SCPL Online NonFiction Book Club discussion

When we meet Craig in 2008, he’s a writer who is struggling financially and looking for work. Prior to becoming a school bus driver, Craig thought his future as a full-time writer was secure because he had received a book deal. This book deal fell through with the American publisher, and although it was published in Canada in 2007, the novel was a flop.

Craig feels lonely, ordinary, and like a failure. He details these feelings on pages 24-29 of the book and goes into greater detail about this period in his life. Craig has a loving and supportive family and believes that he is to blame for any professional failings. He turns to alcohol and sleeping pills, drowning in self-pity and increasing isolation. He wants a magical life as a writer and fears he is doomed to be ordinary.

I think most people can relate to feeling rudderless or without a sense of purpose at some point in their lives. For some, this feeling can inspire delight at the limitless possibilities that exist. For others, this feeling can result in dread and hopelessness.

How important is it to feel a sense of purpose? How do you define success in your own life? What keeps you motivated and inspired? Has that changed over time?

How do you overcome feelings of hopelessness and uncertainty – in work, with family/friends, in life in general?

~Nicole~

I think a sense of purpose is fundamental to living a fulfilling life. I know for myself I had a job that I fell into after high school and while I enjoyed elements of it and it paid well, it didn’t inspire me. That lack of engagement in my work is what ultimately led me to the decision to move from BC to Ontario and go to university. Now I have a job that I love and I believe in and I feel like I have a purpose and a chance to positively influence people’s lives.

There was a time where I was between jobs where I felt no purpose and aimless. I was working in retail and that was not for me. I felt like I wasn't contributing or giving back. I felt a sense of loss and had no direction. I went to a social services agency and asked for a job because I know that is my purpose. I know that is what I was meant to do from my early teens. I have gone to College and University to further my skills in the social services area only to have further understand that I made the right choices for myself and I am on the right path in my life in terms of my of career, family and friends.
When I wasn't on the right path, I didn't feel myself. I feel very lucky to know what my path is and my need to follow it. I overcome feelings of uncertainty by listening to my instincts and my heart.
Nancy

Thanks for your comment, Heidi. I agree, having a sense of purpose, whether it be through family, friends, work, volunteering, hobbies, etc, is fundamental to living a fulfilling life.

Good for you in recognizing your job after high school wasn't the right fit and making a big move from BC to Ontario. Making the move from work to go back to school is also a major decision.

I can definitely relate to feeling rudderless/directionless. After completing my undergraduate degree, I wasn't sure what kind of career to pursue. It actually took me 2 years to decide to become a Librarian (a decision I'm very thankful for). Those 2 years were very difficult, however. The uncertainty about my future along with feeling stuck while my peers moved ahead was very difficult.

Hi Nancy! Thanks for sharing your experience. Good for you in recognizing and pursuing a career in social services.

It's interesting that you knew you wanted to work in social services from a young age. Some people don't realize their calling/vocation until later in life, and sometimes people don't ever really discover what their "dream job" is.

It's great that you rely on your instincts and your heart to overcome feelings of uncertainty. I'm not really sure what I relied on exactly to overcome similar feelings. Like I said in my response to Heidi, I had a 2 year period where I felt uncertain and aimless following my undergrad. I think it probably was a combination of family support (knowing my parents were there for me every step of the way) as well as time to reflect and really figure out what I wanted and who I was.

~Nicole