Have You Felt This Way?

Opportunity, Identity, and the Work We Choose

Society, peers, and economic pressures shape the way we think about work—often more than we realize. From an early age, we absorb messages about which professions are “worthy.” Rarely does a child exclaim, “I want to be a general manager!” Far more common are the dreams of becoming a doctor, lawyer, or astronaut. Yet in today’s complex economy, what we need—often desperately—are thoughtful, capable general managers across every industry sector.

The reality is, most of us don’t start our careers with complete freedom of choice. Work decisions are often dictated by circumstance and opportunity. But even within those constraints, we can express our true selves—our God-given skills, interests, and talents—in ways that serve both our growth and the greater good.

I learned this lesson at 14. My parents, immigrants who had left everything familiar behind for the hope of economic opportunity in America, never asked me to work. But I felt both an internal drive and external pressure to contribute. Not many jobs exist for a 14-year-old, but I saw other boys with paper routes and thought, I could do that.

So I did. And it was more than just a job—it was my first meaningful experience of work. Delivering the news felt important. Collecting payment introduced me to the people I served and gave me a tangible sense of earning. Tips were a revelation: people appreciated good service. I began to realize that what I loved most about work was pleasing people—meeting their needs, in the way they wanted.

Was this my dream job? No. But it was the opportunity in front of me, and I made the most of it. It taught me that the how of work—doing it well, with care and commitment—matters just as much as the what. My father modeled this beautifully: for him, any opportunity was a gift. He showed me that meaning isn’t always found in the title of your role, but in how you show up to do it.

Modern culture loves to say, “You can be anything you want.” But that idea assumes a level of flexibility—plasticity—that many people don’t experience. In truth, much of our path is shaped by what’s available. The deeper question is: how do we meet those opportunities with integrity, creativity, and purpose?