Navigating the Maze of Life. Reflections at 70 - Part 1

It's perfectly fine if you don't have a life plan by age 21 or 31, but I admire those who do. For instance, becoming a medical doctor requires a commitment that begins in your teenage years and continues throughout your life. However, that wasn't my path. Fortunately, my career opportunities often emerged through professional contacts and natural progressions. I started in a small business and later transitioned to the high-tech industry as a sales engineer, a product manager, and an IT consulting executive. I always thought the marketing team was out of touch and that I could do it better myself. So, I did. I moved from consulting and product management to becoming a marketing professional, ultimately attaining the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) position. In later years, this transition enabled me to return to small business by founding my consulting practice, collaborating with CEOs on strategic business plans and marketing challenges.

Over the years, I have changed career direction several times, relocated across the country, reinvented myself, and traveled extensively throughout the US and the world for business.   I was fortunate. Except for one brief 18-month period, my work life has been anything from enjoyable to outstanding and exhilarating. That's something positive to note. 

For someone who consistently logged 12-hour days, business travel, and plenty of constant stress, it might seem surprising to say this, but it's true: Work should not be your life or define who you are. While I worked hard, I also tried to play just as hard. Until I was in my 40s, I was deeply involved in breeding and showing cocker spaniels, a hobby that, in some ways, was as stressful as my job. However, it served as a much-needed pressure release, thanks to the dogs and the wonderful friends I made through the sport who cared nothing about my work. When my career took me to California, I stepped away from active breeding. Living in California opened me to new interests, thanks to its breathtaking nature and abundant opportunities. I enjoyed my work, but my job allowed me the financial freedom to pursue my interests in my free time.

It wasn't until I reached my mid-50s that I started to find a better work-life balance—a quest we all should undertake. I often hear people say they are so busy they don't have enough hours to do things themselves. They complain but continue to live the same life. I can relate—I went through that phase, too. Here's a secret: You will never find time for anything. If you want time, you must create it. I regret not taking better care of my health or exercising enough. I often thought, "When will I have time to go to the gym with my schedule?" Now that I'm retired, I find the time, but I'm paying the price for that past neglect. Lastly, seek mentors from whom you can learn to broaden your horizons. But remember, never compromise your values or character to do so. The learning process never stops. If it does, you are not growing as a person.