In the theme of "Growing Up Brendan" and looking up to folks who have been where I am sitting now and now sit where I wish to be, I am reminded of ShayCarl. As a YouTube personality, vlogger, dad, husband, and great guy he has worked his way to a dream career yet still looks forward. He has paid his dues through a string of less than glamorous jobs before he began carving out his own his own path as an entrepreneur.
He sprouted a career as a YouTube personality and as a social media expert while bouncing between these different jobs, running his own business, and carrying the responsibilities of being a husband and father. The compounded responsibilities that run through his life remind me of an essay I once read. (I apologize for not having the title or author.) It shared the concept that many of us have to work "day jobs," weather it's really a job we just hate, or in some cases it's mandatory/necessary schooling, that takes time away from our passions. It continued to explain that to reach whatever level we consider success, we must not allow our "day jobs " to disrupt us from our progress even when it means extra effort.
In a blog post by Michael Humphrey, ShayCarl’s Epic Journey To YouTube Stardom, ShayCarl is quoted on how he really quested for knowledge as apposed to merely wishing to obtaining a degree when he was enrolled in school. In addition it mentioned how he often found it frustrating that school got in the way of all the productive things he could be doing with his time. I too have this feeling as a student which is why I identify more and more with ShayCarl's story.
Not to put Shay on a pedestal, but he lives the life many of us wish we could. Of course there was only one way he got there. Through faith in himself and hard work at what he loves, he has managed to create a life for himself and his family that mirrors what most of us imagined as kids. Great times with family and friends, built on strong, loving relationships. This, in its simply enjoyable entirety, is what the life and work of ShayCarl revolves around, which is something that will always make me smile.
ShayCarl on YouTube:
ShayCarl
ShayTards
ShayLoss
Katilette
ShayCarl on Twitter
