"I Worked at a Funeral Home!" #59

When I was studying in college, I picked up different part-time jobs.

• I worked in a small cubicle at a call centre making outbound survey calls.
• I made bubble tea drinks at Town Hall train station in Sydney, Australia.
• I was a sales assistant at Esprit in Australia and then in Hong Kong during holiday seasons.

I enjoyed every single one of them and learned something valuable skills and lessons from each of them.

• Call centre taught me not to focus on rejection, but to focus on improving my script and approach.
• Bubble tea shop taught me about multitasking and handling stress while memorising over 50 different recipes in my head.
• Retail taught me about having small talks with strangers.

Recently I had a conversation with Eric Byron on the Transformative Purpose podcast.

Here are the highlights from our conversation.

What Inspires Eric?

Inspiration can stem from various sources, whether it's watching athletes compete at the Olympics or simply observing everyday moments of persistence. The essence of inspiration lies in the stories of those who refuse to give up, even in the face of overwhelming odds.

This resonates deeply with anyone who has faced challenges. The athletes we admire may not always win, but their relentless pursuit of their dreams serves as a reminder that the journey itself is what truly matters.

Accepting Failures and Learning from Them

Failure is often viewed negatively, yet it can be a catalyst for growth. Learning to accept failures allows us to pivot and redirect our energies toward more fruitful endeavors. The concept of "fail fast, fail cheap" emphasizes the importance of testing ideas quickly without heavy emotional investment. This approach encourages innovation and adaptability.

In the context of the tech industry, this means creating prototypes and seeking feedback early in the development process. The ability to make rational decisions based on data rather than emotions is a valuable skill. Knowing when to cut losses and move on is crucial for personal and professional growth.

Managing Risks and Making Decisions

Risk management is essential, especially in uncertain environments. Having a clear plan and understanding the worst-case scenarios can alleviate anxiety. When embarking on new ventures, it’s important to assess potential risks and have a backup plan, but it’s equally vital to commit fully to the primary goal.

Recognizing that "nobody dies if we fail at this" puts things into perspective. In many fields, particularly in tech and creative industries, the stakes are not as high as they seem. This mindset encourages a more relaxed approach to problem-solving and decision-making.

Growing Up with Expectations

Growing up in the shadow of exceptional siblings can create significant pressure. The burden of expectations can lead to feelings of inadequacy and rebellion. However, forging one's own path, as many do, is a powerful step toward self-discovery.

Choosing to pursue interests outside traditional expectations, like taking a year off after high school, can lead to fulfilling career paths. It's important to remember that success is subjective, and each person's journey is unique.

Eric's Experience in a Funeral Home

One poignant memory involves discovering a filing cabinet filled with records of children's funerals. The revelation that my father had never charged for a child's funeral highlighted the ethical values and compassion that guided his work. This act of kindness demonstrated that true service goes beyond profit; it’s about caring for those in need.

The emotional weight of the job can be challenging, especially for someone young. Balancing personal life with the demands of the job can be tough, as emergencies often arise unexpectedly. However, the opportunity to serve families during their most difficult times is a privilege that can bring immense fulfillment.

Witnessing death regularly instills a sense of urgency to live life fully. The fragility of life becomes starkly apparent. motivating individuals to seize opportunities and gather experiences. The realization that tomorrow is never guaranteed encourages a proactive approach to life.

From Funeral Home to Disneyland

The transition from working in a funeral home to joining a circus and eventually landing a job at Disneyland illustrates the unpredictability of life. Embracing new opportunities, even those that seem completely different from one's current path, can lead to unexpected joys and adventures.

Finding Your Superpower

Working at Disneyland for over a decade was a transformative experience. Eric also found his superpower while he was there. He is gifted in crisis management and problem-solving.

Discovering one's superpower often comes from recognizing strengths that others find challenging. For some, it may be remaining calm under pressure, while for others, it could be the ability to connect with people on a deeper level.

Final Reflections: The Importance of Purpose

Ultimately, understanding one's purpose and priorities is essential. Life is a series of choices, and reflecting on what truly matters helps guide those decisions. Embracing the journey, with all its twists and turns, allows for a richer, more meaningful existence.

Working at a funeral home was more than just a job; it was a transformative experience for Eric that taught him invaluable lessons about life, death, and the importance of living with purpose.

Like Steve Jobs once said,