I Probably Shouldn't Be Worried....

[Zero]

Hey, long time, no see. I've been on hiatus and it's not quite over, but something silly's been stressing me out lately.

If you had the choice of being influential and responsible or having a easier, simpler life, which would you take? And why?

 

[Moocow]

This actually has been on my mind a lot, seeing as I am in college, and just changed majors from art to psychology.
When I'm living a simple life I'm always wondering what my real potential is... when I'm trying to fulfill my potential I'm wondering why not just live simply?

I guess I'd take an influential life, just to see where it goes. A simple life would be nice, but I don't like always wondering what real impact I could have had/be having on society.

 

[Polaris]

I would picture myself on my deathbed, looking back at what I have done with my life. Picture scenario one and two. Which would I feel more content with? Or imagine what you would like to see in your obituary.

Nice to see you back

And don't get too stressed....you can always change your mind

:smiley_emoticons_mr

 

[Sapphire Harp]

I'm glad you got here before I did, Polaris, because you just said probably the most important thing that can be added to the discussion. It's no big deal to invest a few years pursuing one option, then head off to find something new. I'm about to do the same, myself.

* * * * *
​

At the present moment I'm about to make a decision towards the easier, simpler life, because I've been getting sick of the effort and struggle required to be involved with a 'creative' occupation as my main job. Originally, I enjoyed the bravado of it… the all or nothing career that I seemed to be succeeding at. But I've grown tired of it in the last year or so… The artistic reputation and 'creative fulfillment' I have in my present job isn't as satisfying as I hoped it would be.

The question you're asking, Zero, is one about values… I'd almost say one about compulsions. Do you feel compelled to "do something" with your life? There is a lot of social pressure towards that end… or, at least, plenty of social stigma available for people who don't have impressive careers. It is a fact that you can choose to have an easier, enjoyable life if you want it - if you can allow it for yourself.

If you do opt for the simpler, easier life… It may be you can take the extra time and energy you'd have and do something influential with it, yet. Of course, if you choose to make the influential work your profession, it will probably be easier to keep a steady effort at it, but the risk of burn-out is greater that way. The easier route and using your spare time is more tranquil and less effective, in general… but perhaps you can put forth better effort. It also varies quite a lot on self-discipline…

Definitely a tricky balancing of values… but as Polaris said - it may not feel like it, but life is pretty forgiving about this sort of choice. If you are.

P.S. Is this a theoretical question, Zero? Or are you trying to make some big decisions?
​

 

[Da Blob]

Take what opportunities that are offered for as one ages opportunities become few and far between. If it is not fulfilling being influential and responsible - a simple life is always an option; but the converse may not be true. The simple life can be boring...

 

[Anthile]

Oh, I am afraid that no matter what you do, you will sooner or later think of the other option to be superior at some point, especially when you are disappointed with your decision.
We N-types are cursed as we always ponder on what could have been - and it's always prettier there.

 

[Trebuchet]

Hey, long time, no see. I've been on hiatus and it's not quite over, but something silly's been stressing me out lately.

If you had the choice of being influential and responsible or having a easier, simpler life, which would you take? And why?

I don't think it's silly, but why is it stressing you out right now? Do you have a big choice to make?

 

[Cavallier]

I was reading an old post of yours the other day and wondered where you had gotten to.

Anyway:

When I'm living a simple life I'm always wondering what my real potential is... when I'm trying to fulfill my potential I'm wondering why not just live simply?

I guess I'd take an influential life, just to see where it goes. A simple life would be nice, but I don't like always wondering what real impact I could have had/be having on society.

Do you mean your potential to be influential? No, I think I define the word "influential" differently than you.

Adj.1.influential - having or exercising influence or power

If we go by the dictionary definition (or how I interpret that definition) then I do not and will not seek out an influential life. I have no desire whatsoever to exercise power over people or anything else. People who seek after power or influence are often the wrong kind of people to actually have those things. If by living my life by my terms I become influential then so be it. I will not have become influential intentionally. I merely wish to lead a quiet life of learning. Though I hope to improve this world in some way I do not want to become famous or influential because of it.

Leading a simple life and fulfilling your potential do not have to be dichotomous.

 

[EditorOne]

"If you had the choice of being influential and responsible or having a easier, simpler life, which would you take? And why?"

