Mary’s a millionnaire. Date: 21st December, 2020
Tags: Personal, Christmas, Humor, Human Stories, Self Love

Date: 21st December, 2020

True millionaires: Kids, in UK, who played ‘Mary’ as children are high wage earners and most at peace as adults (SURVEY)

Last month I came across an intriguing news piece. The title screamed ‘Your role at your school’s Christmas pageant is linked to how much you earn, study claims.’

It seemed to be a ‘one-of-a-kind’ research (read that as, looks like researchers had a lot of free time this year).

On a serious note, when I started reading the gist of the findings, it made me think on one hand. On the other, I beamed with a wide grin. And when I was done reading the report, I am left stranded — confused, actually.

So, what does this study say?

The report surveyed 2000 British adults. It claims a co-relation between their earnings and their contentedness as adults to the role they played as children in school nativity plays. The survey also notes their additional traits as adults.

According to it, those who played ‘Mary’ are most satisfied with their current lives. Those who played ‘Joseph’ have most likely ended up in the financial or banking domains. And they make cool money too. Both ‘Marys’ and ‘Josephs’ are among the Top 5 wage earners, at number 3 and 4 respectively.

The creative OX: Most kids who played OX in their school nativity plays have landed up in advertising (SURVEY)

But surprise, surprise. If you play the mighty OX, you will make the highest of the bucks and you’re likely to be in advertising. In the allied field of Marketing and Communications, you’re likely to find someone who has played the role of Angel Gabriel. ‘Gabriels’ take home the second highest wages. And who said manual labour does not reward. Those who played the ‘inn keepers’ are those roles, like that of plumbing, and they are at number 5. Clearly, skill and hardwork never go unrewarded.

As I read ahead, I chuckled, and shifted uncomfortably at the same time. The research says the people who play ‘donkeys’ and ‘shepherds’ work in the IT industry. Somehow, I pictured overworked employees being overseen by their bored or lazing managers. I don’t mean offence, but it’s a picture that popped up in my head with the mere association.

Another giggle cropped up, when I read that those played nativity narrators were likely to be in the education sector. The research also pegged them among the lowest wage earners. Poor teachers! Is this report like a reflection of the truth?

Angels indeed: No surprise that if you play an angel, you’ll be an angel — healthcare workers, in this case.

On a heartening note, I would say that it comes as no surprise that most of those who’d have played ‘angels’ (apart from angel Gabriel) and lambs as children, are today — healthcare workers. Truly, ‘angels’ with generous grit and ‘lambs’ with soft hearts — taking care of humanity at large in this period of tribulation.

So, now here’s the meat — a secret that I’ve never brought it up — I played Mary in my school nativity play. So, by the logic of the research, I may end up becoming a millionaire. That’s good, right?

Hey, no! That’s where I am stumped. The report doesn’t say if it holds true for a boy who played Mary. Yes, I am a boy and I played Mary. Well, that’s what happens in an all-boys school. I remember I was ‘oh-so-embarrassed’ then. Thankfully, the nativity play wrapped up quick and I had my face hidden in my mom’s dupatta/stole the whole time with me looking down at ‘baby Jesus’ — a doll.

But back to the point, WILL THE BOY WHO PLAYED MARY BECOME A MILLIONAIRE? I am not sure.

The big question: WILL THE BOY WHO PLAYED MARY BECOME A MILLIONAIRE?

Also, how well do I match with traits of adults who played Mary as children? I do a quick check-box. No, I have a little less than 1500 odd social media friends. No, I don’t work in retail. Yes, I have a strong social circle. Yes, I am an extrovert. No, I don’t do yoga; I only say I will do it. But I do seem to be veering towards becoming ‘content’ in life or ‘accepting of my situations’ — if I were to put it more succinctly. It’s seems ambiguous.

But a look at angel Gabriel and I seem to have those 1297 social media friends. I work in marketing and communications. I read books (at least 3 in a month). No, I don’t like to exercise, but I am veering towards doing it as a matter of discipline.

And then a look at the OX — I have studied advertising, and I do practice it as part of my profession. Deep within, I do like being the center of attention. While I don’t do amateur dramatics, I can be a Drama Queen of sorts and paint the world red. And yes, I am a closet pessimist. To add, I am an OX, according to the Chinese calendar system. And 2021 is going to be the ‘Year of the OX’. Is that a sign?

Phew! You are still with me? I didn’t fizz you out? You must be superhuman. Well, it’s a the hunt to find myself — ‘what I am?’, ‘what I could be?’, ‘what I want to be?’ — a state of flux that so many people remain in.

Mary, Gabriel or OX— research or no research — I don’t think it matters. Today, I am. I am alive. For that I am thankful.

P.S. Read from an article about the research HERE.