My Gen X Playlist: Overkill – Men at Work

After college, I remember trying to decide on a career. Because of my finance degree, I initially looked for a career in corporate banking. Was corporate banking my dream job? No. It was just something that came up during a class and sounded interesting. Unfortunately, I graduated during a recession and there weren’t any opportunities available. Timing wasn’t on my side.

I landed a job at a consulting firm and stayed in the industry ever since. It’s been a good career choice and I’m grateful. I’ve moved around to different companies, mostly for better opportunities or leadership roles, but always asked myself that same age old question. What do I want to be when I grow up? I have no idea.

I met a friend for coffee the other day. She is a former colleague and I’d mentored her over the years. She also took a sabbatical and ultimately decided on a new career path. She started a new role a year ago and is getting her feet wet all over again. It was nice to learn her path and seek her advice.

What do I want to be when I grow up?

It’s funny asking myself this question at this stage of life. I admire those who know and pursue their dream job. What a gift. I’m not able to answer this question today, and that’s OK. I’m at the latter half of my career anyway. If I find it it’ll just be icing on the cake.

This prompt triggered a band name in my head rather than a song. Men at Work was an Australian band in the 80’s. I always thought they were a little quirky but did enjoy a few of their songs.  Overkill was probably the song I liked most from them. It released in 1983 and was about stepping into the unknown.

“Overkill” was written by Men at Work frontman Colin Hay, who described the song as being about “stepping into the unknown.” He elaborated,

“I was in St. Kilda and I felt that my time there was coming to a close and that I was going to probably leave there quite soon. Just about to leave somewhere, knowing that you’re about to step into something that’s like leaving your comfort zone, you know? Because you spend a lot of years trying to get something – for example, fame or recognition – or getting to a certain point, and then when you actually achieve it, there’s always a certain amount of fear that comes with that. Not necessarily fear, but a sense of loss of control. Because all of a sudden, you’re not in control of a situation anymore.”

– Wikipedia

I find that I have that same feeling. It comes with the territory when shifting gears into a new career. Getting my feet wet all over again? That’s something I’ll have to consider at this stage in life. It sounds exciting and frightening at the same time. We’ll see which ones wins out.

–

For a complete playlist, please click here.

For the Spotify playlist, please click here.

I can't get to sleep
I think about the implications
Of diving in too deep
And possibly the complications
Especially at night
I worry over situations
I know will be all right
Perhaps it's just imagination

Day after day it reappears
Night after night my heartbeat shows the fear
Ghosts appear and fade away

Alone between the sheets
Only brings exasperation
It's time to walk the streets
Smell the desperation
At least there's pretty lights
And though there's little variation
It nullifies the night
From overkill

Day after day it reappears
Night after night my heartbeat shows the fear
Ghosts appear and fade away
Come back another day

I can't get to sleep
I think about the implications
Of diving in too deep
And possibly the complications
Especially at night
I worry over situations that
I know will be all right
It's just overkill

Day after day it reappears
Night after night my heartbeat shows the fear
Ghosts appear and fade away
Ghosts appear and fade away
Ghosts appear and fade away