I have two questions I always ask at the end of interviews. The questions usually take people by surprise.
No matter how old the subject is, I always ask what they want to be when they grow up.
And I ask if they had a chance to do anything differently in their lives, what would it be.
I consider asking the questions a public service. A lot of people blow off the questions, and that's OK.
But through the years, I've had some very poignant answers.
I asked a very successful gentleman that today, and he got a far-away look in his eye when he responded to the do-over question.
He said that during his career, at times he was brutal with fellow workers, employees, and others. He didn't make excuses, or try to rationalize his behavior. He answered the question by saying that if he could have a do-over, he would be kinder in his dealings with those around him.
I don't think he was trying to win points with me for the interview, because there was something in his voice that told me he was speaking from the heart.
So, as this year winds down, it think it's as good a time as any to ask:
What do you want to be when you grow up?
And, if you had a do-over, what would it be?
As my lovely spouse might write:
Good night, sweet dreams.
No matter how old the subject is, I always ask what they want to be when they grow up.
And I ask if they had a chance to do anything differently in their lives, what would it be.
I consider asking the questions a public service. A lot of people blow off the questions, and that's OK.
But through the years, I've had some very poignant answers.
I asked a very successful gentleman that today, and he got a far-away look in his eye when he responded to the do-over question.
He said that during his career, at times he was brutal with fellow workers, employees, and others. He didn't make excuses, or try to rationalize his behavior. He answered the question by saying that if he could have a do-over, he would be kinder in his dealings with those around him.
I don't think he was trying to win points with me for the interview, because there was something in his voice that told me he was speaking from the heart.
So, as this year winds down, it think it's as good a time as any to ask:
What do you want to be when you grow up?
And, if you had a do-over, what would it be?
As my lovely spouse might write:
Good night, sweet dreams.
Rick, what a poignant question.
ReplyDeleteBut before I answer your questions, I want to say that I'm so sorry about your dod Taylor passing.
It's got to be tough loosing tow of your best friends so close together.
I'm sending you and Jilda some warm hugs and healing prayers.
When I grow up, I want to be cancer free and happy as a baby in a dry diaper.
If I could go back in time, I would get a higher education. I came from a large family of 17 kids and I was the third oldest so I had to stay home to help my mom a lot. I got a job and didn't return to school and I got married at 20 without finishing high school.
I got most of my education from reading a lot but I always felt inferior because of no formal education. Thank goodness I no longer feel inferior anymore as I like myself just the way I am.
PS. I haven't been posting comments because of computer problems but I think that it's fixed now since I was able to leave a comment on Jilda's blog this morning.
Take care,
JB
Sorry Rick, I missed that typo It should be "dog"
ReplyDeleteJB
I see more typos, I hope that they make you smile.
ReplyDeleteJB
Hey Julia, my fingers are fatter than yours :) I do typos all the time.
ReplyDeleteI didn't realize you were struggling with cancer. My prayer for you is that you knock it down and stomp a hog waller in its butt.
Thanks for your kind words about our critters. Some folks don't understand our closeness to our dogs, but they hold a special place in our lives.
As for education, some of the smartest and most creative people I know never finished school.
Coming from a family that large, is a blessing and a curse. I was the middle of 5 and I sometimes got lost in the shuffle. I can't imagine being in a family of 17. You take care, and thanks for your comments.
Rick! interesting? hmmmm? I would have to say been more studious in college. I was basically hunting down a man/husband in those years I should have developed a better career foundation. It was expected of me then, to find a husband, more than an education. But, I messed up my life instead of sticking with the studies. see "About My Life" for more details. But, ya. I often still wonder what I am going to be when I grow up = probably a blogger.
ReplyDeleteI'm still thinking about your questions. I really like my life right now. But I wish I had been a lot smarter with money through out the years.
ReplyDeleteI see everyone thinks like I do. I'd get a better education.
ReplyDeleteIt seems as if I've been kind to everyone all my life and now that I'm old I want to be honest with people and tell them what I really think. Ha
I'll never grow up. If I had a do-over, I would be tougher and harder on people, and I'm not kidding. I let people, especially a certain Dr. X, get away with entirely too much. My final question in interviews was always What's the most important thing you want the world to know about you?
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
I think my life is just what it was supposed to be. I wanted a family and I loved raising my children. I have a loving husband.I did my job as a Mother raising good kids.
ReplyDeleteThings are never perfect. They could be better. They could also be worse.
I take it one day at a time and leave the rest in Gods' hands. I know he loves me and trust in his direction and decisions.Like in Gone with the Wind.
Tomorrow is another day. :)
Rick, thanks for the kind words.
ReplyDeleteI did beat my cancer against the odds that I was given. I was told that I would probably die as it was advanced. I surrendered my life to Jesus to heal me or take me and I felt an unbelievable peace when I did that.
I'm still on estrogen blocker medication as my cancer was estrogen receptive. It's almost ten years now on medication and it's getting to the end of it's ineffectiveness and at the moment there is no other medication available that I know.
Ten years seems like four years. Time goes by way too fast.
Have a good rest of the day.
JB
When I think back on my life my "do overs" are really just focused on people...love them more, take more time with family, really sit and talk with those not around anymore..my Dad, my Nephew, and a few others that I think of everyday. I'm trying to do that now with my loved ones that are still here. What do I want to be when I grow up? Somewhere, deep inside, I feel like I'm a budding artist..I really think I should take some art classes. Don't ask me why..just a feeling! Good questions that had me thinking!
ReplyDeleteWhen I grow up I will know how to forget myself, and not be so self conscious. I will get a college degree. In ANYTHING. A degree would have helped me so much in life, but at 20, when I got married, I didn't think so. Silly me.
ReplyDeleteI don't really have "A" do over. I would just think more of others. Less of what I want, and more about what others need. Feel less need to assert my opinion, and more need to listen. Develop my talents more, and share them. I've been blessed with so much, and I've often failed to take advantage of those blessings and talents. So - no time like the present, yes?
These are questions I've asked myself many times. I think these are my answers right now.
ReplyDelete1. When I grow up I want to be loving.
2. I wouldn't change anything. I've often thought I'd like to take back the times I've hurt people, but I wouldn't dare. I learned so much from those experiences. I like who I am and wouldn't dare pull a single thread out of the tapestry of my life. I like the picture the way it is.
May you have a fabulous new year full of love, peace, and joy.
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ReplyDelete