My oldest son, Ryan, is in his senior year of high school. I was invited by a Facebook friend to share 10 photos of my senior in 10 days. Like most parents, I never tire of looking at photos of my kids, and I enjoy the memories shared by all my friends. So I decided to join the fun.
As part of this pursuit, I came across this photo of Ryan and me during a college visit to Virginia Tech (VT). In the shot, he's wearing a brand-new VT baseball cap. At the time, I thought his enthusiasm for the new merch, just purchased from the campus' gift shop, meant he might also be enthusiastic about the school.
I always expected Ryan to end up at a large school--believing his personality and learning style are well suited to that environment, and being familiar with that experience myself. Yet ultimately Ryan decided not to apply to VT or any other large school, opting instead to pursue his dream of playing baseball at a smaller, liberal arts college.
As a parent, it's been nerve-wracking and sometimes heartbreaking to witness my kid going through the college recruiting process. Yet ultimately, I was incredibly impressed as I watched him weigh his choices, think about his future, and make the best possible decision for him.
It's a life skill that we apply repeatedly throughout our careers as well. Looking back, I'm glad I made the decision as a college senior to accept the non-paying internship at Marriott Headquarters in lieu of the better paying one at a public relations firm. It led to a rich and rewarding career, where I learned from the best, had some incredible opportunities and made terrific friendships.
Fast forward 30 years later, when I decided to launch my own business. It was risky and a little scary, but I was in a position to take a chance. I wanted to create something of my own and be in more control of my time, while doing purpose-driven work that made a difference in the world.
Looking back, there were no wrong decisions. I might have loved the public relations firm too, and I may have been happy remaining in the corporate world longer at the right organization. Ultimately, every single time, I followed my heart, with a healthy dose of data and facts mixed in.
As a parent, this wisdom comforts me, knowing that Ryan will be okay, and probably thrive, regardless of what decision he makes. He's following his own path, making his own choices, and finding his own way. Watching him go through this process, I know that when he encounters obstacles or bumps in the road, he has the skills to reset and realign.
What decisions have you made that were pivotal to your life or career? Any triumphs? Any regrets? Please share in the comments.
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