The Jump - #1 - February 2024
Introducing the Career Adventurer monthly musings!!! I'm talking Tom Petty, Retirement, Networking CRM, and An Adventurer to Read About
Introducing The Jump. It will offer monthly musings to inspire and to encourage you to consider new things. Each month I’m inspired by seemingly random data and observations. It could be listening to music, reading the news, or taking a walk, to name a few. These thoughts may be quick, but they can offer powerful contemplative points in time to inspire your own career adventures.
In the first edition of The Jump, I’m talking Tom Petty, retirement reads, building a career CRM, and an adventurer to read about. Welcome to The Jump!
Let Petty Be Your Guide!!!
I love Tom Petty’s music. Lately, I’ve been trying to brainwash my daughters into loving some of his classics. Ya know…Free Fallin’, American Girl. (They keep asking to hear more Ed Sheeran.) Petty’s music has always spoken to me.
I recently listened to one of his classics, Learning to Fly. As I listened to the lyrics, I started thinking about how applicable the song is for anyone starting something new, especially a new career adventure. Read this excerpt:
Well, I started out Down a dirty road Started out All alone
And the sun went down As I crossed the hill And the town lit up The world got still
I'm learning to fly But I ain't got wings Coming down Is the hardest thing
Well, the good old days May not return And the rocks might melt And the sea may burn
Tom Petty and Jeff Lynne - Learning to Fly
These words make me think about jumping into something new, taking a big risk. We normally start something completely new alone. We may have mentors, but it takes personal, independent action to make a leap. It’s scary.
When we take on something new, we are oftentimes saying good bye to our old selves Yet, our new selves barely have enough control to manage flight. We’re like fledging ducklings learning to flap against gravity. So much possibility, if only we can get off the ground!!!
Once we make the leap, we recognize that the good experienced in our past lives is not guaranteed in future endeavors. Our world as we know it might disappear. The grass isn’t always greener. But, remember, millions of people have jumped into new things before and felt exactly like us. I think Petty’s lyrics capture it well.
Yes or No to Retirement?
Should we retire? My best friend and I discussed this while watching the AFC Championship game and discussing NFL quarterback careers. He asked, “When do you want to retire?” I said, “I’m not sure I ever want to RETIRE.” I’d like to be financially secure enough where I don’t necessarily have to work, but still choose to do so.
The main reason: mental stimulation. I enjoy playing golf and binge watching Netflix. Yet, these activities don’t provide the same mental payoff as solving business strategy challenges, envisioning new products, or writing. I love putting my mind to use. There is benefit to staying engaged.
Bartleby in The Economist recently discussed this topic. The article questions whether anything can truly replace one’s usefulness in the work setting with hobbies. It likely depends upon the person. I hope to be one of the lucky ones who has been financially lucky enough to have career optionality and still choose to be engaged in “the right” adventures.
Network with A CRM Mentality
Last week, I talked about the importance of focusing on your network. Here’s a bit more guidance on establishing discipline.
In concept, networking is easy. All you have to do is go to events, reach out to people on LinkedIn, and ask for / give new connections from / to others. Done. What’s the problem?
Discipline: Staying on top of networking is tough. One day you’re rolling, going to networking events, connecting with new people for coffee. Then, it peters out. So, what do you do.
Use CRM methodology. It’ll help you stay on top of people you want to connect with and your asks and gives. Plus, it’ll force you to stay connected with the outside world.
Create a spreadsheet. Start simple. Include basic details (e.g. - name, company, role), help needed / help provided, and status / date connected. Here’s an example:
Next, activate it. Build the file. Take a look at it at least once a month. If you do this, you’ll add people to your network, help them, and receive help. It’s no different than establishing a workout habit.
Consider tech tools beyond spreadsheets to tackle this challenge. A friend introduced me to a personal CRM called Dex. I haven’t used it yet, primarily because of price.
Inspiring Adventurer Nell Painter - American Historian
Most nights I read The Daily Dad before bed.
offers up 366 daily meditations on “Dadding” inspired by Stoicism. The book helps keep me grounded and offers insights on being a better dad.In his January 31st meditation I learned about
an American Historian and author of Old in Art School, her personal memoir on starting a new career in her sixties. She retired from Princeton and re-entered school at the Rhode Island School of Design. Looked like an interesting story; I’ve already hit the buy button on Amazon.I look forward to reading her book. I figured, any of you who are looking for inspiration and want to see how one person approached it might be interested in this too.
Closing News & Notes
Thanks to
and for your great writing and inspiration. Reading your writing helped me think about the format for The Jump. Great to see how others write!Upcoming Podcast Episodes - Three pilot podcast episodes have been released on the Career Adventurer Podcast. More are coming. Going forward, I will release them in seasons. I’ve collected five interviews. Once I get the sixth one I’ll edit and release the entire batch with core themes. Stay tuned!!!
Thanks for reading!
Paul G. Fisher
The Career Adventurer