Fly-Fishing & Life/Career Lessons
Northwest summers are incredible. We are so lucky.
Fly-fishing season is such a great excuse for me to get on the river, learn a new skill and enjoy another outdoor activity. I’m still a total beginner. So much to learn & so many adventures yet to experience. The river at dawn and dusk is surreal. Quiet. Fish are hungry. Trout are fast, smart. They know I’m invading their home. Yes, in case you are wondering, it’s thankfully only catch-and-release [barbless flys/hooks]. Time on the river with good friends, feeds the soul. Unplugging from city life and experiencing nature this way provides ample time for reflection, rest and fun.
Just to set the mood a bit, check out this clip from A River Runs Through It:
Below are a few thoughts relating to life, careers and fly-fishing … stuff I sometimes think about while standing waist deep in the beautiful Snoqualmie River, trying my best to perfect my casting, land a fish or even just a nibble, and not get swept down the river.
- Preparation, practice and luck are key ingredients in successful life, career and fishing adventures.
- Keep a steady hand & learn from what you do well [and what you can improve on]
- Be patient. Every cast will not lead to a fish striking your line.
- Be persistent. Casting into a shady pool or active rapid, even after minutes of inactivity, could land your next fish. Deep breaths and maintaining optimistic attitudes in life and career development, helps us move forward and avoid stagnation.
- If you slip on some rocks and fall, pick yourself back up and learn from it. If you fall hard, and or get swept down the river a bit, seek out friends/support and get help from others. Life often presents minor and major obstacles. Sometimes we stumble. Sometimes we shine. It’s all part of life’s journey.
- Be in the moment, focus on what is in your control.
- Keep your eyes & ears open. You may just see a beautiful trout swim by you may want to go after, you may see & hear some incredible wildlife, or just catch a nice sunset. Life & career opportunities may find you or you may find them, simply by being aware of your surroundings.
- Realize you’ll get snagged. I’m often snagging my fly on a rock, stick or tangling it with my line. Yup, I’m still learning. Life transitions, job searches … often present us with snags and tangles. Reflection, focusing, retracing steps or reminding ourselves of strategies and then just going for it … this will lead you through that tangle and help you move forward to the next step.
- Take risks. Wade out to that deeper part of the river & hop up on that big rock for a nice spot. Or in terms of life/careers, go on that informational interview you are nervous about, apply to that competitive grad program, jump into that all day interview / site visit with a positive attitude and full energy tank. If that risk doesn’t lead right away to what you want – learn from the experience, regroup, and keep at it. Let the UW Career Center know how we can support you!
