Ma and Pop Inspiration

Hope you all had a wonderful Mother's Day yesterday!  If you forgot, it's definitely better late than never in my family - pick up that phone stat!  

Remember when you were little and you wanted to grow up to be just like your parents?  Whether you wanted their career, hobbies, or just their stellar grilling ability or hilariously loud laugh, mom and dad are often our first idols.  We can't wait to get big and try to fill their shoes... And then we turn thirteen. :)

Even if our parental obsessions have cooled to a healthy respect, we can still learn a lot from those who raised us.  Have you ever really talked with your mom or dad about their job?  Most of my friends just know what job title attaches to which parent, and that's about all.  Why not make a plan once this crazy semester is over to spend a summer evening asking some deeper questions.  Even if there is absolutely no way you would pick the same career as mom or dad, listening to their progression from entry-level youngster to seasoned worker is sure to illuminate some murky areas for you.

So fire up that grill, pour a tall beverage of your choice, kick up your heels on some plastic patio furniture, and spend just one evening listening to your parents.  

Get them rolling with these questions:

- What jobs have you had since you were my age?

- How did you end up choosing this career?  What made it appeal to you?

- What kind of skills do you use in your work?

- What's been the most frustrating thing about your job?  What's brought you the most pride or joy?

- Is this the career you envisioned when you were my age?

Cheers!