Life Works Out
Ok, I know that it has been a long time since I’ve posted, so I owe you an explanation of what has been going on since then. Well, in my last post I talked about the different things that I didn’t like about being a nomad. However, the nomadic experience brought me about a great opportunity that I just couldn’t pass up. If you want to read up more on that job, go here.
So, after being in Phoenix for three days, I got a ride to Las Vegas on Sunday morning, the 3rd of January. That week I started working with Despain Craftsmanship, and that was supposed to be my trial week to see if I was a good fit or not. Well, by the second day I knew that I wanted to take the job and stay in Vegas. Although a part of me really wanted to continue on my journey, I got really excited about having a job that I would love. So, I’ve been in Vegas ever since. I know, I”m sure a lot of people were disappointed that my trip didn’t last longer, and so was I. But really, I always told myself that I would continue on the journey until I found something else that I wanted to do. That’s how life should be. Too often we continue doing something we don’t want to do for far too long, but in this case, I found a job that is a perfect fit.
It’s really funny how everything just seemed to work out. I mean, even the fact that I wanted to live in a warm climate. There are lots of opportunities that could have arisen that I wouldn’t have wanted because of the location. Also, a lot of people told me having all those jobs after graduation would make me less employable. I totally see why people would think that, because potential employers would get the impression that I’m hard to please. Well, the interesting part is that my employer was actually impressed with all the different jobs I had. He said he was impressed that I was able to get so many jobs in this bad economy. A different way to think about it, but, the point is that it worked out perfect.
It’s also cool how all the different jobs I had have helped me to bring a different perspective to the table. I think you learn the most in the first month or so of employment. Often, you’re being introduced to an entirely new industry that you had you previous knowledge about. So, all those experiences helped me learn some specific things that have been a great help in my current employment. I’m just amazed at how all the pieces have fit together so perfectly.
I think about how different my life would be if I would have kept one of the previous jobs, decided to stay in Provo, or never had the idea of a nomadic trip. The fact that I was planning on the trip when I did, led to this job at just the time they needed somebody.
Anyway, I think that’s what happens when we just do stuff and have the faith that it will work out. Life just does sometimes. The eight months since my college graduation have been a very frustrating time for me because I felt like I really wasn’t accomplishing what I wanted to accomplish. It’s just amazing how all those experiences contributed and led me to do what I’m doing now.
So, now I start a new chapter in a book. My journey continues. I may not wander around like a nomad in the physical sense anymore. However, life will continue to have unexpected events, stops, and journeys that I could never anticipate.
Thoughts on Life | Aaron Anderson | 
January 15, 2010 7:56 pm
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By Candace, January 16, 2010 @ 6:52 pm
I am really so happy for you!! It’s been fun to get a peek into your thoughts on life. You are a great guy, Aaron, and I wish you the very best life has to offer! You deserve it.
By Anon, January 19, 2010 @ 2:19 pm
I’m sorry, but this whole grad2nomad idea was a complete waste in my mind. What seemed at first like an interesting and exciting concept came to a quick stop when you were unable to fully commit to the original idea and take up a job with your uncle (or whoever it was).
Congratulations on the job, but a real disappointment for those of us who believed your hype.
By Aaron Anderson, January 25, 2010 @ 12:09 am
I’m sorry you feel that way. I gotta admit, I was kind of disappointed that it turned out the way it did as well. I mean, one of my biggest worries going into it is that I didn’t want to talk the talk and not walk the walk. I was determined to go through with everything. However, I also told myself that I would only do it until I had something else that I wanted to do. I didn’t see a point in being a nomad and turning down great opportunities that might come up as a result of my trip. I just didn’t expect things to happen so soon, after only being homeless for three days. So, I committed to my original idea, because I never set a time restriction on the trip, and it really was meant to help me have an adventure and find a new life. Both of which I accomplished, albeit in a short amount of time.
Also, as to it being a waste? Now, I know from an outside perspective it might seem like a waste. But, what was it a waste of? My time? That’s the main thing I can see as a potential for being wasted. I really think I was much more invested in this project than anybody else, and so I had the most to lose from it not being pursued. However, I don’t view the time I spent a waste, because I learned so much from it. I spent a lot of time and energy getting ready for this trip: buying gear, setting up a blog, learning how to leverage social media, researching other blogs and sites, and dealing with media outlets. So, I learned a ton from the experience that can really help me in the future.
So, I’m sorry it was a disappointment for you. I’ve learned one thing about social media and blogging from this project. When you have a blog and you try to broadcast what you are doing to others, it really sets you up to be judged. That’s probably the one thing that I really haven’t liked about the trip. I didn’t really anticipate the negative feedback that I did get, but that’s the price one pays for being open with their life to total strangers.
By Anon, February 16, 2010 @ 12:56 pm
Surprisingly, I have still recently been thinking about this whole thing and I can partially ‘take back’ my statement. While the drama of the journey was less exciting then I had hoped for, the result was exactly what you set out to accomplish. Who am I to judge you for accomplishing your goal quickly. So for that, I apologize.
Best of luck with the new job, and if it doesn’t turn out to be your dream career – then keep us posted on the blog.
By Aaron Anderson, February 21, 2010 @ 6:50 pm
Anon – You might not think it matters that much, but I really do appreciate your support. That was one thing I struggled with during this whole journey was the negative feedback I received.
I really did listen to the criticism I received, and sometimes I even changed how I approached the journey because of negative feedback posted on the news article in the Deseret News. I hate being misunderstood, and I always felt like it was very difficult to explain clearly and concisely the reasons behind my trip.
So, I appreciate your comment and support. I’ll continue to update this blog with my happenings and we’ll see where this nomadic journey of life takes me. Thanks again,