Adventures on the Golden Road

Abstract

Two mid-career university professors with quite diverse areas of specialization and expertise come together to discuss their own professional journeys that they describe as the winding golden road. Embedding their own experiences and mentoring opportunities towards sharing information and hard-learned lessons with others offers a natural pay it forward progression. The two authors take a historical look over their careers that have already spanned almost 50 years together, offers the opportunity to reflect on opportunities and ruminating over lessons learned. Professional options and opportunities that directly impacted career choices will also be discussed. With a sometimes tongue-in-cheek recognition of “do as I say and not necessarily as I do” is how these two colleagues have attempted to guide and influence talented colleagues. An analysis of the professional landscape is a priority, considering the impact of a professional career upon one's work-life balance as well as sense of wellness.