My entire career has been in manufacturing, which can be very difficult and demanding and unpleasant work. I can't count the number of times over the decades I found myself thinking, "There has to be a better way to make a living."
As I now write and speak about manufacturing, and host a web show and podcast about it, I guess there was a certain level of passion there too. But it was rarely if ever about "doing what I loved."
What I definitely love (yet oftentimes also hate, because it can be painful) is bicycling, which I started as a young teen. Many times in the early years I thought I'd love racing, but I didn't have the time or money until I finished college and got a good-paying job (yes, in manufacturing).
I began racing and was soon training with a couple of the best amateur bicycle road racers in the country. I won some races, including a state championship at the lowest ranking.
And I discovered that, even at that low level, bicycle racing was already a second full-time job, and it was EXHAUSTING. I wound up scaling back, doing some on-again, off-again mountain bike racing, and finding the joy of it again. Eventually I stopped racing entirely and just rode for fun and fitness again, because that's where the joy was for me.
If I had made it my career I would have been miserable.
My husband has had a passion for a zillion things (stock car racing, car mechanics, military jet flying, weather forecasting, sign lettering, firefighting/rescue work, submarines, wood working). He worked as a car mechanic for a short time, was a volunteer firefighter/EMT for many years which led to a full-time job as a 911 dispatcher (he started before 911 and adapted to the new technology which led to a love of many things computer), meanwhile developing his love for graphic lettering and his customer base of emergency services vehicles which he has now as his only full time job at the age of 72. He specializes in hand lettered gold leaf but does mostly vinyl reflective since that's what is "cool". He and another young man have developed a particular method of hand lettered engine turned leaf on vinyl that looks like it's been done by hand on the truck.
He loved his job as a dispatcher most of the time because he understood its value to the community but had begun to detest the attitude of administration and government management which led to him taking early retirement in 2007. I know he'd not be able to deal with the type of people they hire today.
He really likes lettering vehicles, is absolutely proud of his work when he's done with a job and the firefighters are pleased or he sees a truck he's lettered on the news or drive by on the street. The pressure of work that needs to be done, the amount of work waiting (although people are willing to wait months for him to get to them), is what bothers him mostly. I'm glad he's found something that he does love, has a passion for, and does support us financially. We're not rich but we're happy and have great customers and lifelong friends.
I read Newport’s books in college and found them tremendously valuable in improving my mindset as I entered the workforce. This is a good reminder to pick them up again… looking forward to that portion of the curriculum.
I have one final comment as we wrap up with Dr. Frankl. As you may remember from a comment of mine a few months ago, I and dear friends of mine and our whole community are still grappling with the tragic loss of a young man we all loved, who passed away unexpectedly (with still no good explanation of what happened) on Christmas morning.
I have taken great comfort in this comment by Frankl: “By the same token, however, it had become clear as well that a life of short duration… could be so rich in joy and love that it could contain more meaning than a life lasting eighty years.”
“Follow your dreams; Follow your Heart” Disney’s stalwart mantra! JFK’s “ Ask not…… but what can you do for your country.” Thank you for your essay, Prof. B. Great topic at Memorial Day.
I have a 14yo daughter; we talk about consequences, safety, speaking up when others won’t, etc. She knows to tie up her hair before so much as entering workshop to shut off the light. Parents’ job is to educate and, above all, lead by example.
I stand by my prior post; photograph used is negligent and propagates ignorance.
Photo selected for this article is both woke and dangerous, enough so that editor/author should change it.
Fine, show a woman measuring something with “very wrong” lighting, which in a real shop would be cast ‘down’ and focused expressly on rotating tool, putting her face in shadow, except maybe the chin.
But, the unforgivable error is showing ANYONE with such long hair and loose-fitting clothing (especially her sleeves) around rotating, high power tools - very gory and fatal consequences do not discriminate on gender, which is why that’s against Shop Safety 101.
As a former volunteer firefighter/EMT I totally agree. I have always had long hair and ALWAYS have a hair tie on my wrist so my hair can be tied up whenever I'm around anything that could cause my hair to be in the way of danger, including - dogs/cats, driving with windows down, tools and machines, cooking, babies/toddlers, yard work, firefighting, working on cars, carpentry, house work, etc. And I agree about the loose sleeves, long sleeves and loose clothing.
I was the fire education instructor for our county and taught these ideas to kids and senior groups for years. Lots of people are injured and killed by ignoring these rules. This photo is "cute" and makes her look attractive, but it's a bad message to females or males with long hair who think that it's ok to work in shops with their hair down. If one sees the results of people who have sleeves or hair caught in machinery that need to be extricated one would quickly change their mind and put their hair up.
Life is about “doing what’s needed when it’s needed.” Often, you find unexpected joy somewhere along the way to doing the next thing.
Great expression about life. Thanks, Amanda.
Well said, Amanda. Doing things (even difficult and unpleasant things) leads to new experiences, and new experiences can lead us to new joys.
My entire career has been in manufacturing, which can be very difficult and demanding and unpleasant work. I can't count the number of times over the decades I found myself thinking, "There has to be a better way to make a living."
As I now write and speak about manufacturing, and host a web show and podcast about it, I guess there was a certain level of passion there too. But it was rarely if ever about "doing what I loved."
