Memorable Advice From My College Professor
In undergrad, my favorite teacher was Mr. K. He had a long azz German name with a bunch of consonants so we just shortened it and called him Mr. K. He was a cool dude, so he didn’t mind. He taught Organizational Behavior and Senior Seminar for Business. Everyone hated the latter course because it was pass or fail and you couldn’t graduate without it - no test, no right or wrong, just papers, group projects, and presentations. Some were known to repeat it a time or two. LOL Mr. K. was no joke, but he was fair and we all loved him. Immediately, I knew he would influence my life.
First day of OB, he divided us into groups and made us play monopoly. I was like whaaaaaaa! We played that game for 2 days and it was fun! On the 3rd day (Friday), he announced our first assignment and it was due first thing Monday morning. We were like WTF, we haven’t done anything yet!! Hmph, little did we know! LOL We had to write a point paper on our monopoly strategy, observations of our opponents, lessons learned and how certain people assumed specific roles within each group. The following week, we had group presentations and he chose one detail from each project to illustrate how our results corresponded with the real business world. I was amazed by what I learned from playing the game of monopoly in the classroom. Since then, I’ve never viewed monopoly the same.
Another thing I admired about this professor, he was professional and articulate, yet creative and persuasive. Actually, those are qualities I admire in all people. *office eye candy anyone. LOL* It’s hard to find all of those characteristics in one person, but when I do, I never forget them. I think it takes a special skill when a person can speak to many different people from various social classes, backgrounds, nationalities, and ethnicities and hold their attention for a lengthy period of time. Furthermore, to engage those people so well that you convince them to do something they’ve never considered or always struggled with and leave a lasting footprint in their minds. Even if they don’t remember your name, they will always remember 1) what you taught them and 2) how you made them feel when you were in their presence. This is the type of person I aspire to be.
Anyhoo, I’m reminiscing tonight because one of the most powerful things this professor ever said to me - well not directly to me, but to the class - that I’ll never forget was:
A college degree does not make you smart. It empowers you with a tool to make smart choices.
In the second class, I also remember him saying:
If you don’t like what you do, then do something else.
Those two quotes are so deeply embedded in my brain. Although simplistic, many people fail to realize their own inner strength, so truly embracing either quote is nearly impossible. “Not I!” said Single Ma - back then at the tender age of 20 something. And now again, at the ripe age of 30 something.
Due to recent developments, I’ve finally decided it’s time to throw my hat back into the ring. The past 6 months have literally worn me out. This opportunity has been priceless, but I can’t do this anymore. My quality of life is non-existent and my BabyGirl is competing for her mommy’s attention. Not worth it and no amount of $$ can convince me otherwise.
I’m officially back on the market again!
So far, I’ve been on two interviews, two more scheduled for next week, and one tentative offer in hand.
Let’s see…
I’ve passed GO (advanced degree & career w/ opportunity)
Collected $200 (earn a decent salary)
Own property (my rental)
Strategy in check (assertive go getter)
And life is just beginning!
I guess you could say I’m learning to master the game of monopoly. 
Work to achieve, not to acquire.
And always, BE FABULOUS!
This blog is the story of my life...a single mom who worked her way from nothing to financial freedom. Subscribe here and follow the rest of my journey.
17 comments:
-
Fabulous Financials v2.0 » Accepting an Employer Counter Offer is a Bad Idea (Pingback), 13 February 2008, 7:45
[...] been burned twice in 9.5 months and I refuse to be unhappy. Remember the sage advice from my college professor? “If you don’t like what you do, then do something [...]
Write a comment:
Want an image next to your comment? Get your Gravatar here!
Have you read the Fabulous Financials comment policy lately?
Wishing you well with the search, Single Ma! Whichever organization snaps you up will be lucky to get you.
This post came at the right time for me. I have a job that pays well but it is not rewarding and day by day I dread getting out of bed to work there. The company treats me well, but I’m at my wits end. I, too, will be looking for a new job soon.
Many blessing always,
stockdiva
You are so fabulous!
This is great news. I see so many people discontent with where they are yet trying to convince them to find a job/career more rewarding is impossible. Happy (job) Hunting!
wow! happy hunting. i think you have a great attitude about it. have you tried looking up mr. K to let him know how you’re doing, and how he’s impacted your life (a lot of teachers like that, and it can be rewarding for the former student, too!)
Sis.. HUGS.. I swear we have so many similarities its UNCANNY!!!
I too have made a decision and as soon as I get that final piece of paper IN HAND AND SIGNED.. I’ll post about mine!!!
congrats.. AND NOW you gone have me looking at monopoly different too!!! LOL and its family game night on sunday.. wonder if I can teach a similar lesson to my kids..
Hey SingleMa,
Excellent post!! Good luck and God bless.
Good luck with the job search!
This post was very inspiring. It really struck a chord with me as I am contemplating some life changes. Keep us posted. We are all reading.
Excellent Post!
Best wishes with the job search. By making the right decisions in the last few years, you have allowed yourself the security it takes to go out there and make a positive change.
you know what’s next: BOREDOM
LOL, I agree with Mr.K - a degree is a tool. It gives you ammunition to take on bigger opportunities.
Very timely post. This is just the reminder I needed! Thanks Fabulous (and wise) One!
Awesome post-thanks for sharing! I find this lesson is so true for stay-at-home mom’s as well, (which is my current ‘job’). Happiness and fulfillment is not going to come to me, I have to go out and find it.
I vow to never be a mom who ‘just’ stays at home!
Thanks and good luck!
@ Sistah - No, I’ve never tried to find Mr. K, but you just gave me an excellent idea. I just searched my alma mater’s Business department and his name wasn’t on the list. Hmm…I’m curious now.
@ Moneymonk - Boredom? You mean with the next employer? You know what - I’m so tired, I look forward to some downtime. Maybe I could blog more! Shoot, my stats are down and it’s affecting my revenue. LOL
No seriously, my ultimate goal is to find that happy medium. My current job is challenging, and I love that, but I can’t keep running full speed ahead 6 days a week, week after week. Can you say burn out? I see it coming and I’m trying to avoid that. In either case, no matter what, I’m a mom first. It’s really the only thing that matters. Otherwise, I would have chosen a career in investment banking years ago.
I just wanted to wish you luck with the job hunt!!!
Goodluck on the job search. Only you can look at your situation and do what is best for you and baby girl.