Making a choice in one direction means you do not make a choice in another direction. This decision making can be difficult because it's often true that both choices are attractive, but you can't fully commit to both. You have to choose one rather than another.
Becoming an educator was a choice like that because to be an educator means that you will never likely be a wealthy individual. So while you commit to education, you also negate a commitment to the kind of wealth your classmates and friends may have chosen.
The decision to teach is clearly a lifestyle decision that commits most of your time and energy to teaching well rather than accruing wealth and the comforts that come with that wealth. Yet, that said, you can live a good life as an educator--a life with a nice home, good family, and happy recreation, but not a life including the extras great wealth affords.
As a young person, I was never inspired by wealth alone. I wanted a life that was meaningful to me, and a life where I could use my passions to invest in providing a good education to others. I followed my heart and passion to spend my life as an educator. I am not dissatisfied with this choice, but now as I consider next steps, I realize what a life choice this has been. Even at this point, I could commit to a life focused on accruing wealth, but still, that does not call me.
What calls me at this moment in life?
Caring for my parents and family is a strong call at this juncture in life. The words, honor your father and your mother, still ring strong in me, and I want to do what I can to ensure my parents a good life. I am fortunate to have had parents for such a long time in life, and that is part of my unique path--doing what I can for them is what I want to do?
A similar strong call in my life is the call to support my beloved family members. I believe in the strength that family holds for good, joyful living, and I want to do what I can to support that.
Further, I am called to live a life that is humble, sustainable, healthy and positive. Everywhere I look I see the potential for good. I want to be part of that good in ways that I can.
And, I love the natural world, and I want to support environmental protections, conservation, and public spaces as much as possible. When we care for the natural world in positive ways, we build tremendous inspiration and capacity for what is right and good. This is positive.
Whether the world around us supports our choices or not, it is important to listen to your call and follow your path to good living. We are all called in different ways, and it is vital that we value our unique callings and direction in life. Onward.