Dear JD

You don’t know me, but I read your books, so maybe I know you a bit. I had an experience once, over 40 years ago, that you might relate to. Something unexpected happened, and it made me stop and assess. I ultimately concluded I was promoted too fast. It wasn’t a Peter Principle thing, I was perfectly competent. It was something else. I was accelerating toward a goal that I never took the time to figure out whether I really wanted. Or when I wanted it.

At the time, I had three kids. Like you, my youngest was still in diapers. The oldest was in first grade. I wasn’t a workaholic or an absent father, but I knew I wanted to spend more time with them, not less. As you know well, the younger they are, the more important you are to them.

Anyway, I went to the boss and he agreed to demote me. I didn’t quit, I just switched over to a slightly slower track. After a few years, things sped up again more naturally. Maybe the long-term career developed differently, maybe not. Hard to say.

As I said, it was over 40 years ago. I have not a single regret—ever. I would tell others I did it for the kids, and that is partially true, but, bottom line, it was a selfish decision. I truly loved my job. Only I loved it less when I felt things were happening too fast. I had the abilities to be the “boy wonder,” but work became “work” on the fast track. As I said, I never stopped; I just slowed a bit. Work never again became “work.” I loved the job through many promotions thereafter.

Thanks for reading, JD. Maybe you found this letter relevant, maybe not. Before closing, I want to share one bit of “dad wisdom” I told my kids so often it became the unofficial family motto. Don’t fret about the destination. Enjoy the journey.

In admiration,

G-Pub

PS: You might want to share this letter with your friend, Marco. He ran for president as a boy wonder twelve years ago. You two have lots to talk about.