What I definitely love (yet oftentimes also hate, because it can be painful) is bicycling, which I started as a young teen. Many times in the early years I thought I'd love racing, but I didn't have the time or money until I finished college and got a good-paying job (yes, in manufacturing).
I began racing and was soon training with a couple of the best amateur bicycle road racers in the country. I won some races, including a state championship at the lowest ranking.
And I discovered that, even at that low level, bicycle racing was already a second full-time job, and it was EXHAUSTING. I wound up scaling back, doing some on-again, off-again mountain bike racing, and finding the joy of it again. Eventually I stopped racing entirely and just rode for fun and fitness again, because that's where the joy was for me.
If I had made it my career I would have been miserable.
So much wisdom in your post, Jim. Thank you for sharing your experiences!
If I'm remembering correctly you have biked across the Kancamagus Highway. That is quite the feat itself!
My husband has had a passion for a zillion things (stock car racing, car mechanics, military jet flying, weather forecasting, sign lettering, firefighting/rescue work, submarines, wood working). He worked as a car mechanic for a short time, was a volunteer firefighter/EMT for many years which led to a full-time job as a 911 dispatcher (he started before 911 and adapted to the new technology which led to a love of many things computer), meanwhile developing his love for graphic lettering and his customer base of emergency services vehicles which he has now as his only full time job at the age of 72. He specializes in hand lettered gold leaf but does mostly vinyl reflective since that's what is "cool". He and another young man have developed a particular method of hand lettered engine turned leaf on vinyl that looks like it's been done by hand on the truck.
He loved his job as a dispatcher most of the time because he understood its value to the community but had begun to detest the attitude of administration and government management which led to him taking early retirement in 2007. I know he'd not be able to deal with the type of people they hire today.
He really likes lettering vehicles, is absolutely proud of his work when he's done with a job and the firefighters are pleased or he sees a truck he's lettered on the news or drive by on the street. The pressure of work that needs to be done, the amount of work waiting (although people are willing to wait months for him to get to them), is what bothers him mostly. I'm glad he's found something that he does love, has a passion for, and does support us financially. We're not rich but we're happy and have great customers and lifelong friends.
Deborah, Sounds like a wonderful life built by hard work, dedication and lifelong learning!
It has been, challenging at times, but fulfilling for us both.
"We have been working with Viktor Frankl’s thesis that what matters is what life expects from us, not what we expect from life."
George Bailey comes to mind.
I read Newport’s books in college and found them tremendously valuable in improving my mindset as I entered the workforce. This is a good reminder to pick them up again… looking forward to that portion of the curriculum.
Similarly, I first read him about 10 years ago or so. This column has been a great reminder. Thanks Mr Brownstein.
Thanks, Ryan. Newport's book are indeed life-changing.
I have one final comment as we wrap up with Dr. Frankl. As you may remember from a comment of mine a few months ago, I and dear friends of mine and our whole community are still grappling with the tragic loss of a young man we all loved, who passed away unexpectedly (with still no good explanation of what happened) on Christmas morning.
I have taken great comfort in this comment by Frankl: “By the same token, however, it had become clear as well that a life of short duration… could be so rich in joy and love that it could contain more meaning than a life lasting eighty years.”
Thanks for adding that, Jim. What a powerful reminder.
“Follow your dreams; Follow your Heart” Disney’s stalwart mantra! JFK’s “ Ask not…… but what can you do for your country.” Thank you for your essay, Prof. B. Great topic at Memorial Day.
Best Regards, Mike
Thanks, Mike. Have a meaningful Memorial Day weekend,
I have a 14yo daughter; we talk about consequences, safety, speaking up when others won’t, etc. She knows to tie up her hair before so much as entering workshop to shut off the light. Parents’ job is to educate and, above all, lead by example.
I stand by my prior post; photograph used is negligent and propagates ignorance.
Photo selected for this article is both woke and dangerous, enough so that editor/author should change it.
Fine, show a woman measuring something with “very wrong” lighting, which in a real shop would be cast ‘down’ and focused expressly on rotating tool, putting her face in shadow, except maybe the chin.
But, the unforgivable error is showing ANYONE with such long hair and loose-fitting clothing (especially her sleeves) around rotating, high power tools - very gory and fatal consequences do not discriminate on gender, which is why that’s against Shop Safety 101.
As a former volunteer firefighter/EMT I totally agree. I have always had long hair and ALWAYS have a hair tie on my wrist so my hair can be tied up whenever I'm around anything that could cause my hair to be in the way of danger, including - dogs/cats, driving with windows down, tools and machines, cooking, babies/toddlers, yard work, firefighting, working on cars, carpentry, house work, etc. And I agree about the loose sleeves, long sleeves and loose clothing.
I was the fire education instructor for our county and taught these ideas to kids and senior groups for years. Lots of people are injured and killed by ignoring these rules. This photo is "cute" and makes her look attractive, but it's a bad message to females or males with long hair who think that it's ok to work in shops with their hair down. If one sees the results of people who have sleeves or hair caught in machinery that need to be extricated one would quickly change their mind and put their hair up.
Hmmm, switch to decaf coffee, maybe?