Let’s learn from George Clooney
Watching Up in the Air, I knew the overall concept of the movie and was interested in watching it, but didn’t think it would touch me personally per se. The basic premise of the movie is that George Clooney is hired by companies to fire employees for them. While George was talking to his young technology savvy recently hired protégé, he processed with her the reason this service needs to be provided face to face. As she accompanied him to his next assignment, she began to see the special touch that could be provided in person as opposed to doing this over the internet as she proposed to the owner of the company for whom George Clooney worked. Although, isolated and disconnected from his own family, George appeared to have a special touch for those going through this crisis and was able to help one of his soon to be unemployed victims see how he sold out years prior and never actually pursued his dreams. The conversation went something like this:
The gentleman began to discuss all the negative affects from this job loss including not being able to pay for his daughter’s medication, not having the respect of his children etc.
George inquired: “So your children’s admiration is important to you?”
Bob states back: “yeah, it was”
George replies: “I doubt they ever admired you bob”
Bob: “Hey Asshole, aren’t you supposed to be consoling me”
George: “I’m not a shrink Bob, I’m a wake up call, You know why kids love athletes?”
Bob: “Because they screw lingerie models”
George: “No, that’s why WE love athletes, kids love athletes because they follow their dreams.”
Bob: “Well I can’t dunk”
George: “No but you can cook, your resume says you minored in French culinary arts.
How much did they first pay you to give up on your dreams?
Bob states some nominal amount like $25,000
George: When were you gonna stop and do what makes you happy”
Bob: “Good question”
George discussed with Bob seeing man after man working for companies with no ounce of happiness. Encouraging the man to see the lay off as a positive and stated “If you’re not going to make a change for you, do it for your kids.”
I found this so very powerful. Don’t we all need a little bit of a wake up call? We all hope it won’t come in the form of being fired, but for many that’s the reality. The question is, are you doing what you love? Are you giving back to the world in the way you want to? If the answers are no, then start figuring out how to make that happen. Unfortunately, our current economic crisis is a significant social problem and is far from over. We’ve grown to realize that corporate America isn’t making the commitment to protect people anymore. If you’re lucky enough to have job security now, that may not always be the case.
Think outside your box. Have a plan B. Make a commitment to ask questions about vocations/ hobbies that interest you. Start doing something small and see what happens. Consider other ways to make money and to contribute to things bigger than you. Google what it is you’re interested in and people who are doing just that are sure to pop up. Contact them and ask questions. People will be delighted you’re interested in what they do. You are your own best advocate. Get out there and tell me what you find out!
