Don't Send In the Clowns

[mr_bad_example]

So twice now in the past three weeks I've been to the circus. The first time was to see the latest show by Circus Juventas, and then again to see the show put on by the American Youth Circus Organization. Both times, I ended up depressed as hell for the rest of the weekend.

It's occurred to me that I've allowed myself to turn 31 without ever becoming particularly good at anything. Oh, sure, I had a Master's Degree by the age of 30, but that's hardly the same thing as having a real, demonstrable skill. I'm not even talking about being able to walk a tightrope or juggle burning flambeaux (both of which I saw done by people easily 1/3 my age); I mean I'm completely lacking any kind of ability honed through long practice. My interior landscape is a series of sodden lumps. That's unseemly in a man my age. This is not a world in which to be a dilettante.

How soon is too soon to have mid-life crisis?

Comments

[gismonda.livejournal.com]

Are we talking skills or hobbies? I would say it's never too soon to have any sort of crisis.

However, I still think Pug Rancher in Mexico is a fine calling.

[mr-bad-example.livejournal.com]

I mean skills. Besides, I don't have hobbies; I have interests. Hobbies cost money.

Sure, pug ranching would be fun, but I'd have to hire some midgets on Shetland ponies to drive them across the range.

[melanied.livejournal.com]

Your caustic wit can only come from years of honed practice. It's hard to be that funny with just raw talent. :)

[mr-bad-example.livejournal.com]

Problem is, I'm too darned nice. I've never been able just to open up and go into full Brother Theodore/Lewis Black mode.

Besides, you're way funnier than I am.