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Posted May 13, 2009 Tomorrow is 8th grade Career Day. While the business of surviving in troubling times can be all-consuming, there are some things we need to make time for, such as sharing with the students at our local middle school just a few blocks away. The questions and issues they want to address are profound. I wish I had a chance to discuss these things when I was in school. Here are some of the thought provoking topics: 1. Hard work pays off. Absolutely. Just like buying lottery tickets. More work, more results, more chances to win. 2. There are many, many professions to choose from. 3. Within every profession, there are many other job opportunities. 'Toy designer' is a catchall term that covers inventors like ourselves, as well as illustrators, those who do the industrial design of toys, and others. There are many types of toy designers with many areas of specialty. Some do just games, or even just adult games, others primarily dolls. 4. Making a living is important but finding an enjoyable profession will “make a life.” Steve Jobs' now legendary commencement address focused on this subject of ‘find something you love’ and do it. I am of the belief that you can only be truly great at something you love, and to be truly great is both a worthwhile goal, and in fact our obligation. To do less is to waste the gifts we have been given. I consider it a great privilege to be asked and to be able to share my life and my work experience with these students. Each of us has much to share that others might benefit from, if only we are given the platform, and an audience that wishes to hear what we have to share.
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