Career Aspirations

There is the often repeated story of a school counselor asking a student to imagine a world where money wasn't a concern. Then try to think of things you like doing. Do you like to fix things around the house? Is there nothing better than performing in plays? What interests you? The school counselor will then suggest a related field (engineer, actor, etc) that you should try to pursue as your career. If it is really something you like doing then the money will follow and even more importantly you will be happy with your job. As Confucius is quoted as saying "choose a job you love, and you will never work a day in your life."

For me my career aspirations was always to be a Demand Manager of Combustion. Growing up in Mississippi I thought there would be nothing better than forecasting out parts that go into Commercial and Residential boilers. (This is the point in the blog post where I wish there was a sarcasm font.)

Anyway, the things I enjoyed then and still enjoy are sports, stats and social interaction. I love watching, following and analyzing sports, which should come as to no surprise to anyone who has read this blog or spent 15 minutes talking to me. In addition to that I enjoy working with numbers and trying to make them meaningful. Finally, I am a social person, who enjoys communicating with people compared to the alternative.

That being written my current job isn't so bad. I get to analyze stats and there is at least some social interaction. There isn't any sports connection, but that isn't too surprising since I never really pursued that option. My overall happiness with my job is above-average.

Of course that doesn't stop me from considering that there are better options out there. Whether or not it is another position within the same type of company or a complete career change are all potentially viable options. My Mom has always suggested that I become a teacher/basketball coach. Others have thought I would be great in Sales or my first major in college Marketing. I have had some *success blogging for the Jazz and really enjoy that "work." (Work is in quotes because I don't get paid for that side project.)

*My latest post about the Jazz side of the Deron Williams trade was linked on Truehoop's blog under the headline "Squinting to see really good things for the Jazz." The first comment was positive, so that is a good start.

So, not to be like LeBron James, but what should I do? Should I become a teacher? Is there something better I can be doing in the corporate world? How big of a "grass always greener on the other side" fear should I have? Is there something I haven't thought about yet?

Right now my plan is to continue to do a good job and look at the corporate route. I believe there are jobs available at my current company that will bring me short long term satisfaction. My goal is to continue what I am doing, while also keeping an open mind to other possibilities that might be out there.