Deep Thoughts From the Jet
In a scenario I never scripted and would never have seen coming, I occasionally travel to work sites on one of my client's private jets. It's always a surreal experience, and one I'll never fully get used to. Last night was one such occasion. Over time, I've become casual friends with the pilots, and I'm always fascinated by their job. I ask them countless questions and, in some ways, I feel like a little kid in the way I approach them.
When did you realize that's what you wanted to do? What does one do to actually become a private jet pilot? What kinds of people do you meet? What does the work schedule look like? How is the pay structured? What do you do between dropping us off at an airport and picking us up several days later? So many questions!!!!
Every time I talk to these guys, I'm reminded of a universal concept that lives rent-free in my head: There are so many weird and cool jobs out there! I think I have a weird and cool job, but I'm not alone! So many people are out there living out weird and cool jobs.
My friend Kevin teaches leadership to teens by dragging them into some of the harshest and most beautiful wilderness in the world. That's a weird and cool job!
My Meaning Over Money business partner Cole is a filmmaker who helps people tell their stories through video, while also moonlighting for ESPN to capture video of Taylor Swift as she enters Arrowhead Stadium on MNF. That's a weird and cool job!
My friend Teresa owns a meat market in my neighborhood and refers to herself as "your local meat dealer." That's a weird and cool job!
My friend Anna, a former NCAA basketball player and WNBA draftee, trains high school female post players. That's a weird and cool job!
My friend Kevin works in the Pentagon. I don't even know what he does, but he works in the freaking Pentagon! That's a weird and cool job!
My friend Ryan was a Disney child actor, turned rock musician, turned youth pastor / worship leader. That's a weird and cool job!
My friend Dan is a landscaping ninja. He turns ordinary yards into works of art. That's a weird and cool job!
I could go on and on and on. It's so easy for us to fall into a rut at work and sow the seeds of discontent. However, we have two other, far better options:
Find and appreciate what makes your job weird and cool. No matter what you do, there's something about it that sets it apart. Some part of your day-to-day work is fascinating in its own right. Find it!
If you can't find it and can honestly testify that your work has little redeeming value, maybe it's time for a change. After all, there are so many weird and cool jobs out there. So much is within reach....if we're willing to pursue.
Whatever you do, don't sit in misery. Don't allow life to pass you by while you sit idly in an existence you hate. Life is too short, and your journey is far too valuable for that. Find your weird and cool.
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