I have two degrees in anthropology, and work in IT. I use my degrees every day; the value I derive from them comes from these core skills – not in anything about the Fore or the Dobe !Kung.

I have nudged some friends out of a funk, and helped them find a good profession.

I tried the same approach with my middle sister, who was hell-bent on becoming an Opera Singer. I asked her about the job prospects, and got out the Chicago Tribune to look for jobs. We looked for Opera Singers – None. How about Entertainers? There were a few jobs for Exotic Dancers – Nope, nothing there. Musicians: Nada.

So I asked her, “What is your Plan B?” She asked me what I meant, so I told her – the job prospects in your profession aren’t great. What will you do to make a living? She said teach.

So, I have a sister who now nearly has a PhD in Music, who is working as a music teacher, and who still wants to be an opera singer.

Some people you just can’t get through to. I did try.

They recently made a little fun of me – I am a senior manager at a utility, and they said I didn’t have any artistic ability. I disagreed – “I have a technical job that pays well, and allows me to write for magazines. I have several covers and hundreds of photos published, with a thousand articles. So, I have an artistic side – I just make my money in a technical position, so I can afford to live and be artistic.”

You can try to lead. Sometimes they follow, sometimes they don’t.

This is one of the best blogs you have posted. I have enjoyed and learned from many of your blogs. After reading this one though, I had to tell you that it’s up there for style as well as impact! Almost Mark Twain!

Thanks again for sharing your stories and making them such enjoyable lessons on living well.

Regards, a Canadian fan

When that happens persistence is a good trait.

#2 is in his 2nd year at the liberal arts of liberal arts colleges; no exams, Divisions I, II & III rather than the traditionally named years and graduation by portfolio demonstration of mastery of whatever it is you constructed as your course of study, and, he’s an aspiring writer (with an aunt who is a successful author and took her on-line aspiring author’s class populated by adults when in high school). He’s pretty well aware of the life-long financial risk he faces, so 2 out of 3 is what his future looks like; he, my wife and I are all good with that.