Joe Marraccino is facing George Bailey/Wonderful Life crossroads. In his case, he really does not want his kids to live life as if he had never been born. He is addressing it, instead, this way.
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I’m having a George Bailey moment these days.
George Bailey is the working dad in the winter classic, It’s a Wonderful Life, who unwillingly sacrifices his worldly dreams to work in his home town, stay close to his family, and make his community a better place. In the end, the angel Clarence helps George see that he was living a dream life all along.
An angel recently visited me too, in the form of a corporate restructuring, which drove me to tell my only real employer that after 22 prideful years I was passing on the opportunity to pursue another position. Instead, it was time for me to get going.
I decided to follow my heart, not my head, and take a deep breath for the first time in a long time and a journey to search for: my strengths, passions and a clearer career purpose; work closer to home and my community, without a long, impersonal commute; and, a pace and schedule that would allow me to be fully present for my family.
I am searching for the life that George Bailey took for granted!
Years of school, ambition, the expectation of others, family responsibilities and chance may lead us in many career directions, some satisfying, some not. We don’t reflect enough on what we love to do. What we don’t like to do. What we do great. What we don’t do so well.
After working for one organization for so long, I have a lot of questions. What do I want to do for the rest of my life? How do I do it? Will I have the nerve to talk to the people — friends, family, and business contacts — to help me pull it off? And, if by some twist, I can’t pull it off, what happens? It’s a little scary and I have more than me to worry about, but I have to believe that I will come out stronger.
I had been talking a lot lately with my family, my wife of over 18 years and 4 children (ranging from 3 years old to 15 years old), about finding opportunities closer to home. Commuting 3 ½ plus hours every day takes its toll, and with teenagers in the mix, quality time and simple things like family dinners become even more important. Time will tell, but I hope my kids will benefit from more of my presence and seeing me deal with change and learn that they too should understand their strengths and pursue their passions.
Before I left my job, I sent a nice departing note to colleagues and received many personal and motivating notes in return. One response stuck: “Sometimes life throws us an unexpected curve ball but by understanding this creates an opportunity to shine in a different role where good people get going!” I love this statement in its simplicity, and I think about it a lot.
So, I continue to share, both to teach and to learn. And, to help me get going.
Photo: Flickr/Kathy Laluck
Good for you and best wishes.