Choosing a career may be a very easy choice for you, or it may be a super difficult one.  Some people know exactly what they want to do at a young age.  I think that’s like Madeline who always wanted to be a teacher.  Some of you kiddos won’t know (that was me).  And you have a ton of talents, and ironically that can make choosing a career even more difficult.  Why so, because it’s typical human behavior when faced with a lot of choice it can take longer to decide.  Think about being a restaurant with an extensive menu vs being at one with just a few choices.  Given fewer choices, you choose more quickly.  Same goes for a career choice.  So let’s tackle this topic. 

Choosing your career is laden with infinite possibilities, each one a potential gateway to a life of fulfillment and purpose. You stand at a pivotal juncture, blessed with an abundance of natural talent that sets you apart. But make no mistake—this innate ability is merely the foundation upon which greatness is built. It’s the unwavering effort, the relentless pursuit of excellence, and the passion you infuse into your chosen career that will truly define your career success.

I have known a lot of super talented people with no drive and therefore put forth limited effort who perform poorly at their careers.  You’ve got to work it and you’ve got to want it. Your talents are the raw materials; your dedication and perseverance are the tools that will shape them into something extraordinary. So for those of you who know what you want to do with your career, just make certain you will wish to jump out of bed and tackle the world each day. 

The most rewarding careers are those that challenge you, inspire you, and ignite a fire within your soul. Look for a career that captivates you so completely that even the most catastrophic events couldn’t shake your focus. You want to be so engrossed in your work, so driven by your purpose, that if a flood of biblical proportions were to come—rivaling the one Noah faced—you’d barely notice. You’d be too busy innovating, creating, and pushing the boundaries of your field to be deterred. This level of commitment and passion is what separates the truly exceptional from the merely competent.

I have known so many people who say (and mean) that they “have” to go to work today.  What a shame.  Please avoid at all costs the trap of a tedious existence. Life is too precious, too fleeting, to squander on a career that fails to ignite your spirit. Don’t resign yourself to a life of monotony, where each day blends indistinguishably into the next, and you find yourself constantly yearning for the weekend. That’s not living; it’s merely existing, and you are destined for so much more. Instead, pursue work that challenges you intellectually, emotionally, and creatively. Seek out opportunities that make you eager to leap out of bed each morning, filled with anticipation for the day ahead. 

As I write this essay in January, 2025, I have to say that your parents are all doing exactly that.  Christian and Madison are working on Capitol Hill in amazingly important jobs at the tender young ages of 24 and 28.  They have both progressed through their careers very rapidly due to their talents and passions and energy.  Patrick is a Professor at Hope College in Holland Michigan and recently was put on tenure track (which is a big deal) and Madeline is a teacher and I dare say the best teacher in the school system, indeed in the state and one of the best in the country.  They both totally love what they do.  And Anthony and Brittney own and run Jan Pro of Huntsville and they are building their business and their legacy by helping less fortunate people start their own businesses.  And after helping me with my business for 17 years, your Grandmother Cookie’s career is now one of philanthropy where she is donating enough money to feed hundreds of school children under the age of 13 every single day so she can “nourish them so they can flourish”.  It’s hard to learn if you are “hangry”.  And she is so passionate that I have no doubts whatsoever that soon she will add a zero to the number of kids she is feeding.  There is no limit to her current journey.

You can’t do any of this without a ton of courage, so make courage your companion as you navigate this journey. The most fulfilling careers often lie just beyond (or maybe even way beyond) the boundaries of your comfort zone, in territories yet unexplored. Don’t be afraid to venture into uncharted waters, to blaze trails where none existed before. The world’s greatest innovators and changemakers were those who dared to think differently, to challenge the status quo, and to pursue their visions with unwavering determination. Be bold in your aspirations and fearless in your pursuit of them.

Passion should be the cornerstone of your career choice. Seek work that resonates deeply with your values and ignites a burning desire to effect change. Your career should be more than a means to a paycheck; it should be a calling, a higher purpose that gives your life meaning and direction. Look for opportunities that allow you to make a tangible difference in the world.  I think sometimes we underestimate the lives we touch in our work.  In my business, we positively impacted a lot of people who we helped start businesses.  I know of many whom educated their kids when they otherwise would not have been able to do that.  Anthony and Brittney are now doing the same thing.  Imagine how many people a teacher or professor impact over a career, many thousands. Or how Christian and Madison go to work each day literally helping to positively impact this amazing country of ours.  When your work aligns with your deepest convictions, you’ll find a wellspring of motivation that never runs dry.

As you explore various career paths, pay attention to those that not only utilize your natural talents but also challenge you to grow and evolve. The sweet spot lies at the intersection of your innate abilities and the skills you develop through dedicated practice and learning. Remember, expertise is not bestowed; it’s earned through countless hours of focused effort. Embrace the journey of mastery, knowing that each challenge overcome and each skill honed brings you closer to realizing your full potential.

Consider, too, the impact you want to have on the world. The most fulfilling careers are often those that contribute to something greater than ourselves. Whether it’s advancing human knowledge, improving lives through business or teaching, or creating beauty that inspires others, find a path that allows you to leave a positive mark on the world. This sense of purpose will sustain you through difficult times and give deeper meaning to your successes.

