Am I Finally Finding Myself At (Almost) 37?

Knowing what you want to do when you grow up is surprisingly hard.

Photo by Tingey Injury Law Firm on Unsplash

In my couple of decades as an employee, I’ve learned one thing of value. Okay, maybe a couple I don’t think about as much anymore, like folding t-shirts perfectly in the air or packing my groceries.

But there’s one that really stands out as sort of a guiding principle in my work life.

The moment you realize you would never want your boss’s job, it’s time to move on.

Obviously, some jobs aren’t for enjoying. Some of them are just to pay the rent. But when you’re a tiny bit ambitious like I am, you tend to quickly start looking for avenues for growth. And then, eventually, you hit that wall called reality.

“This is not right,” it says.

Why Am I Not Doing This?

I’ve had all kinds of jobs, from cashier at the supermarket in my hometown to Starbucks barista and cashier at a Massimo Dutti store(like Zara, but more expensive). These were the fun ones, surprisingly.

I’ve also worked in politics, done phone surveys for Volvo owners, sold magazines, and answered calls from credit card users at a major international bank…