I don't mean to be slicing it thinner in every single thread, but: Why does this have to be a choice? Perhaps for some it is easier and simpler to be influential and responsible than to do the Jimmy Buffet thing and parrothead your way into Margaritaville?

 

[Döden]

I think it's already been well said, no matter what, you will think the "other option" better at some point. Find some way to work the two options together, perhaps? How you define "influential" or "simple" or whatever is important. Will you influence other people? To what extent are you willing to extend yourself? Gauge whether the more difficult option will help you grow or whether it will burn you out.

Banana, as disjointed as that was (XD), I really like the idea of "influence" as a byproduct the best. By this definition I'd personally go with influential and responsible (I really wish I were a J).

Edit: My commentary stands.

 

[Vrecknidj]

If you had the choice of being influential and responsible or having a easier, simpler life, which would you take? And why?

Supposing that the consequences of the choice aren't so drastically different that I couldn't really afford (personally or otherwise) to make one choice over the other, and that it's really simply my choice, I will pick the easier life.

I chose not to go to medical school, despite three years of phlebotomy experience and a strong enough background in academics to pull it off because I didn't want the responsibility.

Ironically, I've been teaching medical ethics for the past 15 years, helping train pre-med students how to evaluate the rough cases...

I didn't see that coming when I switched from chemistry to philosophy. But, whatcha gonna do?

Dave

 

[Moocow]

I was reading an old post of yours the other day and wondered where you had gotten to.

Anyway:



Do you mean your potential to be influential? No, I think I define the word "influential" differently than you.

Adj.1.influential - having or exercising influence or power

If we go by the dictionary definition (or how I interpret that definition) then I do not and will not seek out an influential life. I have no desire whatsoever to exercise power over people or anything else. People who seek after power or influence are often the wrong kind of people to actually have those things. If by living my life by my terms I become influential then so be it. I will not have become influential intentionally. I merely wish to lead a quiet life of learning. Though I hope to improve this world in some way I do not want to become famous or influential because of it.

Leading a simple life and fulfilling your potential do not have to be dichotomous.

I didn't mean powerful. I can't imagine myself ever taking a position of power over other people.
"Involved" would probably be a better word for it. I want to see what I can offer the field of psychology as my career, rather than living isolated in the woods, creating artwork. I was using the word influential as meaning "having any impact on society" relative to if I didn't pursue a Ph.D. and decided to just create artwork.

 

[Cavallier]

I didn't mean powerful. I can't imagine myself ever taking a position of power over other people.
"Involved" would probably be a better word for it. I want to see what I can offer the field of psychology as my career, rather than living isolated in the woods, creating artwork. I was using the word influential as meaning "having any impact on society" relative to if I didn't pursue a Ph.D. and decided to just create artwork.

Ah, yes. I can see the worth in that. I think that I simply view the word "influential" differently. I am disturbed by people who want to gain power and influence over others. However, taking an involved approach in dealing with people is noble as long as it is grounded in noble roots.

I just felt I needed to say something because I wondered what exactly Zero meant by "influential". Maybe Zero will get back to us soon with further details.

 

[bananaphallus]

I also think it's a misnomer for f*ckin' Christ's sake that influence is something which is actively sought, sh*t, sometimes it is, but it doesn't always work like this. Not very often is influence-over-others the explicit intent in endeavoring to do or go to h*ll create something, but it happens anyway as a f*ckin' byproduct, especially in goddammit those rare instances where one, sh*t, has done something truly extraordinary, the 'paradigm shifts', evolutions/divergences in artistic sensibilities, horsesh*t, etc. : (

 

[Cavallier]

the 'paradigm shifts'

Whenever business professors and CEO's start spouting this crap I want to shake my fist and shout, "you're not saying anything you idiot!".

 

[Zero]

Thank you everyone for replying. Soon after posting this I realized I was probably getting worked up over nothing.

*I'm editing this post, because I believe I may have elaborated too much on my situation.

Basically, I've been going to college with the support of my family in order to pursue an independent future and career. I'm taking a break this semester from school. It's making me consider that I already have connections through family and friends to pursue a completely different career path.

My thought is, so after I graduate from college then what? If my foot's not already in the door it'll be a lot of work to find an "in". Obviously, with my family and friends, I already have an "in" via the relationship I have with them. I could potentially work off of those connections, but that would likely mean pursuing a different path.

That's it, more or less.

There is a kink in this. If something happens, I'll end up working for my family, regardless.