Burrito West Blog

When I think back to the years I lived in Wisconsin.... and contrast them with life today - several big differences stand out.

One is really big - my career. Then I was an engineer and I wasn't terribly excited about it. I was doing pretty much exactly what I wanted - working on space-stuff for NASA, but, turns out that wasn't as interesting to me in real life as it had been in my imagination. I saw a future ahead of me where I was an okay engineer, nothing great, doing work that, let's be frank - doesn't go anywhere because NASA's budget gets jerked around so frequently. So I moved on to career number 2, which is holding up MUCH better; I find it much more satisfying and I think I'm quite good at it - definitely better than okay.

The other thing is the difference between driving everywhere (WI) and walking/transit'ing everywhere (Vancouver). This difference is highlighted by a small event the other day. I was running late for work, and did the urban speedwalk to the transit station. I was head-down hustling along the hall to the train platform when someone said my name in a very happy voice. It was a friend I hadn't seen in several months. We were both running late but got to chat for a moment which was great. And as I stood on the platform afterwards, waiting for the train alone I thought about what a difference it makes, running into someone and seeing them smile at the sight of you. That's pretty powerful stuff. Though I didn't know it in WI, I think that's part of what I was missing there - the small interactions with people that happen when you're out in the world instead of cocooned in a metal roll cage. It's not just nice and pleasant to bump into friends unexpectedly, I think it's more important than that - it helps remind you how connected you are to other people, in a tangible way. As much as I love online social media for helping keep me connected to people - nothing will replace seeing someone smile when they unexpectedly bump into you on the street.

Two lessons for you. 1) don't hesitate to trade your career in for a new one - no sense doing something you don't like for the rest of your life. 2) ditch your car and get out in the world as much as you can... it'll do you good in many many ways.