A man was one day approached by his 14-year-old son. The boy wanted to find his way in life - to become an apprentice and learn to work in a career. So his dad asked the lad what he would like to be.

Without hesitation, the young fellow said he wanted to be a gardener, since he was used to being in the open air. His father had no objection, and soon enough, the lad found himself working in a garden.

But then… what a disappointment! This was not the easy life he had expected. Who knew growing plants took so much work?

After a few weeks of unbearable labor, he gave up. He decided it was just too much and told his father he couldn’t take it! The lad explained how working the field meant he had to often bend down, and the blood would rush to his head and make him dizzy. And on top of all that, his back ached dreadfully from all the stooping over.

Fortunately, the boy had already thought of a solution. A much better career for him would be a gamekeeper or forester. These jobs involve the upkeep of different types of land, including hunting grounds. But, unlike farming, he wouldn’t always be bending down, and could enjoy the fresh air better.

Since his son was convinced it was what he wanted, the man got him employed under a gamekeeper. Before long, the boy returned home with his report. The man was a little surprised to see that disgruntled look again on his son’s face. What could be wrong now?

The boy groaned that he had to get up very early and go out into the forest when the air was so damp that he got a cough.

This time, the father took it on himself to find suitable work for his apparently delicate son.

The one choice seemed obvious. What could be a more easy, comfortable, and healthy way of life than that of a fisherman? His son clearly loved the outdoors. He could enjoy the fresh air at any time of day. And he wouldn’t get tired or sore from hours of tedious movement.

So he found a fisherman who willingly hired the boy, to teach him the trade. His father breathed in relief at the reliable, happy future that laid in store for his son. This hope was short-lived though, for in a little while, the unhappy lad came home, grumbling once more.

What complaint? Simple. The lad couldn’t bear having to stand in the water - which he often had to do. His feet got very cold and the stones poked and hurt them.

Buy now, the multi-failed-apprentice had settled on what he truly wanted. There was no doubt in his mind! His one wish was to be a cook. If he learned cooking, he would have plenty of good food, and be well paid, too. After all, gardeners, gamekeepers, and fishermen, had to supply the cook with their goods.

Without argument, the patient father managed to have him apprenticed to a chef.

A month went by…Then another…Maybe the lad had finally found a career that suited him?

After a few months, though, the boy returned home. His father wasn’t exactly happy at his return, as it could only mean one thing…

Sure enough, the boy was his grumpy old self. The life of a chef was not for him! He could not possibly bear the heat of the kitchen! Standing over the fire made him feel sick and took away his appetite.

Before the boy could voice his plans for a new and fifth job, the exasperated father put his foot down. This was foolishness!

"No!" the man said, ''I can have no more of this complaining."

He would not hear of another attempt at the "perfect career". Trying to shield his son from all discomfort was clearly impossible and the boy was unwilling to undergo even the smallest inconvenience! This was no way to live. And it was about time to teach this all important lesson to his son… that in this Valley of Tears, no life is without pain. Standing at the end of four quickly failed apprenticeships, the boy was in a place to hear this lesson; one he could take with him the rest of his life.

"My son, you must have something you dislike, whatever path you follow. It appears that none of the four elements suits you - earth, air, water, fire. They will be sure to test you in some way, wherever you are. Bear small trials patiently, and you will soon learn to be happy with your lot in life."