Career Change: Why We Should Sweat The Details

Hi. I'm 28. Almost 29. That's a year away from thirty... Three decades of living. Wild. And what have I done career-wise? I've taught English in NYC for the past 6 1/2 years, which is pretty shocking to me considering I did not go to college to become a teacher (alternate route--almost free masters!).

Now, I'm considering going back to school for at least 3 years, maybe more. Full time (with a part time job on the side?) to become a registered dietitian. (Food has always been my passion, and I love being active, healthy, and outdoorsy, so I figure it combines the best of both worlds.)

Which means: all those science classes I didn't take--I'll have to take them. Chemistry, organic chemistry, anatomy, biology, et cetera. Then, I'll have to apply to a masters program. Then, I'll have to involve myself in some sort of internship. Then I take an exam. THEN, I can be a contributing member of society again.

Pretty scary prospect, eh?

I've run a marathon. That was scary in the beginning. I've zip-lined in Costa Rica. That was terrifying at first. I've bobsledded at Lake Placid--not the safest thing to do. I've snowboarded backcountry at Verbier, Switzerland. I've flown Ryan Air AND Easy Jet (if you've ever flown them, you know what I mean). I got over my intense fear of dogs by OWNING one (I had nightmares for months at first). I've taught middle school and high school in the Bronx. Seriously, this should be a cakewalk, right?

So when is it too late? Health benefits, rent, tuition, Con Ed, cable... They all add up. Plus, many people still believe in the idea of "staying with a company" and "being vested in the pension program." Paying money instead of making money is a daunting concept.

I teach the play "Our Town" by Thornton Wilder. One of the play's major themes is the idea that people don't understand life; we place value on the wrong things, we complain and focus on the negatives, and we watch life fly by without truly appreciating the details--like coffee, food, and sleep. We only remember big events--the day to day stuff goes unrecognized. (Ex. We remember the marathon, but not the training) Yet, most of our living is in those small details. A fresh cup of Costa Rican coffee in the morning with whole milk. A crisp fall apple straight from the tree. Sleeping in on a rainy Saturday morning.

Why are so many people afraid to live? Why do people associate "comfortable" with "safe"? We're so afraid of failing that we don't even try. Details add up. Perhaps it's time to make the details count for more. Perhaps it's time to take that first step, whether it be a couch to 5k program, a first half marathon, a marathon, or a career change. The details=the work, the event=the memory. Maybe we should start thinking about how awesome the details can be--the reading, the training, the studying... Sweat the details, cause sweating rocks!

Organic Chemistry better bring it.