What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up?
Check out those bangs. And that gold chain.
Every now and then, it’s a good idea to step back and take stock of your life. It’s important to check in on yourself to make sure you are on the right path and that you are happy, professionally and personally.
One thing that I like to do when going through this evaluation process is to ask myself, “What would your 10-year-old self think of you now?” and “What would your 20 year-old-self think of you now?”
Right now, I am in a place where both of my former selves would be very pleased. Personally, I couldn’t be happier. I get to live in the super cool community of Madison with my amazing husband, and work in the job of my dreams. My family and friends are the best. I feel incredibly fortunate.
My 10-year-old self would be ecstatic that even though I toil long hours and have serious work responsibilities, I still make time to play my ukulele and watch my pet chickens run around the back yard. And although my 10-year-old self didn’t know what a computer or website was, I think little Candy would be excited that I’m doing something creative every day.
Boarding a Greyhound on the way to my first professional job interview. Seriously this happened. I had my $20 Ross Dress for Less business suit wadded up in that bag. I was probably 22 in this photo but you get the idea…the really awful idea.
My 20-year-old self would also be pleased. At 20, I was idealistic, passionate, naive and somewhat angry at the establishment. Much like many ambitious college students, I wanted to make the world a better place. Being totally immersed in academia, I was much smarter than I am now but a lot less wise. I think my 20-year-old self would be happy that my chosen profession is something a little bit risky and unconventional. (According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor only about 1 in 10 people are self-employed.) And even though I have yet to contribute significantly to world peace or curing hunger, I know I would be feel good that I am helping people. Most our customers are small mom and pop shops or even individuals going out on their own trying to live out their passions. I care deeply about the people behind the logo, and I work hard to help them succeed. My 20-year-old self would be pleased that I am not working for “the man,” and I’m helping others to do the same.
This weekend, take some time to think about yourself as a child or teen. Think about what your interests and values were, and make sure you are living a life that is true to who you are. If you’re one of those miserable worker bees suffering through a hellish 40-hours a week and just living for the weekend, I for one would encourage you to think about the possibilities of entrepreneurship. It’s really not as scary as it may sound.
