I once knew a cashier that was super intelligent, fast, creative and overall very amazing.
The only problem is that she never stopped working at the grocery store where she worked as a cashier. While there is nothing wrong with my now older friend working as a cashier in a grocery store, I have to wonder what her life would have been like if she tried a little harder to get a more challenging, higher paying job or pursued some other income making venture.
The person above was actually my friend’s mom, and I knew that she was very, very smart and creative. I was always amazed with how she seemed to know so much about so many topics, and would make some of the most fantastic creations at her home.
Now as an adult, I realize that she would have thrived in a corporate setting, or perhaps as an entrepreneur if she would have pursued such options. It got me thinking how many other brilliant people are in job that they may have fell into while in high school and never left. That is what happened to my friend’s mom. In the cartoon series “Dilbert”, one of the “smartest” characters is the garbage man. Whenever Dilbert speaks to him, the conversation always seems to blow Dilbert away. I wonder how many other in real life are like that? Personally, I know a few people in such positions that I consider smarter than I am, but working in a job that doesn’t utilize their intellect nor pays that well.
For a current day example, look at many of the bloggers of today. Many come from mundane job where their full skills aren’t utilized or even recognized! The they start blogging and almost instantly make as much as they were when they were working at their pre-blogging job. Some have even went on be to quite successful! What a contrast!
The key is to wake up and put as much time into finances and income creation as we (as a society) put into watching TV or other time wasting activities. Perhaps if we made making money a personal game, it would facilitate the exploration and expansion of our innate abilities?
My friend’s mom is set in her ways and seems content enough. Neither she or I will ever know where she could have gone with her brilliance.
Thinking of my friend’s mom makes me want to try harder!
MR
Very well said. I think Yakezie and PF bloggers hoover around that enough for me to feel daily. For that I am forever grateful.
Yakezie really is a great group!
Maybe she just didn’t want to learn a whole new job? I put off changing careers because I was/am lazy. Now that I work for myself, I have to be very careful not to fall into the same ruts again.
Hmmm, that could well be the case… Her husband had a pretty good job, so perhaps they didn’t need the money. And perhaps that’s why she was able to be so creative at home!
Still if I were a CEO and chairman of a company, I’d make her either a VP or have her replace me as CEO in a heartbeat!
Many people refuse to try new things, perhaps a fear of failure. Others get into a routine and it become comfortable.
Yeah, I absolutely believe what you say on that! Wouldn’t it be nice if we were all financially independent and could do whatever we want to do in life!
It’s interesting to impose your goals onto someone else’s life — perhaps she was fulfilled, and found her “calling” in some other arena. I know people who make a lot of money and complain about their jobs all day, but society would say they’re more successful than your friend’s mom.
She was my friend’s mom, but also my neighbor. Another twist is that I was also a bag-boy at the same grocery store. so I know that she wasn’t necessarily fulfilled with her job. In fact, the “old school” manager there made life hell for everybody that worked at the store. I’m not the type to write about people that I don’t know something about. I guess I should have included this bit of information in the story above. 🙂
“Now as an adult, I realize that she would have thrived in a corporate setting, or perhaps as an entrepreneur…”
Ah, but would she have? Apparently she’d found an equilibrium that suited her. Maybe her skills would not have translated in the way you think they would. Or maybe she’d have been the best CEO or entrepreneur ever, and hated every minute. She might not have seen her skills in the same light you did, or she may not have wanted to push that hard, and preferred to be there for her family instead.
When I took care of a relative on hospice care, several of her friends told me I was really good at it and should consider a nursing or caregiving career. No, thanks! I felt overwhelmed and at sea the entire time. I’d do it again for a family member or close friend who needed me – but to make a career out of it? Shudder. I might be able to do it well, but I would not be happy at all!
I know some people like this but sometimes, it’s just what they want to be doing – life isn’t all about work and sometimes, having a job that doesn’t mentally exhaust you is a great thing.
At the same time, it’s great to challenge oneself and live up to potential.
I wish I were wealthy enough to do whatever I want to do as a primary job 🙂
I think money give you choices to do what you want in life. I hope I can help my son and daughter have enough passive income to help them do what they want in life. It’s harder when you have to work to eat…
I think it’s a lot about self imposed limitations too. Sometimes people get trapped feeling like they are not worthy or deserve better, and that is a though thing to overcome.
very true!
I agree with this so much. You need to look at your abilities with an eye to making money and it can lead to some creative ways to supplement your income or completely change your career. It’s insurance for you never getting bored, too!
I think for some people it starts out as “I’m young and broke, and this will do for now. I have time.” Then all of a sudden it’s 20 years later and it’s “too late” to do anything about the situation. Always have to be bettering yourself. Otherwise you’re moving backwards.