Meet Andy. In many ways, he had a typical childhood. He was taught to be respectful, work hard, earn good grades, and prepare himself to be successful later on in life. So he did. Andy was quite good at following the directions he was given by others. After all, he was punished whenever he didn’t listen to the adults in charge. So, he studied hard and earned straight A’s, was active in sports and school programs, and applied himself to the things he was told were important by his teachers, coaches, family, and the people he saw on TV.
Another great essay, Andy. So much of it resonates with me and has some similarities to the journey I am on. It's not an easy path, but certainly a rewarding one with more truth and joy (at least for me). I really like how you frame asking for career advice as asking for someone else to decide your life path. It's so true and I have several times received advice that is so counter to what I need and want and is mostly what society deems as the path to success: up, up and up the corporate ladder. Breaking free and unlearning this all is hard and I am still very a much at the beginning of this journey. Your writing has been a great inspiration to me along the way. Thank you.
Hey Andy - love your article. Your point that you should do what you want to do and not what society wants you to do is both obvious and also something most people are unaware of (or lack the courage to do)- this includes me as well.
Just wondering- what are some things you are doing in your career that are fulfilling to you at the moment and potentially unconventional in others' eyes?
Andy, I appreciate your write. Its seems to be a bit an extreme take (i.e "Why you should never ask for career advice"). For me (after reflections), I took career advice until I realized that I no longer need it. Its like you having training wheels on your bike (until you don't need it).
In the process (when you have training wheels), you develop confidence and wisdom to help you make your own decisions.
Thus, isn't the conclusion more like "take it until you need it" then let go of the training wheels?
This was wonderful. A great reminder to me, to keep enquiring inwardly. I seem to stop at a blockage somewhere - and my ego making excuses and reasons why not to continue - but this is inspiring me to keep going. Thank you.
Another great essay, Andy. So much of it resonates with me and has some similarities to the journey I am on. It's not an easy path, but certainly a rewarding one with more truth and joy (at least for me). I really like how you frame asking for career advice as asking for someone else to decide your life path. It's so true and I have several times received advice that is so counter to what I need and want and is mostly what society deems as the path to success: up, up and up the corporate ladder. Breaking free and unlearning this all is hard and I am still very a much at the beginning of this journey. Your writing has been a great inspiration to me along the way. Thank you.
Andy, your substack came into my world at just the right time. All can say is thank you and please keep at it; I look forward to each new post.
Solid. Reading this late, but right when I needed it. I appreciate you for putting thins out in the world. It matters.
“Don’t need to be like them, just need to be like me.”
Such a powerful essay Andy! Thanks so much!
Hey Andy - love your article. Your point that you should do what you want to do and not what society wants you to do is both obvious and also something most people are unaware of (or lack the courage to do)- this includes me as well.
Just wondering- what are some things you are doing in your career that are fulfilling to you at the moment and potentially unconventional in others' eyes?
Andy, I appreciate your write. Its seems to be a bit an extreme take (i.e "Why you should never ask for career advice"). For me (after reflections), I took career advice until I realized that I no longer need it. Its like you having training wheels on your bike (until you don't need it).
In the process (when you have training wheels), you develop confidence and wisdom to help you make your own decisions.
Thus, isn't the conclusion more like "take it until you need it" then let go of the training wheels?
This was wonderful. A great reminder to me, to keep enquiring inwardly. I seem to stop at a blockage somewhere - and my ego making excuses and reasons why not to continue - but this is inspiring me to keep going. Thank you.
This article really resonated with me. Thank you for writing this, Andy.