Unexpected Journeys: Unexpected Surprises in My Career

My career has been nothing if not full of surprises. I started with a clear path in mind but was blindsided by two significant changes that shaped my journey. My first stint in the teaching field and then a deep dive into coaching, despite having no prior experience, are just a couple of the many unexpected twists life threw my way.

Unexpected Turn in Teaching

After a life of public schooling, my life took an unexpected turn when I began my teaching career. I always assumed that I would follow the same path, but a public school failed to call. After graduating, I found myself waiting for work with mounting anxiety, feeling like Rod Stewart's words, 'It's late September and I really should be in a school.'

That's when a call came from a Parochial School, where I was hired on a whim. It was a decision that cemented my career, and I have spent 45 years as a Catholic school educator. Despite not being Catholic, the Irish Catholic lady who hired me said, 'I’d like to think we can be ecumenical if absolutely necessary.' This quote encapsulates the open-mindedness and adaptability that have come to define much of my career.

The Unforgettable Coaching Odyssey

My second big surprise came in my second year of teaching. My superintendent offered me a job coaching flag football teams, a path that seemed daunting given my lack of football knowledge. Initially, I declined, mainly because I didn’t see the point, but the offer of additional stipends turned me around. I was immediately hooked and eventually coached in five different sports during the school year, an experience that filled my life with millions of incredible memories.

So, here are the two significant surprises that have made my life interesting and fulfilling, both outside and within the world of teaching. The unpredictable nature of life has certainly kept things interesting!

The Financial Odyssey

My career in finance was where it all began. I grew up in the world of banks, where the days were filled with swaying, partying, and working through weekends. Finance was my passion, and the industry was the heart of my life. However, the world of finance has gone through significant changes, transforming from a familiar environment to something akin to entering a 'psychiatry ward.'

After the 2007/2008 financial crisis, seasoned bankers left for tech firms, leaving it in the hands of the junior bankers. Now, these juniors, who were once their apprentices, are managing everything—often blindly following their leaders. It’s a stark contrast to the days when I could see the big picture and make meaningful decisions.

The Shift to Passionate Pursuits

That's when I realized that my career in finance, although lucrative, was becoming toxic. I hate the negative energy and the way decision-making is now handled. I find myself going to contracting jobs more for the challenge and the excitement than for the financial return. I no longer want to be a permanent employee in that industry anymore.

Instead, I have found new passions in building race simulators, working on innovative technology, and challenging myself to create the most realistic and cost-effective simulations using cutting-edge technology. This shift has brought me immense energy and happiness. I no longer feel the daily grind of the finance industry, which now feels like a 'loony bin.'

When I see the negative impact of those who think they have the answers, it fuels my desire to make a difference. I am passionate about ensuring that when mistakes are made, the impact is minimal, and that those in the industry consider their actions' real-world consequences.

So, as life continues to surprise me, I embrace these changes with open arms. Each new challenge and unexpected path helps me grow and find new passions in life.

Conclusion

Life has thrown me curveballs, and instead of letting them break me, I choose to thrive on the new paths they create. The journey of my career is a testament to the unpredictability of life and the importance of embracing change. My path may have taken unexpected turns, but each twist and turn has been an opportunity for growth and fulfillment.