"Do what you love."
They say.
I have to believe that millions of teenagers to young adults across the globe are plagued with the same dilemma in life; should I pursue what I love, or should I pursue what is safe...?
The glorified answer that is commonly given in our society is to
"chase your dreams!"
"If you love what you're doing, then money will follow!"
and so on an and so on...Being a realist and a avid bubble-popper, I disagree with the above mentioned statement. Not fully, but to a certain extent.
On this planet, and in this life, we all can agree that there are better decisions than others. The daily decisions that we make reap consequences, good or bad. Building on that principal, I would say that when all things are considered there are decisions that have a higher success rate than others. "Success" will be defined as financial stability for the time being, but, dont worry, we will revisit this later.
For example, the world needs and will always need health professionals. (Nurses, pharmacists, doctors, physical therapists, etc..) The demand for these professions is high and if one could bear the schooling required, a well-paying job will almost be guaranteed to them.
Africans get pressured into this crap ALL THE TIME by their parents!! And it blows. The reality although, is that our parents are merely exposing the BETTER decision. The high percentage shot, if you will.
On the other hand, those that drop everything to pursue music careers, modeling or being famous in some capacity, I have to say, are blinded by the alluring lights of popular media (almost like one of those bug-light zapper thingies). Riches and fame are propagated to the point that we overlook the very simple fact that the rich and famous make up only 1% of the global population. The chances of "making it" are extremely slim.
If you find yourself "loving" one of these lesser career paths that I speak of, the odds are stacked heavily against you. If you are wise, the life choice is simple..
Ok, I know what you're thinking. this is a harsh and miserable way to look at/live life. And I would say that you are CORRECT!! It is messed up, but thats life. You don't have to live miserably though...
I say embrace both sides of the spectrum... check it.
1. Love God.
2. Consciously Prioritize. Work hard in school, though you may not enjoy it, or LOVE it, realize that it is necessary. Bust your butt, so that you set yourrself up as a game-changer and not one manipulated by the game. Get the job that is going to allow you to provide for your wife and family like you have always wanted, cuz that is where true happiness should stem from; helping those around you, not the glorification of your peers.
3. Realize, that Love, again, is work. You may not LOVE your profession at first, but pray about it, and I bet you can find a way to learn to love your job... <<< this is difficult, but I believe its do-able in any situation.
4. Lastly, by putting yourself in a good position, you will find ways to enjoy bits and pieces of those dreams that you always had.
Success is different for different people. I understand this. So, if for you success is living under a bridge, but playing music that you love all day everyday, then so be it. <<< I cant help but say that with a hint of what seems like sarcasm, but believe it or not, Im serious.
Look, I wish I could drop everything I'm doing and go sit on the steps of a major tv network and beg until they give me a late night talk show... Now, that COULD happen... but most likely not. So, I gotta do what I gotta do (intern, do well in law school, get a good job, etc...) to provide for my future twins.
eh, but wut do i know. be free.. let me know wut you think!
-Ono
