Vocational Service - 50 Jobs in 50 States

This week Rotarians hear from an experienced traveler, author, job seeker, and the subject of an upcoming TV show and movie, who seems unable to hold a job.  In seeking employment after college, Daniel Seddiqui managed to have 50 jobs in 50 states, and will share what he learned from that experience, especially about something dear to our hearts - vocational service.  Daniel will share how the exposure to different lines of work and people helped him find his purpose, how a majority of America’s workforce appear to dread the work they do, and ways leaders can address this problem.  

Daniel was as a nationally ranked collegiate athlete at the University of Oregon and USC, where he graduated with a degree in economics. He translated that experience into a career as an athletics coach, training Division 1 collegiate athletes, Olympians, and NFL Super Bowl Champions. Daniel enjoys staying competitive with long distance running, and he’s been invited to compete in the 2020 Olympic Games representing Afghanistan, from where his family fled and became refugees.

Daniel Seddiqui calls himself a real-life version of Where’s Waldo.  He has worked in the corn fields of Nebraska, on a lobster boat in Maine, as a weather forecaster in Ohio, as a football coach in Alabama, and as a marriage official for a Las Vegas wedding chapel.  His 50 Jobs in 50 States journey was created out of struggles to land a job after college, and his endeavor gained worldwide media attention, culminating in a book that has been translated into 12 languages.  Plans for a TV show and feature film are underway.  

In addition, Daniel has focused his research on the ways in which unemployment affects various communities and the social issues that stem from enduring job loss. Daniel has sought to implement new approaches to activism and public policy to address those societal problems firsthand, which he details in his upcoming book, Going the Extra Mile.

Based on his experience, Daniel founded Living the Map, a company that engages with the varying cultures and careers across the country through educational programs, outreach, and community-building.  Through Living the Map, Daniel has redefined the traditional internship experience by providing a platform for college students to experience 5 Jobs in 5 States in 5 Weeks.  Colleges across the country have implemented this credited program into their curriculum, which encourages students to explore the world around them and to make continuous discoveries to better themselves. 

This year, in an effort to heal division in America, Daniel will venture into a new authentic journey called the American Bucket List Challenge.  By exploring 50 cultural events and hobbies in 50 states and learning about the lives of others, Daniel’s cultural immersion will encourage people to get out of their bubble, broaden perspectives, and develop informed views.