More randomness from the North Sea

I was talking to a friend the other day and he told me that it was time now; he needs to find a wife, settle down, have kids, and basically get on with the next stage of his life. I was pleased, becuase it is great when people solidify a plan for their lives. I would not be surprised if this past weekend he was been putting into place steps to meet that goal.

(If the above slideshow takes forever to load, please tell me and I will remove it from my blog.)

Now, in the past I've thought that I'm ready for a major shift into the next stage or possibly more aptly, MY next stage, as each person will have their own personal stages,metrics and doors they need to pass through.

The question I find myself posing is: Can we actively choose to follow the path to the next stage, to transition, or will this just come about more as a culmination of the development of a person on a number of different levels/fronts?

I'd like to, as an independant person, believe that I have to some extent control over my direction. I'm not sure how I would feel if my direction is majorly directed through the choices and results of the past, so like a large rolling boulder the best that one can do is nudge it from side to side, little by little?

Now you may be wondering why I am getting all philosophical on the crew, and its really because recently, and in the foreseeable future I have a number of big decisions to make, which requires a solidification of my plans, and also the cementation of my values into actionable steps and tangible boundaries.

As I said in an impromptu speech back in school, "Which road is the one to success? I can't say for certain, but what I can say is that I'll see you when you get there."(ad libbed a bit because I dont remember my exact words). Young. Arrogant. Optomistic... Perhaps even wise? Time will tell.

Ramblings from the North Sea (click here to see photos)

Sitting on some rocks overlooking the North Sea, listening to the constant, yet irregular flurry of waves, and I think what would I have done without this experience, this change to outflow and think about life and the direction I am going.

This is helluva dramatic as images go, sitting on the edge of a fatally compelling stretch of water. Only the other day I heard on the news of a fishing trawler going missing with all crew.

Although my line of work is nowhere near as risky, it does make me wonder; did those men love what they did? Were they the lucky ones who do something they loved, and so were the so-envious exception to the rule - don't live to work, but work so that you can live...?

I'm in no way in a position to advise anyone on this as I am currently going through the internal debate myself as to what do I want to do with my life? There are, as I can see it, two possible solutions (NOT outcomes, as many different outcomes do not solve the quandry)

The first is the more risk adverse, obvious response, which is to find a job which suits your basic skillset, and that allows you to live. (Work to LIVE)

The second is much more difficult as it requires one to look deep inside oneself and try to come up with creative solutions to allow you to do what you are passionate about as a career. Already I hear groans from people as I say this, because people are sick of hearing this and are saying "there are not many positions as flying kites <<>>" (I'm on a beach, and there are kites about, cut me some slack with the images ;) Possibly the true solution to all of this is breaking down the specific elements that you enjoy, and then try to find careers that allows you to match those.

I'm not a career guidance person, no matter what I may profess after a beer or two, so don't ask me for a customised, detail 10 step program. This may go into a book one day, this may not, I just wanted to ramble a bit, get some thoughts down onto paper. Let me know what you think, any suggestions or comments are appreciated!

Och Aye Laddie

Yeah, havent posted properly for a while, and sorry this isnt gonna be a proper post either. Just wanted to update everyone to let you know that I am currently in bonnie Scotland. I am up north in Aberdeen for work till December, then I head down to South Africa. If you are in the UK - GET IN TOUCH WITH ME PLEASE!