Let’s think outside the box for minute. I’m constantly writing about how the job market has changed. Manufacturing jobs have been replaced by automation, and the impact of the Internet is beyond anything we ever imaged. Thirty years ago my generation joked about Big Brother (the government is watching). Between iPhones and YouTube, I think our worst nightmares have been realized.
In the middle of all this technological chaos, I want to interject some much needed humor. Fred Newman, a genius who makes a living following his passion, was interviewed on “CBS Sunday Morning.” He does sound effects for Garrison Keillor’s “A Prairie Home Companion” radio show and has worked on dozens of movies and children’s shows.
Fred Newman is a master and gets to display his very special skills on a regular basis. Fred said he never imagined he could make a living doing what he used to do behind the teacher’s back! His unique ability with sounds is not a casual hobby. He has received three Emmys and his résumé is awesome. Google him and you’ll be impressed.
Imagine your child saying, “I don’t want to be an accountant, I want to make a living doing sound effects.” Oh my, where did we go wrong? We tried to be a good role model for our son and now he has this crazy idea he is going to make a living doing sound effects. What is he thinking?
Go ahead, search the Internet. It won’t be easy to find a school that offers a degree in sound effects. It’s something you learn on your own fooling around in your bedroom, or in Fred’s case, behind the teacher’s back. It would be reasonable to assume that he dropped out of school to follow his passion, but nothing would be further from the truth. He graduated from the University of Georgia and earned an MBA from Harvard Business School.
I’m in the business of helping people get a job, and it’s helpful to study people who have been able to turn their natural talents into a successful career. Fred Newman always knew that entertaining people with his ability to make funny sounds was his passion, but there was no road map to follow to reach his destination. During the CBS interview Fred offered this advice: “Whatever it is that makes you weird, that’s probably where your gifts are.”
Sitting under a tree and thinking about your gift isn’t the best strategy to uncover and nurture your passion. Most significant to Fred’s education were the people he met and the knowledge he acquired that would eventually help him market his talent.
In the process of getting out there and doing things, we discover and affirm our natural abilities. When we get involved we discover what we like and don’t like. Along the way we acquire the necessary skills, knowledge and talents that eventually will enable us to do what we really enjoy.
Shut off the TV, close your laptop, get off the Internet, get out there and actually do something. Fred and Garrison didn’t watch things happen; they made things happen. In today’s world of diverse technology it’s hard to believe Fred’s success has little to do with the computer or the Internet. You won’t find his career in any career catalog or listing of job titles.
So here’s my challenge: Reflect on all the things you do well and identify your best talents. Find a venue where you can display your talents. In the beginning you may need to volunteer, but your goal is to utilize and develop your gifts. Yes, technology will continue to influence and dominate what happens in the job market, but I wanted to stop and remind people that we do have other gifts.
FYI: Garrison Keillor is retiring in July and they’ll need a replacement. Any ideas? Make it happen.
Bill Kaminski is president of Stone Associates Training. He is an HR consultant with 35 years of experience in the employment field, teaching managers the art of hiring great employees. Bill is also an adjunct instructor at Keuka College. You can contact Bill with questions, suggestions or comments at www.bill@stone associatestraining.com.
