I'm A Leech

. . . at least when it comes to starting things. I recently had a conversation with some dear friends regarding their higher education plans, and I came to the realization that, when it comes to getting the ball rolling, I work best if someone else gives it the first shove.

Of course, this all depends on priority, level of interest and much more. But let's take this example: a Master's degree. I would like to have earned a Master's or Doctorate in one or more subjects that interest me. However, my current field of employement doesn't appear to place significant value on these degrees, and it's not obvious precisely which specialty I would be best advised to study first.

For various reasons I find this pursuit further down the priority list than getting settled into a new job, surviving daily life or achieving a certain ambitious performance. So I find myself wishing for a companion in this endeavour, someone who would say "I'm pursuing a degree in this field that might interest you. Would you like to work together on this?"

I like to think that I would contribute significantly to such an enterprise, and that my cooperation would be more than a little helpful in finishing a degree.

But I came to this realization as a moment of insight into how I go through life. I'm not certain whether it's inherently "bad" or not, or whether starting things is something I should practice just to get in the habit of it. (Actually, I recall starting and failing to finish many things as a youth. Perhaps I'm paying for those now by finishing things I didn't start. Hmmm)

At least I can bear this understanding with me. It may help me when something truly important needs to be started.