After Carol had left, as Symons threw away a pile of used…
![“After Carol had left, as Symons threw away a pile of used tissues and rearranged the cushions on the couch, he remarked that the most common and unhelpful illusion plaguing those who came to see him [as a career counselor] was the idea that they ought somehow, in the normal course of events, to…” quote by Alain de Botton](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/617/alain-de-botton-221_calling_after-carol-had-left-as-symons-threw-awa_2261889.jpg)
““After Carol had left, as Symons threw away a pile of used tissues and rearranged the cushions on the couch, he remarked that the most common and unhelpful illusion plaguing those who came to see him [as a career counselor] was the idea that they ought somehow, in the normal course of events, to have intuited--long before they had finished their degrees, started families, bought houses and risen to the top of law firms--what they should properly be doing with their lives. They were tormented by a residual notion of having through some error or stupidity on their part missed out on their true 'calling.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
People mistakenly believe they should know their life's purpose early, leading to anxiety and self‑judgment.
In simple terms: We often think we must have a clear calling early on.
Key Takeaway
Accept uncertainty and allow career paths to evolve.
Themes
career
identity
expectation
anxiety
growth
Mood
reflective
empathetic
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- career counseling
- education planning
- personal reflection
- mentorship
Key Concepts
life purpose
career development
Questions to Reflect On
- What assumptions drive the pressure to find a calling early?
- How can we reframe success beyond early certainty?
A Different Perspective
Not everyone discovers a single “calling”; many have multiple fulfilling roles.