This week’s blog is inspired by an eclectic combination of Sliding Doors, the late-90s romcom starring Gwyneth Paltrow and John Hannah, and the eminent Professor Stephen Hawking.
Sliding Doors. It’s a great concept. The film plays out the two very different paths that Helen Quilley could have taken, decided by the moment she either misses or catches her tube train, having been fired from her PR role. The 99-minute production alternates between each parallel universe, narrating the extreme contrast between two versions of a life, determined by a split-second decision.
I have been mulling over this concept for a while, but the thoughts were reawakened by Sky News’ report of Hawking’s recent livestream lecture at the Sydney Opera House. Someone who evidently admires both professor and One Direction (diversity in action) asked, “What do you think is the cosmological effect of Zayn leaving One Direction and consequently breaking the hearts of millions of teenage girls across the world?”
Quick-witted as ever, the professor replied, “Finally, a question about something important,” and encouraged 1D fans to seek solace in theoretical physics “…because one day there may well be proof of multiple universes. It would not be beyond the realms of possibility that somewhere outside of our own universe lies another different universe. And in that universe, Zayn is still in One Direction.”
I enjoyed reading about this holographic Q&A session, and began to ponder once again the concept of another dimension, where our personal and professional lives may be played out in an entirely different way.
There are so many split-second decisions that lead us to become the individuals we are today, living the professional and personal lives we do today. Every single action we take, large or small, show-stopping or mundane, contributes to our present day reality. It’s impractical and unnecessary to evaluate each and every minute action to assess its potential impact on our lives, but it’s worth being aware that, over time, these actions accumulate into a new reality.
We may never uncover the true ‘sliding doors’ moments in our lives, and mistakenly assign credit to a moment that was an effect rather than a cause. Helen Quilley remained blissfully unaware of the unremarkable action that defined her future. Zayn Malik will undoubtedly view his decision to part ways with the 1D boys as career-defining, but perhaps his path was decided at an earlier and less dramatic juncture.
If you think back on your career, there are likely to be a few conscious defining moments that have shaped your destiny; where you have taken the decision to select one path over another. Here are some of mine:
My decision to ignore the practical opportunities offered by my degree course, finishing my three-year Ancient History and Archaeology degree without stepping foot in a field.
My failure to secure a graduate role with one of the large advertising agencies, having applied to the likes of Grey and Saatchi & Saatchi. That was a blow, I can tell you, having decided it was my dream.
My decision not to pursue my cabin crew application with Japan Airlines Co Ltd (JAL). Looking back on this is like looking at someone else’s history, not mine.
My early realisation that I had made a huge mistake in accepting what turned out to be the world’s most boring role in an exciting company. With no work to do, I focused on lunch and put on more than a stone within my brief employment.
My decision to start my business, the best professional decision I ever made.
Case in point. I take this decision to work for myself as the defining moment, but there were many defining moments that contributed to this decision, all of which are woven through the periods I described above. If I had taken another junction at an earlier stage, I may not have arrived at my current destination.
Have you ever mulled over your career decisions and considered the impact on your present day reality? Can you identify a definite crossroads that forced a decision and led you down the road you tread today?
Have you wondered what your CV would say in the other dimension, which would have been created by a different decision at that crossroads? Mine might say I was an advertising director, esteemed archaeologist (ha!), or cabin crew. I’ll never know.
I’d love to hear about your ‘sliding doors’ moments, parallel universe CV, and the other possible versions of you.
Lis McGuire
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