A pilot, a librarian and a home organizer walk into a bar…

Imagine this scenario: a pilot, a librarian, and a home organizer walk into a bar. At first thought, it may seem like I’m setting you up for a classic joke, but this blog post idea has been running through my head for the last couple of weeks as my husband and I prepare to reunite with our friends from the flight school that we all moved on from nearly 20 years ago. The librarian part? That’s the other job I wished I learned I loved so much when I was younger. I have been working at a library for the last couple of years and find it to be my happy place. So let’s think about it - what do they have in common - what do they talk about over martinis and margaritas?

Lets check out the unexpected connections between these badass careers and why I think it just makes sense that I’d go from pilot —-> home organizer. Obviously.

Attention to Detail:

One key trait that unites these professionals is their attention to detail. A librarian meticulously catalogues books, ensuring that each one is in its rightful place, while a pilot checks the aircraft's systems before, during, and after the flight with ultimate precision. Similarly, a home organizer pays close attention to decluttering, organizing, and optimizing spaces down to the last detail to ensure the best use of the space. This shared commitment to accuracy and detail reflects an ingrained desire for order and structure.

Organization:

Librarians, pilots, and home organizers all understand the importance of organization. A librarian's role is to create and maintain a system that allows for easy access to information, a pilot must keep track of multiple checklists, team members and aircraft systems to ensure safety, and a home organizer streamlines living spaces for maximum efficiency. These professionals appreciate that a well-organized environment encourages productivity and minimizes chaos.

Problem-Solving:

Each of these careers involves a fair share of problem-solving. Librarians assist patrons in finding information via multiple resources (not just books!), pilots navigate through various weather conditions and in-flight challenges, and home organizers find creative solutions to optimize living spaces. They all rely on their ability to adapt and find solutions quickly and efficiently.

Communication:

Effective communication is a common thread among these professionals. Librarians need to understand and assist patrons with finding sometimes very specific information, pilots communicate critical information with each other, air traffic control, and passengers, and home organizers must understand their clients' needs and preferences. Successful communication is the key to their success!

Service-Oriented:

Whether they're helping patrons find a book, ensuring passengers reach their destinations safely, or transforming living spaces into functional sanctuaries, librarians, pilots, and home organizers are all deeply service-oriented. They take pride in making a positive impact on the lives of the people they serve.

Lifelong Learning:

The world is constantly evolving, and these professionals understand the importance of continuous learning. Librarians adapt to digital advancements, pilots must stay updated on aviation technology, and home organizers seek new strategies to stay at the forefront of their industry and ever-evolving trends in home styling.

So Now I’m Curious:

Have you ever taken a step back and looked at your career path and wondered…how did this happen? I’m sure that this isn’t the only seemingly unlikely correlation out there. Perhaps you and your friends, siblings, or spouse have a similar connection that you hadn’t noticed before - I’d love to hear about it!