Weak Ties: Almost Self

Summary

The speaker reflects on their career journey, starting from an IT degree but choosing a higher-paying job as a translator in a consulting firm. Over 13 years, they transitioned into roles like consultant and trainer, never working directly in IT. They discuss the impact of early decisions, how life could have unfolded differently, and the ongoing internal conflict with their self-worth, particularly at the age of 35. The speaker touches on the idea that life is shaped by a series of milestones and decisions, and highlights the importance of accepting and embracing one’s own path.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker graduated with a degree in IT but decided to pursue a career in consulting instead, as the salary was higher than an entry-level programmer position.
• 😀 After transitioning from consulting to training, the speaker has not worked in the IT field for 13 years, and people still question why they didn’t pursue IT.
• 😀 There is an underlying uncertainty about whether people questioning their career choices are genuinely curious or making accusations.
• 😀 Career-related questions often lead to reflections about the big decisions made in life, such as choosing a career path at the age of 17.
• 😀 The speaker acknowledges that decisions made at a young age can significantly alter the trajectory of one’s life and identity.
• 😀 They reflect on the potential versions of themselves that could have emerged from different choices, which adds complexity to their self-awareness.
• 😀 At 35, the speaker feels like they haven’t accomplished as much as they should have at this stage of life, experiencing inner conflict about not meeting certain expectations.
• 😀 There is an ongoing internal struggle to accept oneself and understand that they are 'enough'—a feeling that is not yet fully realized.
• 😀 The speaker suggests letting go of the endless possibilities of alternative lives and instead focus on the milestones and moments that have brought them to the present.
• 😀 Reflecting on their career path, the speaker realizes that the seemingly simple decision of choosing a higher-paying job over a career in IT has been an important milestone that shaped their life.
• 😀 The speaker draws inspiration from Steve Jobs’ idea of connecting the dots looking backward, acknowledging that life’s twists and turns have been conscious decisions that shaped who they are today.

Q & A

What was the speaker's career choice after graduating with an IT degree?

The speaker decided to work as a translator at a consulting firm, which had no direct connection to their IT degree, but offered a higher salary compared to an entry-level programming job.

How long has it been since the speaker made the decision to switch careers?

It has been 13 years since the speaker made the decision to switch careers and pursue a path outside the IT field.

Why do people still question the speaker about their career choice?

People still ask the speaker why they didn't pursue a career in IT, as they find it unusual that someone with an IT degree is not working in that field.

What is the speaker's internal conflict when asked about their career decision?

The speaker feels uncertain whether people are genuinely asking or criticizing their decision, leading to confusion about whether they should explain their choice or defend it.

What is the speaker's perspective on career decisions made at a young age?

The speaker acknowledges that career choices made at the age of 17, like choosing a field of study, can be questioned years later, yet these choices shape who we become.

How does the speaker reflect on their life decisions over time?

The speaker reflects on the multitude of possible versions of themselves that could have existed, as a result of the decisions made, and acknowledges that these decisions have led to the current version of themselves.

What is the speaker's experience with self-doubt at the age of 35?

At 35, the speaker feels like they haven't achieved enough, and experiences inner voices suggesting they should have more accomplishments, wisdom, and inner peace by this age.

What internal struggle does the speaker face at 35?

The speaker struggles with feelings of inadequacy, as they find it difficult to accept that they are 'enough' at this stage in life, and still face inner conflicts despite the passage of time.

How does the speaker view the concept of missed opportunities?

The speaker believes it's important to accept and release the potential versions of themselves that did not come to be, acknowledging that while we should not get lost in fantasies, we must also appreciate the milestones that brought us to where we are.

What is the speaker's perspective on connecting the dots in life?

The speaker, referencing Steve Jobs, emphasizes the importance of looking back and realizing how the various milestones and decisions in life, even those that seemed unrelated at the time, eventually come together to form who we are.