Analysis Of Essential Work By John Patterson

In his personal narrative “Essential Work”, John Patterson implies that his decision to pursue a career as an English professor as opposed to a surgeon was influenced by the instruction he received from his grandfather, the insight he obtained while working various jobs, and the intimidating requirements needed to become a medical practitioner. The writer concedes that the most constructive piece of advice was given to him by his grandfather who stated that individuals should find work in their passions since there is a high probability that they will do it for the rest of their lives. As a result, the impact of his grandfather’s words are demonstrated when Patterson claims, “ [. . . ] Individuals that do not see the proposition of near endless

work as an impossible task but rather a continuously renewing opportunity to use their energy and potential in a positive way” (228). In making this comment, the writer is implying that the contemporary worker is often displeased with the dullness and repetition of an employment without passion. Moreover, he recognizes that the brief employments he endured failed to guide him towards a solid career. However, the author himself writes “ [ . . . ] although these jobs didn’t provide me with the ultimate direction for a long career, they did give me a good understanding of what I do not want to do with my life” (229). Basically, he is saying that the service experiences were not in vain since it further persuaded him to go after his fascination in literature.

In addition, Patterson states, “[. . .] I thought that I wanted to become a surgeon [. . .] I thought I would love to perform surgeries and remedy horrible situations for people” (229). The author maintains that at one point he was convinced that a career in medicine was his calling since he aspired to remedy the sick from their afflictions. Nonetheless, he was discouraged after realizing that he would have to be proficient in his studies while being provided a generous loan in order to complete four years of medical school. Furthermore, the author insists that if he became a doctor his schedule would prevent him from any leisure for himself and his family. He acknowledges that, “[he has] always been interested in English and sharing stories with people” and therefore decides to strive for a position as an English professor (230). In short, Patterson concludes that his grandfather’s input along with the knowledge he gained throughout his life and the realizing the reality to become a surgeon propelled him down a road towards a position in English that would allow him in a way that he could not have accomplished in

medicine.