Dear Bruce –Weekly Advice Issue No. 1 Nov. 9, 2007

Bloggers, welcome to the first issue of the Optimus “Dear Bruce” advice column! In the tradition of “Dear Abbey” and inspired by the recent movie, Dan in Real Life (go see it), each Friday I will feature a letter, request for advice, from some of you, and make a valiant effort at offering you good counsel on important life issues, events, and situations. If you have a burning question and need some input…this would be the time and place for you to tackle it. You can submit your letters at any time as a comment to a blog or send them to my email address at soulstormwriter@yahoo.com. Just indicate “Dear Bruce” as the subject, and who knows, your letter could wind up in the blogosphere (is that really a word?).

Enjoy the first issue as you read on.

Dear Bruce,

I would like your opinion on my situation. About a year ago I was offered a job that looked very good. I have lived in one town all my life, and was not sure about making a move to a new town with my wife and kids. After much prayer and many discussions with my wife and friends we decided the move would be a good one and the opportunity would be great professionally.

So, about a year ago, my wife, three kids and I picked up and moved to a new place to begin a new life. We love where we are and can’t imagine leaving for another place so soon, but the new job has fallen through. The company has experienced a downturn and I was one of the casualties. I knew the risks of going with a new company when I signed on, but thought the potential was so good that it made sense.

At this point in my life, with kids in high school, and little clarity on where to go now, I am wondering how I should approach this challenge. Do I look for work somewhere else, or do I restrict my search to our new town?

The other thing you should know is that for many years I have not been content with my career. I have made good money, and our family has enjoyed many benefits. Yet, I have been unfulfilled, and have dreamed of doing something else that makes my heart beat. I am not so sure I want to continue in the career path I have been in for the last ten years, but I know that I will have a secure income if I do. What do I do?

Sincerely,

 Aloha

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Aloha,

You have a number of issues at play in your situation. First, I applaud you for making a courageous move and taking a risk in order to build for your future. You took a shot at something outside your comfort zone, and that is more than most would do. Well done.

It seems like you knew the risks going into your move and you were willing to take those risks. Risk presents us with the potential for great reward, but also opens the door for setbacks. I believe in taking calculated risks, and stepping out in the direction of one’s passion. Anyone who finds the kind of life worth living must take risks. Mediocrity, while comfortable, never leaves us fulfilled.

In your situation I think it would not make sense to uproot your family again with kids in high school. My guess is that they are just getting comfortable with the recent move and are beginning to make connections with friends, activities, and various relational networks. I would try your best to remain where you. I also suspect that your wife would not be so thrilled with another move so soon either.

If I were in your shoes I would do everything I could to use this time to find my passion. Sit down and write out a top five list of things you are passionate about. Then force yourself to rank those top five. Once you have done this consider what life would look like if you could pursue the top two or three passions on a daily basis. How would pursuing your passions affect you emotionally, spiritually, and financially? Then weigh the risks. If you are significantly more “ignited” when you consider following your passions than you are when you consider remaining on the same career path (which does not seem to fit your passions) then you ought to strongly consider taking the leap in a new direction.

Practically, you need to consider the financial part of it, and you need to know that your wife is behind you taking that step toward a new path. If your passions, and your financial considerations, and the support of your wife all line up—GO FOR IT. You will, no doubt, need some time to study, educate, and strategize your plan, so make sure there is a financial net in place to cover this time. Then begin to network and build every relationship you can with those who are carrying out similar visions. Along the way keep an eye out for those who God may be bringing your way to team up with you in your new venture.

Remember, living life to full is about finding God’s plan for your future and then running to it and thriving in it. No career path, regardless of the financial rewards, will ever replace the feeling of knowing you are doing what you were created to do.

Go get ‘em,

Bruce Smith

Optimuslife.org

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