Growing up, I was always lost when it came to envisioning the kind of work I wanted to do in the future.
By university, I figured I’d at least narrowed it down to the environmental sciences, because I liked the outdoors, and the prospect of doing research in the field seemed cool.
Boy, was THAT a mistake.
The problem was, it was hard to know how much I was going to hate outdoor research, while studying in a comfortable chair in the lecture hall.
I needed to EXPERIENCE something to truly feel whether it was right for me, and the school system didn’t seem to have any options to get involved that way.
Mind you, I was at an age where I still expected my dream job to saunter right up to me.
Over time, I’ve learned that pursuing your dream is a bit like pursuing a high-maintenance woman – you have to earn that interest, right fellahs?
Fortunately I’d started to dance during high school, and found I enjoyed teaching it in university. So, after a couple years trying to make something of my degree, I pivoted hard.
Teaching ballroom dance, as I have for the past ten years or so, got me closer – a LOT closer. But still, something was missing.
In a way then, my efforts in the music industry represent a third, newer approach – Dream Seeker 3.0, get it now!
Man, I would definitely buy that app.
For example, I combined past experiences of what I liked and didn’t like with things I was actually good at (like spotting patterns), to give me an idea of where I wanted to go next.
It’s also why I’m not putting all my eggs in one basket this time. I’ve got a LOT of different projects in various stages, including:
- Composing music.
- Learning about the audio engineer business.
- Learning to DJ basic sets.
- Stagehand work.
- Piano practice.
- Ear training.
- Learning to solder cables.
Each of these approaches gives me a different view into the music industry, and each has potential for growth. For example, I’ll be DJing my first gig in a couple weeks!
And yes, I know… I’m taking the long way. But I’m done jumping into a new job or career with nothing but guesses to tell me whether I’m going to like it.
That not how us experiential learners work.
Obviously over time though, I will get more specific and make (progressively smaller, I hope) pivots as I narrow down what I want to be really REALLY good at.
So be warned – I started this channel with the intention of composing electronic dance music, but as I experience more of what’s out there… Well, a big pivot may not be far off.
Photo Credits:
‘Black White Mosquito’ by Pixabay from Pexels
‘Black Iphone 7 on Brown Table’ by Tyler Lastovich from Pexels
‘Flare of Fire on Wood With Black Smokes’ by Pixabay on Pexels
‘Low Section of Man Against Sky’ by Pixabay on Pexels
‘Man Wearing Black Headset’ by Ola Dapo on Pexels
‘Photo of Clown Holding Tambourine’ by Nishant Aneja from Pexels
‘Silhouette of romantic couple at sunset’ by Krishna Studio from Pexels