Beyond labels - The Atypical

I have been told sometimes that I am not a typical finance person. I wonder why there is a need to put a label to define people through the lens of their jobs. Can the person’s capabilities truly be gauged by his title or profession? Is a human experience limited to that of the work he does to make a living?

In some jobs like finance, one is generally required to put things in black or white through numbers, to follow the rules and uphold the integrity of the processes. Some perceive the individual doing so to be less creative.

Values, emotions and capabilities are complex and can vary immensely from person to person if they were to be measured on a scale. Humor, creativity, logic, love etc. are not based on a certain job type nor are fixated for a person for their entire life.

Today, we find different social mediums where people are creating their own content and expressing themselves. It affirms that creativity is not limited to people in defined jobs like the films or arts that are perceived to be ‘Creative’.

Children often dabble in multi disciplines. They are trained in all subjects and encouraged to try new things which will eventually help them to find out what they can continue as a job.

Sadly, however, this exploration stops after their formative years. Most cultures fix the field of operation for the adolescent and he is supposed to carry on in that field for his life. Another name for this suggested approach is specialization.

Doing the same job over and over again to get better at it does provide the society an invaluable way of expertise which one individual can attain, but it may also limit or restrict that same individual to pursue other fulfilling quests.

Many keep wondering at the quintessential question “What if” but lack the courage to chase their dreams. Few pursue what they like doing as hobbies and feed their souls.

Some, who muster up the courage and take the plunge toward their dreams, may find the happiness and success they seek. The least they benefit by this approach is avoiding regrets even if they don’t succeed as per expectations.

Failure and taking risks are a part of any successful enterprise. What is important is to have courage and be open to moving forward in life.

When I approached my father (twice in the last ten years) to quit by corporate job, he said to me “I don’t want you to work only for money”. I always keep this as my bedrock to allow me to follow my heart and pursue things like film making and now professional coaching.

Like many start ups, I am cognizant of the need to enrich people lives while at the same time making money. I try and better myself at my current chosen profession which I feel passionate about and keep an open mind how to make things work practically.

In the end, it is a matter of expression. God's power manifests in all equally. You decide what quality you want to develop in yourself with which you can dazzle the world.