My Job/Work (and yours too)

As I start to rebuild my life, with this blessed opportunity to totally start over new, I’ve been looking more and more into what inspires and motivates me. Specifically what inspires and motivates me as far as “work”. What job could I do everyday that wouldn’t actually feel like a job? And what job would I do for free day after day?

I’m not really amazed at the amount of people who hate and complain about their job and career, or lack there of. We’re all just doing what we are told we should be doing to “build” our resume or to make a living. But what are we really building and why do we subject ourselves to such existences? Doesn’t everyone want to wake up in the morning energized and excited to get to their job or workplace? I mean, we spend most of our lives “working” and commuting to and from said work. And all of that for what?

But more importantly, are we really getting anything accomplished and making a difference? Or could we easily be replaced by some science fiction robot that doesn’t require vacation time, weekends off, time for breaks or even a paycheck? For the few of you who really do change the world with the work that you do and are passionate about what you do day in and day out, kudos. And kudos to those who endure a mediocre job because it allows them the freedom to live how they want and do want they want while not at work, you should be proud of yourselves! For the rest of you, or us, what would it take for you to change the circumstances you’re in? I challenge you to examine or re-examine your current work situation.

For myself, it took some wild trip to re-evaluate and start restructuring my life. It’s time to start everything over anew. I have so much stuff that I don’t need, so much shit just taking up space in my life that really doesn’t do anything to improve it. It’s time to pull out the trash bags and donation bins. Time to start with a fresh, clean slate and really examine what matters most to me, the gifts/talents that I have and what I’m madly passionate about. And that’s really the only thing that separates you from those robots, passion.

Now don’t get me wrong...I love my current “job” and work situation. I wake up everyday (or sometimes from a mid-afternoon nap) excited to get to the gym or the crag.

As a guide I get to introduce people to the sport of outdoor climbing (one of the major loves in my life along with art and music). I also help teach people ways to stay safe out there so they can continue enjoying climbing outdoors for years to come. I hope everyone I go outside with is able to walk away with a positive experience because I get so much pleasure and pride in being able to be a part of my clients progression or introduction to outdoor climbing. It’s always my goal to push people just a little bit outside their comfort zone to give them a taste of what they’re really capable of, which is so much more than one can even imagine.

As a coach for the rock gyms competitive youth team I feel that I learn so much more from those kids than they learn from me. I absolutely adore all those pain-in-my-ass kids and am so inspired by them. I try to push them well outside their comfort zone because I know they are all capable of such amazing things. And yes, I do enjoy watching them suffer through my cross training workouts. But thats because I want them to be strong and balanced so that they can just focus on their climbing and improving their weaknesses in climbing. I really do care for each of them as if I’m some crazy uncle they’re unfortunate enough to have. I know I am so fortunate to have them.

As a route setter I’m able to have a creative outlet through such a unique medium, climbing. I pretty much make up my own schedule and I’m able to experiment with and explore climbing and setting with almost no limitations. I really dig watching climbers do my climbs in ways that I hadn’t preconceived. It’s amazing to watch different sized/shaped bodies moving through this 3D puzzle I’ve created for them. Because in the end I’m really not setting for myself, I’m setting for the members. I enjoy getting feedback about my climbs. Not feedback like “it was good” or “it was fun” just because you’re not trying to hurt my feelings (although I realize sometimes that’s really all there is to say about a climb). Who cares about my feelings, it’s just plastic bolted to a wall! I’m setting for YOU, give me good constructive feedback in order for me to improve my art for the both of our sakes. I want to hear how the climb made you feel, how it made your body feel and react. And if there’s anyway I can make some small or even large adjustments to make it more enjoyable I want to hear that too!

After typing this I guess I’ve realized that I really don’t have it all that bad. Yea, I’m not making a six figure pay check or enough to buy a house or new car. But I am truly passionate about what I do day in and day out and I genuinely care about the climbing community that I surround myself with. And some days it does feel like work, but for the most part...I’m just having fun.

Sometimes I just can’t help but feel like I could be doing even more and I wonder to myself, “What else is out there?”.

What about you?

-HB