I've always envied people who knew exactly what they wanted to be when they grew up.  Everyone knows at least one person like this.  Some people are born teachers.  Others are in the astronomy club, excel at science, and become chemists.  Then there are those who follow in their parent's footsteps and become doctors, lawyers, or take over the family business.  I envy those people because I imagine that life must be so much simpler when you know exactly what you want to do.  For the most part, the points are plotted, and you move along them until you get to the end.

So what does this mean for those of us who can't seem to figure it out?  Do we have "Occupational ADD?"  (For those of you who have ADD: I'm not poking fun - honest.)  Are our interests so diverse that it's difficult to choose one?  Or, are we afraid of making a choice that we won't be completely satisfied with?  Maybe all three are right.  I will say this, though: it is definitely a hurdle, and overcoming it has proven to be a personal challenge.

A little background on me:

After high school, I went to college to become a music teacher.  It was my dream to do something I loved, as well as inspire future generations to develop their talents and pursue the arts.  Like so many before me, my dream was never realized.  I did finish my music degree, but I was no longer motivated to become a teacher.  In fact, I changed my major from Music Education to B.A. - General Music.  (Sounds sort of generic, huh?)

Rich King, BA

Upon graduating with no real career prospects, but recognizing my affinity for technology, I panicked and went to graduate school for Information Technology Management, an utterly boring program that that served no purpose in my life other than to cost me money.  I did not finish this degree for a multitude of reasons that I'll probably divulge at a later time.

Rich King, BA, MSITM

At this point, I recognized my need for some real income.  I was tired of working part time jobs at restaurants and offices, and decided I was going to find something that would actually take me somewhere.  I did a bit of looking around, and came across a job posting on Monster.com for a "Client Manager / Computer Assistant."  I thought to myself - this is perfect!  I know a lot about computers, and I can learn a new skill - "Client Management."  Wait... what is client management?


After 4 interviews, a math skills test, and an Excel test, I was hired.  The company is an insurance brokerage specializing in employee benefits.  At the time of my hiring, there were only 4 other employees.  I had no idea then that the prospect of advancement was something I should have considered.  So, this is where I have been for the last 5.5 years.  The funny thing is, when I was hired, they knew I was in graduate school.  I told them I could promise them "at least two years of great service to the company."  Needless to say, I made good on my promise.

Let's recap - I now have a useless bachelor's degree, but at least I'm gainfully employed!  It was time to educate myself in the business world so I could grow and advance my career.  I started my MBA in the Fall of 2008.  It really is grueling trying to work full time and go to school full time.  I did pull it off, though.  I also had a solid 3.5 GPA - something I am truly proud of.

Rich King, MBA, BA


I wish I could say this is where the story ends.  I got a great job after graduating and my career is off to a great start!  In reality, the world suffered one of the worst financial crises since... well... EVER.  Meanwhile there are something like 14 MILLION people unemployed, companies aren't hiring, and my student loans become payable next month.  Let me stop here and say that I'm not going to turn this into a pity party - promise!  The truth is, there are a lot of people a lot worse off than me.  I'm happy that I have a job, and I know that I can work out an income-based repayment plan that will allow me to buy food even after I begin repaying my loans.  However, while my situation isn't exactly dire, it's not desirable, either.

So, I've got some pretty serious decisions to make.  I've almost convinced myself that I'm going to go back to school and get an advanced degree.  Now I have to figure out what degree to seek.  I've considered law, medicine, and a PhD.  I suppose this is what I'm going to blog about - my journey of self-discovery, and my progress towards finding a suitable career.

Rich King, MBA, JD, MD, PhD...