1000 casts

One of my favorite brands to buy from is YETI, yes the cooler company. Other than the fact that they make really great products, while not cheap they have all lasted me for years. The other reason I love their products is the companies marketing department. I think of all the brands and products out there this company is one of the best at marketing their products. Their products are made for those who spend a great deal of time outside or who want to at least look like they spend a great deal of time outside.

They make videos with unique people doing stuff outdoors, fishing, hunting or just exploring. The video is usually 10-20 minutes and they highlight the person and what they are doing in the outdoors or for the outdoors. The gear that YETI makes is of course in the video but it's not the leading role, you see it in the video they make sure you know they they are using but it really is just an Oscar performance from the supporting actor and, in most cases, the leading actor as well. One of my favorite videos is 1000 casts. It's about a guy who was a fly fishing guide in South America who lands a job with Sam Altman in New York at his hedge fund. The guy is smart enough and talented enough to work their but after a time he realizes this isn't him and this is not what he wants. So he leaves to follow his path of owning a fishing lodge and doing what he loves for a living.

While you are getting his history he is simultaneously in Bhutan fishing for a large freshwater fish similar to Sturgeon called the Golden Mahseer. Not many people have fished for it since it is a sacred fish to this country and it is heavily Buddhist. So he has to work for days to try and catch this on a fly. It parallels his journey of figuring out what he wants out of life and is able to chase his passion. I don't know that his fishing lodge is what someone with his background might look at and say it's a great investment but there is something to be said for the man who can learn to invest in himself and make a living doing what he is passionate about.

As I walk into middle age I'm filled with questions about what this life all means and am I living it in a way that I can look back on and say that I'm happy with it. I question what i do sitting behind a desk all day. I'm not saying that I need some huge career change but I do wonder if at my age it's possible to chase a passion and make it something that I can support a family on. All something for me to work through as tired Dad who is just trying to figure life out.