Seattle comedian gets married, changes career, is somehow OK

When was the last time your life went through a major change? Was it for better or for worse? Did you see it coming, or did it hit you out of the blue? I only ask because recently, during the span of a couple weeks, I got married and changed careers. If Hollywood movie trailers have taught me anything, I should be freaking out while “Under Pressure” plays in the background. However, I’ve never been calmer or more content in my life. Which is saying something, since I now sit next to a fiery Dori Monson every day.

A little bit about me. I was born and raised in Bellevue before moving to Seattle to attend the University of Washington, where I earned a BA in Drama/Food Service. And, yes, that is a jab at my major, but it is by no means a shot at the marvelous training and tutelage I received at UW. Think of it more as a reflection of the look I saw in perspective employers who suggested my degree might not be the “key to my future” that I had hoped.

A passion for laughter keeps me sane

Fortunately, my concurrent occupation for the past 15 years has been stand-up comedian. If you Google me, you’ll find some clips. I’m not famous, but I’m proud of the work I’ve done and I believe the most powerful tool one can possess for overcoming adversity is a sense of humor.

When my last day job ended in 2014, I was determined to make a living as a full-time comedian and actor. While the past couple years have been fun and fulfilling, it wasn’t until I asked my wife to marry me that I realized my lack of vision. Outside of my resoluteness to spend the rest of my life with her, I didn’t really have much else planned. It didn’t seem fair to her and it didn’t seem fair to me.

I know that, technically, a midlife crisis is supposed to happen at 45, but until about a month ago, I was feeling pretty lost at 34. One night, while doing some dishes and listening to a breakdown of the Seahawks game on the radio, a bolt of inspiration hit my brain: Radio seemed like a fascinating challenge and the change I might really need. I reached out to every Seattle comedian and connection I could imagine, polished my resume and made it my mission to get a job in broadcasting. One month later, here I sit at my desk in the KIRO newsroom writing this article.

Seattle comedian realizes he’s yet to make a point

Ah, I should do that. The point is that it’s OK to take a while to get where you’re going. It’s OK to look at your life and ask “Is this really what I want to do?” For every moment that you throw up your hands in frustration, there is a distinct possibility that what you’ve been waiting for is right around the corner. If you’re like me, you’ll know it when it hits you.

The whole idea of ‘do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life,’ I still don’t know if it’s that simple. However, I do know that when something ‘clicks,’ don’t fight it. You’ll receive so few genuine surprises in life, embrace the ones that make you smile.

Follow @http://twitter.com/Mynorthwest