We’re all looking for that Goldilocks position in life. That ultimate purpose specifically suited to our own unique talents and values.
Of course, we want to maximise our potential to do the most possible good. This is why many of us have this gnawing sense that the job we’re in isn’t quite right.
We feel like we are meant for something else, something more.
I didn’t pay much attention to my nature during adolescence, that critical life period when we are supposed to decide what we want to do forever and always. I simply did what I was told I should. Which was anything but the creative subjects I truly loved.
So I took a random collection of other subjects that left me increasingly confused about my future. Then I studied history for reasons I honestly couldn’t tell you, and then I decided to become an airline pilot.
Becoming a pilot was, at least, based on something I was passionate about. Traveling the world. Nothing satisfies my soul more. Still – and this is important – I didn’t become a pilot to fly aeroplanes.
Since the pandemic hit, that’s all I’ve been left with. Ironically, the profession I took up to travel the world is the reason I find myself cut off from it.
I can fly, but my wings have been clipped.
In a sense, this has been a blessing. It’s placed a spotlight on the person I am.
And the person I’m not.
I believe this is why so many of us have joined the great resignation. And why many others feel incredibly burnt out.
We settle into a job. We get comfortable with it – we know we can do it and do it well – so we preserve with it even though we know it isn’t quite right. We keep pushing the boulder uphill.
But you can only fight your nature for so long before it catches up with you. At some point, you have to make a choice: You can either take a chance on the person you are or kill the person you are.
If you let that inner spark go out it can be very difficult to find the strength to fly again.
As I embark on the next chapter of my life, I mean to take a chance on the person I am. I mean to honour my inner child in the hope that I may do the most possible good with the gifts I have been given.
To inspire others through creativity.
As I embark on this journey, I want to take you along for the ride. I want to show you how to increase your self-understanding. I want to help you specialise in who you are so you don’t feel out of place anymore.
So that together, we may fly free in the knowledge we are exactly where we are meant to be.
***
You can find more of AP2’s writing here at: https://pointlessoverthinking.com
You can also find him on Medium at: https://anxiouspilot2.medium.com
Or on Twitter at: @AnxiousPilot or @PointlessOverT
You can also email him directly at: anxiouspilot2@gmail.com
Clear Air Turbulence 
Thank you, AP2–a very moving post. I could relate to so much of it: my feeling lost in highschool, barely knowing what courses to take; knowing that I wasn’t a match when I was in the paramedic course, years ago; remaining in a career, and trying to get out of it through other avenues.
Bravo to you, for having the courage to follow your heart. 🙏
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Go for it, dude! As Joseph Campbell would say “Follow your bliss.”
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There’s no better way to turn the pages on the next chapter of your life than your resolve to “… honour my inner child in the hope that I may do the most possible good with the gifts I have been given…” It will smooth out any ‘clear air turbulence’ you’ll encounter AP2 . . . Bon Voyage my friend!
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Hey Fred. Thank you. Finding meaning is the ultimate antidote to clear air turbulence. Thank you for your words of encouragement. Wishing you well 🙏🙂
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How very exciting and inspiring for you, AP, as you take flight towards this new chapter. I’m looking forward to reading your updates on this journey. Best wishes and have lots of fun!
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Hey Ab! I can’t decide whether I’m more nervous or excited. I am at least sure. I need to try something different for a while to see how the shoe fits. I may ultimately return to the skies. Who knows. I won’t rule anything out just yet. Take it easy Ab. All the best to you and yours 🙏
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Sounds like what so many of us did, fumbled our way into industries and careers! I think so many young folks don’t have the confidence, the support, or the clear vision to know what to do in life. We figure it out as we go. Some people manage to shift their careers into areas which they are better suited for, while others just try to grin and bear it until retirement! I’ve learned that a job doesn’t have to define who we are, and that we can live a fulfilling life through the hobbies and side interests we take up!
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So true. Absolutely – no Job should define us. I’m not entirety sure I’ve given up on aviation. But I do need a change. Some time away. I may return to the skies someday but I want to try a few different hats on first. Pursue another avenue. Maybe it will become a case of balancing that profession with something meaningful on the side. I do know that I was meant for changing horizon. That’s a big part of what this is. Thank you Tamara. I always appreciate hearing your thoughts. 🙏
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I wish you many blessings! Follow your gut and your joy!
Change is only bad if we see it that way! If we embrace it and look at it like a new adventure, who knows what wonders we will discover?!
My life has brought me many changes and many adventures, and while I might wonder what it would be like if I hadn’t done some things, I don’t regret learning what I have!
I’m sure that whatever you walk towards, it will bring many good things into your life!
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I subscribe to “Notes from the Universe” by tut.com and this was in my inbox this morning! I thought I’d share it with you!
“For every fork in the road, Tamara, there are often two paths from which to choose: the one you “should” take and the one you want to take.
Take the second. Always take the second.
I did,
The Universe”
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Love this post! And I find it so fascinating that idea that you became a pilot to travel and then the pandemic prevented it. It’s an idea that was opaque before you said it and then became so clear.
Good for you! Can’t wait to see what the next chapter brings for you and your family!
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Thanks Wynne. Excited. Nervous. I can’t decide which I’m more of. I am more than ready for a change at any rate. Wishing you well 🙂🙏
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“As I embark on the next chapter of my life, I mean to take a chance on the person I am.” Bravo! Here’s to giving ourselves permission to take those chances.
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Life’s too short not to! Thank you 🙏
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I knew I wanted to be a teacher, and I was for many years. But when the time came to move on it felt urgent. I knew I was in the wrong place and needed to move on to whatever’s next no matter how uncertain it was. I think it would have been tough to live otherwise. Good luck on your next adventure and congratulations for having the courage to do it!
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It’s heartening to know others have gone through the same and come out stronger for it. I wanted to be a pilot 12 years ago and I leave feeling proud about what I’ve achievement – but, like you did, I feel the time has come to move on. Thank you for your kind words Todd. 🙏
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I came across this Stoic saying recently, that whatever is happening to us now has been waiting to happen to us since the beginning of time.
And that’s put so many things in perspective for me. So no more do I complain about the small things, or try to resist who I am as a person. We’re all exactly where we need to be, as cliche as that sounds. Thanks for this amazing post and reminder!
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Glad you enjoyed it – I think if we can think like that – like everything is happening to teach us something – it can fuel some series inner growth. Thanks for your kind words Stuart. 🙏
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