I’ve uncovered I’m never going to be an a CEO or Olympic athlete. I’m never going to be a Hollywood actor, famous painter, inventor or scientist.
a bit stuck. When I was in my teens and early 20’s at university, I used to be a bit naive and think I would
I'm 27 years old, in a standard role at my work earning 50k before tax. I’m in a relationship with my partner and we plan to do the standard get married have children and work to save and invest for retirement.
I feel do “something great” with my life. I read autobiographies of famous people doing amazing things and then compare them to my life which seems to just be bumbling along.
I’m having a quarter life crisis almost.
Anyone else been in the same position? How did you deal with it? What did you do?
You never know what's going to come up or what you'll learn... It's weird.
- At 23 I was with a band that had a few songs on the radio. I enjoyed playing music with those guys, but the rest of the business (other than the occasional great live show and the girls) could go to hell. The only part I miss is being locked away in a garage somewhere drinking beer and writing and playing music with those 2 other guys.
- At 25 some of my writing was published in literary magazines. That was sort of fun. But write for a "living"? Errr... No.
- I spent my vacation days in my 30s going to a place in Europe every year and the Caribbean. I still do that, but not as often.
- 36 started going to sci-fi conventions with my friends. We have crazy costumes. People want to pose and take their photos with you like you're a superstar. <-- This is a lot of work but a hoot!!
- At 38, I went to a ranch in the desert in Arizona and learned how to properly horseback ride. ...And visited Tombstone. <-- Amazing!! I love horseback riding now.
- At 38, I also went to Costa Rica and learned how to surf. It was fun but the amount of work involved in the reward? Fuck that. I was panting and my arms felt like spaghetti after only an hour. ...Not worth it.
- At 39 (!!!) was cast into a bit part in a TV show they were filming in town after a friend dragged me to an audtion. ("The Kids in the Hall".) Worst job ever!! Boring, horrible, dumb hours, sitting around for hours, catered lunches, wearing a stupid cop costume in direct sun in August. Fuck that! I wanted to go back to my dreary, air-conditioned, government work cube so bad. Seeing myself on TV in a show was cool, but the rest was such shite I vowed to never do another one of those.
- 40, I went to Memphis and Graceland. <-- Brilliant!
- 42, Swam with giant sea turtles in the open ocean. <-- Aces!
- 43, I went to fricken' Transylvania, Romania!! <-- Again, brilliant!
So, my point is that there's still an avalanche of very, very cool shit coming your way if you keep your mind open to it. My experiences with fame generally boil down to "fuck that!". I'd rather be on a beach, or travelling, or sitting on an outdoor patio having a beer with friends. Potential and fame and admiration can really kiss my ass for all I care. Have fun, be a good person, do things you want, save for them, don't destroy the environment. Next time you think it'd be fun to be on a TV show or be a great surfer athlete or something else mental, know that it's not for everyone. ...And not necessarily any fun at all. Maybe I could have been a TV personality or a rockstar if I seriously clamped down and pursued it. (But I would have been miserable.)