Only my opinion, but yes, I think you have probably spread yourself too thin.
I never played sport at a high level like you did, but i was good enough at it that on occasion people would mention it or say something that made me realise that it was "my thing that i was good at". Ever since, i have been chasing similar validation/recognition/success and almost entirely failed in finding it.
As a result, i have been perpetually chasing the new high tide mark, the new "my thing that i am good at. Going down many dead ends and beating down myself because of it.
My wife assures me that being a good dad is my current special skill, and she is right. But it is very hard to simplify my ambition sometimes. For your situation, maybe Instead of thousands/millions of people looking up to you a little bit, maybe the goal should be to have a small group of the most important people look up to you a lot? Family, friends, staff etc. The public eye is off you much more now than it was, maybe accept the reduced pressure and find your diversity and challenges in smaller details?
How do you figure out what you love to do without trying a variety of different things?
But how do you know you really like something until you've been able to spend a decent amount of time doing it?
How do you spend enough time doing something to be great at it without compromising trying other things your curious about?
This comment will help you in no way, haha. But at lest you know you are not alone in this way of thinking, I imagine it's pretty common. My advice, go with your gut and don't second guess anything.
Interesting thoughts Ben. I’m also at a bit of a crossroads and looking towards the future with a portfolio career in mind.
I’d be curious to know what meaning you get from having so many different pies. I get the interest in many things but they might not need to be work-related. I am particularly looking for a portfolio career to give stability away from corporate restructuring and to own more of my time -> this for me is because I feel without this, I’ve got a lack of control. What’s your why? Is it to move the polar opposite of the feeling you had in your playing career? It’s a curious time for sure
I can relate to this and I think sometimes things just work themselves out. When I started my massage career I was saying yes to almost every job to gain experience and exposure. For 7 seasons I worked at both the Brumbies and the Raiders and sometimes it was a juggle. Driving up and down the parkway from my base in Tuggeranong often going back to Tuggeranong to see another 1-2 patients at the end of the day. Then there was a clash of times between the two clubs for the first time and I had already committed to the Brumbies then COVID happened and after that the Raiders moved to their new digs and didn't need as many therapists. It was a good thing for me because realistically I couldn't juggle them all anymore. When I was approached by the RA physio, my first thought was, can I realistically fit this in. But I enjoyed the environment, there was flexibility for me to come in the days that suited me and now it's some of the only massage work I do.
I want to ask, why do you feel the need to replace your job at KPMG? Is the work you do at The Dock and R4R enough?
Perhaps you are spreading yourself too thin because you have difficulty in focusing with purpose. Perhaps you haven’t been taught to learn. Many haven’t.
Fully agree Ben. Even though having multiple things to do each week adds variety, it can be difficult to commit to all activities and perform them to the best of your ability.
Only my opinion, but yes, I think you have probably spread yourself too thin.
I never played sport at a high level like you did, but i was good enough at it that on occasion people would mention it or say something that made me realise that it was "my thing that i was good at". Ever since, i have been chasing similar validation/recognition/success and almost entirely failed in finding it.
As a result, i have been perpetually chasing the new high tide mark, the new "my thing that i am good at. Going down many dead ends and beating down myself because of it.
My wife assures me that being a good dad is my current special skill, and she is right. But it is very hard to simplify my ambition sometimes. For your situation, maybe Instead of thousands/millions of people looking up to you a little bit, maybe the goal should be to have a small group of the most important people look up to you a lot? Family, friends, staff etc. The public eye is off you much more now than it was, maybe accept the reduced pressure and find your diversity and challenges in smaller details?
It's bloody tricky, eh?
How do you figure out what you love to do without trying a variety of different things?
But how do you know you really like something until you've been able to spend a decent amount of time doing it?
How do you spend enough time doing something to be great at it without compromising trying other things your curious about?
This comment will help you in no way, haha. But at lest you know you are not alone in this way of thinking, I imagine it's pretty common. My advice, go with your gut and don't second guess anything.
Interesting thoughts Ben. I’m also at a bit of a crossroads and looking towards the future with a portfolio career in mind.
I’d be curious to know what meaning you get from having so many different pies. I get the interest in many things but they might not need to be work-related. I am particularly looking for a portfolio career to give stability away from corporate restructuring and to own more of my time -> this for me is because I feel without this, I’ve got a lack of control. What’s your why? Is it to move the polar opposite of the feeling you had in your playing career? It’s a curious time for sure
Good question. You need to understand the end / the answer before you start to learn/ focus and work forward with the answer in mind.
Start the end
Does that make sense ?
Hi Ben,
I can relate to this and I think sometimes things just work themselves out. When I started my massage career I was saying yes to almost every job to gain experience and exposure. For 7 seasons I worked at both the Brumbies and the Raiders and sometimes it was a juggle. Driving up and down the parkway from my base in Tuggeranong often going back to Tuggeranong to see another 1-2 patients at the end of the day. Then there was a clash of times between the two clubs for the first time and I had already committed to the Brumbies then COVID happened and after that the Raiders moved to their new digs and didn't need as many therapists. It was a good thing for me because realistically I couldn't juggle them all anymore. When I was approached by the RA physio, my first thought was, can I realistically fit this in. But I enjoyed the environment, there was flexibility for me to come in the days that suited me and now it's some of the only massage work I do.
I want to ask, why do you feel the need to replace your job at KPMG? Is the work you do at The Dock and R4R enough?
Perhaps you are spreading yourself too thin because you have difficulty in focusing with purpose. Perhaps you haven’t been taught to learn. Many haven’t.
Fully agree Ben. Even though having multiple things to do each week adds variety, it can be difficult to commit to all activities and perform them to the best of your ability.