Call me Ish

Employment, side quests and the story behind thepiratebey

When it comes to careers, the common assumption is that progress follows a positively linear trajectory, always moving onward and upward. While this may hold true for some, those who pause to question the world around them often find that such tunnel vision isn’t an option. As I’ll explain, embracing a life of service can lead to profound inner contentment—far beyond what is typically found in the conventional, routine-driven corporate lifestyle.

Whale hunting

Frederick Law Olmsted, widely regarded as the father of landscape architecture, held many short-term vocations before finding his true calling—one of which was whale hunting. This occupation is often romanticized in Herman Melville’s Moby Dick, which opens with the famous line, “Call me Ishmael.” Melville’s novel serves as a critique of humanity’s blind ambition, illustrating how folly and hubris can drive a person to sacrifice not only their own life but also the lives of those around them in pursuit of egotistical goals.

In today’s context, Captain Ahab might symbolize a Fortune 500 CEO, a lottery gambler, a Super Bowl coach, or a student chasing a degree from a prestigious institution. However, amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life, we rarely pause to question the self-destructive nature of these relentless pursuits. This is not a call to apathy but rather a reminder of the importance of self-care and the need to explore meaningful ways to achieve balance and fulfillment.

“Call me Ishmael.” - Moby Dick

Helping ourselves

To challenge selfish narratives, we can shift our perspective to recognize that helping others is perhaps the most powerful way to discover who we truly are. It is through the pursuit of service that we can fully realize our identity in ways no grand prize or prestigious job title could ever provide on its own.

While service may seem intuitive and straightforward on the surface, in reality, it requires time, effort, and sacrifice to set aside our immediate concerns and come to another’s aid with excellence. Yet, in return, we cultivate character, empathy, and practical skills that paradoxically benefit our own pursuits and needs. For instance, helping others can teach us an important lesson: that we, too, need help at times, and asking for it is nothing to be ashamed of.

Land pirate

The extinct honorific title “Bey” once referred to a governor of a small district or town within the Ottoman Empire. Repurposing this title to create “thepiratebey” symbolizes a reclamation of our inherent agency and free will. It reflects the belief that helping others does not require permission or validation from any authority or institution. Instead, it is through recognizing our ability to support one another that we uncover our true purpose.

While the imagery of sailing the high seas or hunting whales may not resonate with everyone, the underlying idea remains universal: by choosing to embrace service, we open the door to leading dynamic and adventurous lives.