Four years after my college graduation, I returned to my Georgetown University Homecoming to find that most of my friends were seemingly unsatisfied in their professional lives. How could it be that so many intelligent and motivated young professionals were finding fulfillment elusive in “the real world?” Keep in mind– we’re talking about graduates of the top business and law schools around the country.
Surprisingly, my career as a performer was all the buzz. “You’re so LUCKY to be able to do what you love for a living.”
I juggle plungers. And I’m the lucky one.
Further conversation revealed that although everyone agreed it was theoretically possible to create an enterprise based on passion, to most the undertaking seemed unrealistic and impractical. How are you going to pay the bills? How do you meet the right people to help you? What if you don’t have some weird talent like juggling?
Clearly there existed a gap between understanding the importance of a career based on passion, and understanding how to brand, market, and monetize that passion.
In 2010, the professional paradigm for most people bears little resemblance to the experience of previous generations. Platforms of business have changed. Traditional industries have soured. A typical employee may look more like an independent contractor, and the social media revolution has completely changed the way we communicate. In this extreme climate of change, there lives unparalleled access and opportunity.
Realistically, if one sat down to choose a career based solely on personal and financial fulfillment, we can all agree that juggling probably would not make the top-ten list. Yet I have been able to brand my passion for juggling in a way that affords me a lifestyle that is very comfortable and deeply gratifying… not to mention ridiculously fun.
This excerpt was adapted from the book Life Choices: Pursuing Your Passion of which Jeff is a co-author. Jeff Civillico is a Las-Vegas based headline entertainer who blends his perfected art of juggling with friendly audience interaction and insane amounts of energy. With his “Comedy in Action” show, he has performed everywhere from Australia and New Zealand to The White House. He is a favorite onboard Disney Cruise Line, and his credits on the Las Vegas Strip include V: The Ultimate Variety Show, Nathan Burton, and The Improv at Harrah’s.
In addition to his comedy show, Jeff also delivers a powerful keynote that illustrates the keys to “Branding Your Passion” to create the career, and lifestyle, of your dreams. A 2005 honors graduate of Georgetown University, Jeff currently serves as President of the Georgetown Alumni Club of Las Vegas. He is the Founder and President of Win-Win Entertainment, a non-profit that pairs performers willing to donate their time and talent with charities in need of entertainment.
