I saw a truck the other day with arrows that light up on the roof—the kind that directs traffic into another lane. So everyone started putting on their turn signals and moving into the left lane. But the strange thing was, the truck was moving forward. So everyone was getting over with urgency, but for no reason. It was just a truck that was just getting to where he needed to go, and the driver just forgot to turn off his 3-foot high arrow.
It reminds me of the song "Steven's Last Night In Town" by Ben Folds Five, about a guy (Steven) who keeps saying he's leaving town, but never does.
But we thought he was gone
Now he's come back again
Last week it was funny
Now the jokes wearing thin
Everyone knows now
That every night now
Will be Steven's last night in town
They keep throwing him goodbye parties, but he keeps hanging around. I think we've all had friends and co-workers who don't want to be where they currently are. I certainly have been in that position before. I think the frustrating part for me is when someone keeps talking about changing their job or career, but never do.
As friends and supporters, it's a difficult position, because it feels like they have a big turn arrow above their head, but they just won't, or can't make a move. It can make you question your choices, too. We can offer job listings and support and advice, but Steven, well, we still see him every day, even though we know he doesn't want to be here.
Life hands us circumstances that make it hard to make a change. Things get complicated. Benefits support families. Changing your life is a big move that doesn't just affect you. But life is short. Watching my kids grow up is a daily reminder that I'm getting older, too. And I would never want my kids to ignore the huge arrow, pointing them in a different direction.