Nicholas Wright

When I was in my early 20’s and was first discovering the genre, I was always fascinated by the old story that Robert Johnson made a pact with the devil, selling his soul to achieve his dream of being a great blues musician.

Like Robert Johnson, I’m at a bit of a crossroad in my life and I am once again looking for a job. This time though it feels a little different.

Since the birth of my son, Myles, I realize that my priorities have changed. Time with family is now what I value the most, so I have been reflecting on what I want from my career. I want to experiment, and to be challenged. I also want to work with amazing people. Most importantly, I am searching for work that is meaningful.

The transition to being a dad has actually changed how I think and how perceive my career in many ways.

I have become very aware of the messages we unintentionally pass along to our kids, through our actions but particularly the impact of our emotions. Myles is always observing, so modelling positive behaviors is always at the forefront of my mind.

I also want to be in the moment. This is a special time for me, Myles is excited for every new discovery and in many ways I get to rediscover things alongside him.

My actions, feelings and attitude right now will have a greater impact than anything I tell him when he is older.

So that got me wondering what example am I setting. What do I want to reflect back to Myles that he can hopefully take on. I thought about his natural curiosity and wonder and how excited he is to figure things out. Traits I think we both share. I thought about grit… about joy… about lifting others up… about believing in yourself and knowing your worth.

When the work is done, I also want him to see that I am completely present with him to play a game with him or to help him with a problem.

For the next couple years, I only get an hour with him in the morning, and a couple hours in the evening. That time is incredibly precious to me. If my job meant leaving before he wakes up and returning home after he is asleep, even if it meant more money or a possible promotion, I don’t think I would make that trade.

Regardless of what he decides to be, those are values that I hope stick with him. Career is important but will never be as valuable as the time we have with the people we care about.

Hopefully, this next stage in my career helps he tap into that need for greater meaning, and allows me a level of work-life balance.

I’m excited for what that next adventure will be. For now, I plan to read, to write, and to learn, and to set myself up for success in the future.