can’t pick a career path? here’s why you don’t have to.
the advice i wish more people hear
You’re reading The Art of Progress — a newsletter for people looking for more creativity, margin, and growth by JD Tyler
Last time: on being decisive
Much of my childhood was consumed with a singular, all-encompassing, overriding concern.
What do I want to be when I grow up?
The answers varied but were usually specific. One month it was a compound pharmacist. Another an intellectual property lawyer. After watching Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles, it was a movie producer.
Underlying this quest was a singular assumption. You pick one thing and stay in your lane. There’s just one problem……what if I have multiple lanes I want to drive in?
What if I want to be more like Jonny Kim?
Jonny who?
Jonny Kim.
This guy…..
He’s the Navy Seal on the left. The doctor in the middle. And the astronaut on the right.
In 41 years of life, Jonny has managed to attain an out-of-this world resume.
First as a combat medic and sniper, serving on over 100 combat missions. Then as a physician educated at Harvard Medical School. Finally, as an Astronaut with NASA.
Speaking of his resume, Kim himself is currently out of this world. Serving aboard the International Space Station.
my new role model
Lt. Commander/Dr./Astronaut Kim might be my new role model.
Unlike many of us, he doesn’t appear to suffer from “I couldn’t possibly do this” syndrome.1 New doors open up and Kim’s not afraid to walk through them. Be it the Navy Seals, Med School, or NASA. He doesn’t have a pre-determined path. He’s open to zig-zags and pivots.
I can relate.
After spending 7 years studying for pastoral ministry, I went to work at a SaaS startup. This led to countless questions and moments of confusion for others.
“Do you still want to be a pastor?”
“Are you still a Christian?”
“How long will you do this for?”
The truth was, it wasn’t that complicated. Like most adults, I needed a job. This one opened up and I wanted to see if I could do it. Now, I’m fundraising for an ed-tech non-profit and loving it.
Next? Maybe I’ll open a bakery, write a novel, or join NASA. Who knows…..
But what I do know is this.
I want to be more and more like Jonny Kim. Less interested in glueing myself to a particular path. More interested in loving the journey.
How about you?
This phrase was borrowed from Brad Stulberg and Steve Magness’ book, The Passion Paradox.
I really loved this and resonate with it. I still don't know what "I want to be when I grow up," and recently changed careers from academia to teaching yoga! Still on the journey. This was inspiring!