On the good life, careers and wasting time.

I think we all want it and some of us of use even strive for it us while I believe most of us settle for some skimpier version of it. How does one achieve it and exactly what is this concept of the good life?

What defines a good life? The word “good” is subjective so there can be no definitive answer. Also, good is not the same as perfect. The perfect life would be easier to define; the ability to go and do as one wants without having to adhere to the restraints of time and money. A good life would have to adhere to the limitations of time and money. Also what things would help to create the good life?

Defining these things will be unique to each individual and once they are defined a person could make steps toward obtaining the good life. But what if you can not define it? This is my case. I know things that I like and I do feel that I have a “pretty good life” but it is not quit all the way there. I will say my life overall is better then it has been in years if not ever. I have a good relationship with those most important to me, I am able to spend a lot of time outdoors and biking, and I have a nice home and even a little bit of savings. What I don’t have is a career. Is that the only piece missing? Once I have a good career will I be completely happy then or will I find something else that is lacking in my life?

Here is what I do know; I hate my job environment. The job itself is ok and I have some coworkers that have become pretty good friends. I hate the trashiness and clutter of the office, the management style, and the inefficient nature of our office, the unethical and inconsistent behavior of management. I start counting down toward the time I get off work as soon as I get in the office.

What career would I want if I could choose? That is the million dollar question! I know I love the outdoors. I know I would like to make a difference somehow to people or the world. I know it would have to be based in central Arkansas because I will not move away from my son. I know financially it would have to be, at a minimum, equal to the compensation as I have grown accustomed. Of the 10 Life Goals I have defined, 8 of them are outdoor related. I also like people. My second job is being a server for a local coffee shop/restaurant. I love working there and interacting with people. I guess, as of right now, if I could choose any career it would be the following if I could set up this way.

I would like to own a cycling/outdoor store. I would like to sell and service cycling equipment and accessories and outdoor equipment such as tents, canoes, kayaks, backpacks. I would also like to set a program of some sort to work with underprivileged children and homeless shelters to provide free bicycles to them. Also set up summertime camping trips to children of single mothers and or underprivileged children who might not have the opportunity to go out and learn about the outdoors and the importance of protecting it. Maybe even teach an outdoor survival class to older children and women. All programs would have to be free of charge to the user.

Even if this is what I want to make for my career choice there are some many obstacles to overcome. Money to start this endeavor is one. Two, is there an enough of consumer demand here for another bike shop or outdoor store? Would there be enough of interest in the programs.

This is mainly an exercise to clear and work through some thoughts I have but any comments are welcome. Sorry for the long ramblings.