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A follow up to Part 1 and Part 2

It's spring semester of my senior year of college and I am taking this class called Career Development, which mostly consists of psychological exploration of specific criteria that will (hopefully) lead to a fulfilling life and career (which are critically and undeniable interconnected).

In our book a Pyramid of Information-Processing Domains in Career Decision Making is presented. At the very base is "Self Knowledge". I am going to elaborate on this a bit.

Simliar to my discovery about SXSW, where the most beneficial part of my trip was in the hallways (or, who am I kidding, bars) rather than the actual panels, college's best gifts are the lessons you learn outside the classroom. I have gone over the funny and life lesson stuff I learned freshman year, but I've never really discussed my values and goals evolving.

I have always been a materialistic person, probably inherited somewhat from my parents and somewhat from my environment. I like stuff, stuff, stuff. Well atleast I used to. A BMW, a huge house, etc were what mainly drove me into Finance in the first place. I wanted to make lots of money, so I can live in a big city and own big things. I remember looking down on my parents at some point because we weren't rich, and even though I am very much priveledged, I always seemed to be the poor kid in my cliques.

Random Insert: I am listening to The Books new album Lost And Safe, and so should you. It is 5 stars in the ambient/somewhat electronic category

So I came to College with the make money mindset. Gloriously it has changed over the past 4 years due to:

Heartbreak, which taught me that if you dont have love you have nothing. Not that the void can't be filled by someone else, but that it can't be filled with barrels of money, no matter how hard you try.
Maureen, my one serious girlfriend of college, taught me to value relationships (friendship, romantic, family etc) over anything else. Most of this was learned post-relationship after I was an idiot etc, but her values and love for everything impacted me.
My Family, with their relentless support. I suppose its always been there but I've felt it more through college where I went thru cycling, finance, web and other phases, yet I never recieved and grief about it. It was always how can I help you do what you want to do now. Amazing, really.
Al, who seeing how happy and content he is as long as he has good company, good food, and good music going convinced me that I can be happy without a million dollar lifestyle.

Yes, I still lust after things. Another monitor, a better camera etc, but as far as I see it these are small scale things, and my lust for random crap is practically nonexistent. I love throwing things out, simplifying things, etc. The last thing I want is a house full of knick knacks and a garage full of so many things you can't park in there ;)

To have a successful career, you have to have a solid outline of what to strive for, regardless of occupation. As of March 2005 I want the opportunity to explore, create, and experiment in life. Whether that be creating music, publishing magazines, giving out ideas, or designing websites. I enjoy putting something new into the world. In the long run I want to do something I love with people I love. I want to have enough money to pay my bills and go out to eat with friends without stressing. I don't want so much money to drive me to the point of spending $300 on a pair of jeans. And if all goes well, I would like enough money, or an occupation that lets me travel, see new places, meet new faces and stay consistently inspired from new experiences. Sounds a bit idealistic doesn't it? I won't let the working world crush me.