Chapter 1: Embracing the Journey

Reflecting on my part-time gig late Wednesday night, I found myself pondering improvements I could make. This role is more than just a job; it’s an art form. If you allow the minor details to slip, regaining command can become a struggle.

I officiate soccer games year-round across various age groups, from eight-year-olds to those over 40. As the saying goes, each game brings its own challenges. I began officiating more competitive matches about five years ago, a later start than many in the field. The initial year required me to dive into adult league games, some of which are quite intense.

Despite mixed feedback—some teams praise my officiating while others wish to avoid me—I've grown accustomed to the variety of opinions. This parallels my experience in writing, where I’ve encountered clients who either celebrate my work or express their dissatisfaction.

This past week, I served as an Assistant Referee, making two offside calls that could have altered the game's outcome. The following night, I officiated a physical 7v7 match on a smaller field. I recognized that I could have made a few additional calls to help the losing team feel more validated.

You might not have officiated a game, but you’ve certainly faced situations where quick decisions were necessary—whether as a parent, employee, or manager. Sometimes, you make the right choice in the moment, and other times, you don’t.

What’s the next step? Reflect, learn, and store those lessons for future reference. Engaging in discussions with trusted colleagues can also be beneficial. I belong to a referee association that convenes regularly to analyze crucial calls.

Additionally, I receive occasional counseling to manage the complexities of having two grandchildren and adult children living at home as they navigate their professional and personal lives.

My key takeaway from the game where I could have made more calls is to focus on the upcoming matches—tonight, tomorrow, and beyond. Life is certainly busy.

While retirement from this part-time role will eventually come, that time is not now. Instead, let challenges inspire you to improve.

This mindset also applies to promoting my novels during slow sales periods. Should I stop writing? Absolutely not—improvement is the goal.

Similarly, when a child lashes out due to their own struggles, do I give up on parenting? No. The challenge lies in learning and honing my skills.

Utilize your resources to navigate communication effectively, especially when faced with resistance. Take a step back, avoid self-blame, and strive to maintain a balanced atmosphere in your environment, preventing tensions from escalating.

And remember to enjoy the game.

I hope you find these insights valuable as well:

Chapter 2: Learning Through Experience

In the first video, titled "I quit my job.. then went back after 6 months. Here's what I learned," the creator shares their personal journey of leaving a job, reflecting on the lessons learned during that time away. This perspective can resonate with anyone facing career uncertainties.

The second video, "WORKING @ SHAKE SHACK (update) - What It's Like | Careers," offers a behind-the-scenes look at the experiences of working at a popular fast-food chain, highlighting the challenges and rewards of such positions.