I was a bubbly, high-energy, idealistic crusader who really didn’t understand that:
1. not everyone could keep up with me,
2. not everyone gives a flying flick,
3. even if they care to a degree, not many want to do the work,
4. many people will fight harder to maintain the status quo than to try new concepts or will have ennui about new concepts, and
5. people often will prefer that you do the job and take the fall if the status quo wins.
From my previous jobs and experiences, I gained some cynicism, I guess. My young self is still inside me somewhere, still playful and idealistic, but stays very hidden—I learned that too many people, especially in my line of work, have very little tolerance for that type of energy and discount its value.
I also used to be very open and interactive. Becoming a 6–12 teacher made me very private and distrusting. Most parents don’t feel comfortable with giddy and energetic high school teachers (really, think about it…) and the system doesn’t allow for many crusades. So, yes, my job changed my daily personality greatly, but my fundamental personality’s still in there somewhere.