How to find a career when all you can do is nothing.
Finding a career has been the biggest headache of my adult life. Sometimes I feel like this burden is singularly mine but at other times it seems so self-evident that practically no one seems to enjoy their job.
I life in Hong Kong and the vast majority of expats here have “careers” not “jobs”. They’ve traveled long runways, studying hard to become lawyars and bankers. Many of them seem highly motivated by the pursuit of money. There’s nothing inherently wrong with that — unless you’re Bernie Madoff — rest his soul, but, for better and generally worse, it’s never been my primary motivator.
I suppose I’m an artist — though in typical artist fashion — I don’t see myself worthy of that title which I’ve relegated to the status of legends such as Michelangelo, Gustav Klimt and Mark Rothko. I love the idea of creation but when it comes down to it, I’m not very good at it or at least I lack the follow-through necessary to get anything worthwhile out there.
I think I’ve always seen the best artists at “good at art and also good at marketing”.
In the end, I became a DJ which is the perfect career for someone like me. It gives the impression of being artistic without the requiring the follow through of a true artist.
Now, trying to find a new career is really a headache. Being 45, I feel like it’s too late. Ever had that feeling? What could I possibly do that would would make a difference in people’s lives and won’t take inordinate amounts of time to learn and get better at and at the same time will give me a livable income without requiring me to work too hard?
There must be something out there that fulfills these criteria. Enter — WRITING!
Let’s see how this goes.
