Advice From a Free-Range Human

I Threw Myself on Your Mercy. What Has Happened Since?

Lots, as it turns out. Please read on to learn how it helps you.

The story highlighted below is me reaching out to you. I genuinely wanted to see your response.

In it I explained that I was betwixt and between, recently retired in a weird way from a 30+ year career in Emergency Medicine. Further, I called out to the Medium universe for help in deciding what to do next in my ragged life. A few offered some suggestions but none stuck. It was my version of a lone voice in the wilderness. Pretty much what I expected, and I’m not saying that in a disparaging or bitter way. Limited response to an eccentric plea seems reasonable.

But my plea was part of a larger life plan, one that has been in place for a long time. And one you may be able to learn something from.

I’m the farthest thing from “biblical,” but I’ve been casting my bread upon the waters for the longest (BTW — that’s the second biblical reference in this piece if you’re keeping score.). By that I mean, I try things out, offer myself up to opportunities, pursue different (ad)ventures, engage the atypical. Sometimes it pans out, sometimes not. I’m happy either way. For me, there’s joy and learning in the pursuit even if there’s no “payoff.”

I can’t give you an exhaustive list of examples, but some include: talking with the Peace Corps about their new one-year program, considering pursuing a TESL certificate, submitting some articles to writing competitions, trying to surf, and most recently, retiring from emergency medicine practice with no fixed plan in mind except to write, drift, think and see what’s next.

That “casting of my bread” was behind the publication of the “Repurposed …” story referenced above. I wanted to see what would happen.

This is what happened. The more mundane first, then the wild part.

A local hotel hired me as a houseman and shuttle driver. I’ll be working for minimum wage, plus truly excellent hotel travel benefits (I can get rooms all over the world for a fraction of what most pay.) But I’ll be learning new skills that’ll likely be useful as I travel about the world. Who wouldn’t want a guy who knows something about the hospitality industry? Also, I’ll encounter hundreds, even thousands of people from all over the world. Think of the story opportunities that’ll spawn! I’ll be able to write a book. “Behind the Locked Door — Confessions of a Doctor Turned Hotel Houseman!”

I also signed on with a local people-power agency, one that primarily hires and places laborers. They offer all kinds of gigs — driver, warehouse helper, construction aide and so forth. If I take some of these short term assignments I’ll have new experiences, stay fit and strong, get to work outdoors, all the good stuff. Plus … more new experiences to write about will come my way. Book two “Repurposed MD — Finally, Contributing Something Useful to Society by Actually Working!”

Here’s the crazy cool one, and also the one that may never happen. But, as noted above, still gratifying.

Seemingly out of the blue, in response to my “Retiring …” story above, a representative of a foreign government (remember to hit that Linkedin button if it’s appropriate when you publish on Medium) contacted me about working as the Chief Medical Officer of a small hospital/clinic in the Caribbean. I’m not at liberty to disclose more but we’re in active discussions at this point. The post will likely evolve slowly but then again I’ve got my houseman/driver/laborer gigs to keep me afloat meanwhile. Besides, I’ve got plenty of time to write.

I’m thrilled.

So, what does all this personal blather about me mean for you?

• Saying “yes” to good things may open up new opportunities that would never come your way otherwise.
• Just Do it! or Go For It! may be far wiser bits of advice then we ever realized.
• The “safety net” does not appear until you leap from the cliff’s edge. (I heard this first from a writer friend of mine, over drinks at a writer’s conference. As I later learned, the concept is borrowed from a famous person, but I can’t find the reference for attribution.)
• A follow on — The “safety net” is an illusion most days. (Consider your world view just six months ago vs your outlook today.)
• Dream, imagine, pursue some weird shit! Who knows where it may lead? Maybe nowhere, but maybe …

Happy trails!

And, for a good time call [email protected]. I’m always happy to chat.