Don’t be discouraged if you don’t find your perfect career immediately. Many successful individuals have taken winding paths to discover their true calling. Be open to exploration and willing to pivot if you find that your initial choice doesn’t resonate as deeply as you’d hoped. The journey of self-discovery is ongoing, and each experience, even those that seem like detours, can provide valuable insights and skills that contribute to your ultimate success.

And remember, the world doesn’t need more people who are merely competent at jobs they don’t care about. It needs passionate individuals who approach their work with enthusiasm, creativity, and dedication. It needs innovators, dreamers, and doers who are committed to pushing boundaries and challenging the impossible. Be those individuals. Bring your unique perspective, your boundless energy, and your unwavering commitment to whatever field you choose.

Your natural talents are a gift, but they also come with a responsibility—to nurture them, to challenge them, and to use them in service of something greater. Combine your innate abilities with unwavering effort and genuine passion, and you’ll not only find success but also deep fulfillment. You have the potential to create a life’s work that is truly extraordinary, that leaves an indelible mark on the world. So go do it. 

As you stand at the threshold of your futures, I urge you to be bold in your choices, passionate in your pursuits, and relentless in your dedication. The world is waiting for what you have to offer, for the unique contributions only you can make. Embrace the challenges, celebrate the victories, and never lose sight of the fire that drives you. Your journey is just beginning, and the possibilities are limitless.

This is such an important topic that I thought it may make sense for you to learn from some of the great minds in business and technology for their perspectives on career choices.

Paul Graham, the multi-billionaire co-founder of Y Combinator and a prolific essayist (and really my inspiration for writing these essays to you), offers several compelling pieces of advice in his essays (www.paulgraham.com/articles.html):

1. “Do What You Love” – Graham argues that the most successful people are those who work on things they genuinely care about. He writes, “The test of whether people love what they do is whether they’d do it even if they weren’t paid for it—even if they had to work at another job to make a living.”
2. “How to Do What You Love” – In this essay, Graham suggests that finding work you love is an active process. He advises, “Always produce. For example, if you have a day job you don’t take seriously because you plan to be a novelist, are you producing? Are you writing pages of fiction, however bad? As long as you’re producing, you’ll know you’re not merely using the hazy vision of the grand novel you plan to write one day as an opiate.”
3. “What You’ll Wish You’d Known” – Graham emphasizes the importance of staying curious and keeping your options open. He notes, “The best protection is always to be working on hard problems. Writing novels is hard. Reading novels isn’t. Hard means worry: if you’re not worrying that something you’re making will come out badly, or that you won’t be able to understand something you’re studying, then it isn’t hard enough.”
   
   

Warren Buffett, the legendary investor, offers timeless career advice:

1. “Take the job you would take if you were independently wealthy.” This advice underscores the importance of choosing a career for reasons beyond just financial gain.
2. “It’s better to hang out with people better than you. Pick out associates whose behavior is better than yours and you’ll drift in that direction.” This speaks to the power of your professional network in shaping your career trajectory.
3. “The most important investment you can make is in yourself.” Buffett consistently emphasizes the value of continuous learning and self-improvement.
   
   

Charlie Munger, Buffett’s long-time business partner, adds his unique perspective:

1. “To get what you want, you have to deserve what you want. The world is not yet a crazy enough place to reward a whole bunch of undeserving people.” This underscores the importance of developing genuine skills and expertise in your chosen field.
2. “If you’re going to be an investor, you’re going to make some investments where you don’t have all the experience you need. But if you keep trying to get a little better over time, you’ll start to make investments that are virtually certain to have a good outcome.” This advice, while framed for investing, applies equally to career development – continuous improvement is key.
3. “Spend each day trying to be a little wiser than you were when you woke up. Discharge your duties faithfully and well. Step by step you get ahead, but not necessarily in fast spurts. But you build discipline by preparing for fast spurts. Slug it out one inch at a time, day by day. At the end of the day – if you live long enough – most people get what they deserve.”

Synthesizing this advice, here are key principles to guide your career choices:

1. Pursue your passions: Choose a field that genuinely interests you. Your enthusiasm will fuel your growth and persistence.
2. Continuous learning: Never stop improving your skills and expanding your knowledge. The world changes rapidly, and adaptability is crucial.
3. Surround yourself with excellence: Your environment shapes you. Seek out mentors and colleagues who inspire and challenge you.
4. Create value: Focus on developing skills and producing work that genuinely contributes to your field or society at large.
5. Be patient but persistent: Building a fulfilling career takes time. Stay committed to your goals, but be willing to adjust your path as you learn and grow.
6. Take calculated risks: Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, especially early in your career. The potential for growth often lies in challenging experiences.
7. Maintain integrity: As Buffett says, “It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it.” Your reputation is your most valuable asset in any career.

Remember, your career is a journey, not a destination. It’s okay if you don’t have it all figured out right away. What’s important is that you start, stay curious, and remain open to opportunities for growth and learning.