Jack of All Trades, Master of...?

For many people (myself included), choosing a career path in life can be a long and difficult process. It has always amazed me how many people know exactly what they want to do from such a young age. Little 'Tommy' knows (practically from birth it seems) that he wants to be a firefighter and that's exactly what he ends up becoming. Little 'Amanda' ends up being a veterinarian like she always wanted. I have always been somewhat envious of this type of person whose plans are all laid out, because for them, the path is clear without a whole lot of guesswork involved. Those kids go to school knowing exactly what classes they need to take to achieve their goal. For the rest of us, education is a discovery process and one of constantly asking ourselves, "What am I going to do with my life?"

As for me, I'm the 'jack-of-all-trades' type. My father raised me in such a way as to learn as much about everything that I could -- from construction skills to entrepreneurship. Following in the footsteps of this driven, do-it-yourselfer wasn't always easy, but has proven invaluable time and time again and I'm proud of the skills I've acquired in my life. That being said, it also has made choosing a career path exceptionally difficult. I truly feel I can do anything I set my mind to, which is why it's been so hard to pin down one thing to pursue as my career.

My journey in the 'work' part of life has been a wild one! I've done construction, washed carts at golf courses, owned a vintage clothing store, was a diesel mechanic, built websites, installed satellite dishes, worked at a winery in production, taught English in Asia, sold high-end IT equipment, been a magazine publisher, and that's not all! Those jobs were everything from a means to get by, to following a passion, to seizing an opportunity I felt I couldn't pass up.

So how do I know for sure that I want to pursue a career in the electronic dance music (EDM) industry??? How does one know when they have found their true calling? I had a very interesting revelation recently. In any of the aforementioned jobs I've had - I wasn't willing to settle for anything less than achieving the highest position or salary possible, yet I wasn't willing to make all of the sacrifices necessary and do whatever it took to continue on in that industry, regardless of the income potential. For example: I'm not a morning person and this has made demonstrating my commitment level to these other jobs that require an early start - a constant challenge. Being a night owl, I just can't get excited and motivated to get up at 5 AM, but find it natural and thrilling to stay up until then. It's during the wee hours of the night that I thrive and my creativity abounds.

The realization struck me like a lightning bolt that I would be willing to do any job in the EDM industry, as long as it meant I could be a part of it. I would happily build and clean a stage, as long as it meant I could be next to it listening to the greatest DJs perform. Of course I would naturally still set out to achieve the highest form of realizing my dream, but all the sacrifices wouldn't feel so much like sacrifices and I would be keen to make them for the chance to simply be a part of something I love so much.

Though the constant soul-searching since high school has been frustrating to say the least, I don't consider any of the time spent doing those other jobs a waste just because they weren't the right career path. I'm truly grateful for the experiences, knowledge, and relationships I've gained along the way. Perhaps most importantly (as it relates to pursuing a career in EDM), is that I've done all of these other jobs whistling while I work. I've spent all this time listening to what I love most. Now I'm ready to say my piece through music. And I will devote myself to this art until I can master it to the greatest extent of my ability.


Inspirational Quotes:

"Only one who devotes himself to a cause with his whole strength and soul can be a true master. For this reason mastery demands all of a person." ~ Albert Einstein

"Once you decide on your occupation... you must immerse yourself in your work. You have to fall in love with your work. Never complain about your job. You must dedicate your life to mastering your skill. That's the secret of success... and is the key to being regarded honorably." ~ Jiro Ono

Inspirational Track:

Believe in Me - ATB