to me. I’m going to look out there, challenge my assumptions, do the research, see what the working world really has to offer. I’m going to design the perfect career for me, and then go out and get it. Starting now.
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About “What If Everything?”
This is not about resumés and interviews. This is about getting to know myself really, really well; breaking out of my comfort zone; exploring industries that I’ve never considered before; and designing the perfect career. By the time I actually apply for a job, this trip will be 90% complete.
I am starting this blog to put my journey out there, and to find others who are reinventing their working lives – or who want to. Inspiration needs a sounding-board (and misery loves company). Are you in the middle of a career one-eighty? Are you gathering courage to go after your dream job? Are you, like me, ready to pursue your true calling if only you knew what it was? Do drop me a line, I’d love to know you’re out there!
2 responses so far ↓
Morgan // February 9, 2009 at 6:31 am
Go go! Go Johnny go go go!
I say “keep the wife for life but change careers every few years.” Really. At least, if I had a wife I would say that.
Regardless, I applaud. Some of your words reminded me of the coworkers I had at AECL. They all knew the years, months, days left until retirement and they quoted it often to keep themselves going. “Only 32 months more.” Their advice to me had been “Run Away!” and so I did.
In fact, if was my pal Johnny who made that career change possible. At a minimum I hope I can contribute support as you make this journey now.
Petti Van Rekom // February 12, 2009 at 2:21 pm
Keep blogging Johnny. I can relate to your goal and am trying to encourage others to leave their miserable jobs and find meaningful work in a good workplace. However, with our economic crises and huge layoffs, people are scared. I will continue to support your journey.