Some time ago, someone asked me to write a blog post about "How important is having a job you love?" I dutifully posted the topic to "draft" and moved on without a second thought (at the time). Recently, however, the stress of the economic situation vs. career needs and growth opportunities seem to be plaguing many. In fact many, who have been putting up with less than fulfilling jobs (likely because they figured that they could always find another one if they ever got really fed up) seem to be feeling trapped and panicky. There aren't a lot of options at the moment making their current situation seem endless.
We've all heard the famous Confucius quote, "Find a job you love and you'll never work a day in your life. " So, how important is having a job you love?
Most of us corporate-types like to think that the work we do and the job we have has some sort of greater purpose or meaning. We work on our 30-second elevator pitches, we agonize over the title that gets printed on our business cards, we refresh and refine our personal brands, our colleagues become our friends, our workplace our social network. We spend most of our waking hours doing work related to our job (perhaps sneaking in a few daydreams of running a surf board rental shop on the beach, now and again). My high-school chemistry teacher used to say "Life isn't fun or fair, it's rewarding and fulfilling." So we seek reward and fulfillment... understanding that we should probably make yoga a priority (supposed to be good for fighting stress).
Many times we have a job because of what it enables in the rest of our lives (like paying the bills or piano lessons for the kids), not because it, in and of itself, satisfies or fulfills. For most, the reality of "a job you love" is simply a myth. So many people are without jobs at all and the possibility of not being able to meet the most basic needs looms large. No loving your job, especially right now, may feel strange, but it is what it is... if you don't love it, the current climate isn't going to change how you feel. How do you have a "life you love" when you have a job you don't love? Should you just be satisfied with the status quo simply out of gratitude for the job you have?
Maven advice for those who don't love their jobs:
So, what's the maven "love your job" bottom line? It's more important to love your life than it is to love your job.
Should I sign off with a "Namaste"?
Best,
Maven
We've all heard the famous Confucius quote, "Find a job you love and you'll never work a day in your life. " So, how important is having a job you love?
Most of us corporate-types like to think that the work we do and the job we have has some sort of greater purpose or meaning. We work on our 30-second elevator pitches, we agonize over the title that gets printed on our business cards, we refresh and refine our personal brands, our colleagues become our friends, our workplace our social network. We spend most of our waking hours doing work related to our job (perhaps sneaking in a few daydreams of running a surf board rental shop on the beach, now and again). My high-school chemistry teacher used to say "Life isn't fun or fair, it's rewarding and fulfilling." So we seek reward and fulfillment... understanding that we should probably make yoga a priority (supposed to be good for fighting stress).
Many times we have a job because of what it enables in the rest of our lives (like paying the bills or piano lessons for the kids), not because it, in and of itself, satisfies or fulfills. For most, the reality of "a job you love" is simply a myth. So many people are without jobs at all and the possibility of not being able to meet the most basic needs looms large. No loving your job, especially right now, may feel strange, but it is what it is... if you don't love it, the current climate isn't going to change how you feel. How do you have a "life you love" when you have a job you don't love? Should you just be satisfied with the status quo simply out of gratitude for the job you have?
Maven advice for those who don't love their jobs:
- Commit to the job you have and do it well. I call this moving into the house you have... and I do mean "move in," unpack, the whole 9 yards. As far as any and everyone is concerned, you are in the job to stay. Bosses, colleagues and employees can sense dissatisfaction even if it's never put into words. No sense "deep-sixing" yourself unintentionally.
- Make a conscious list of how the current job is benefiting your overall life. Even the "worst" job I ever had taught be valuable lessons was grateful to have learned (although I wish I had learned in a much less painful fashion!).
- Leverage the positives and think strategically. Look for on the job training opportunities that hone your overall skills long-term, build a stronger network, get a mentor (someone outside of your job area), train and mentor others, volunteer to work some percentage in a different area (as long as your core responsibilities are rock solid) that exposes you to new experiences and new colleagues.
- Keep your network healthy. You never know when the next opportunity may arise. And perhaps this time you won't be so hesitant to go after it.
- Remember, your job does not define who you are as a person. Search for fulfillment in other places. Focus on family, helping and staying connected with friends, hobbies, volunteering and giving back to your community; these are all ways to enrich our lives.
So, what's the maven "love your job" bottom line? It's more important to love your life than it is to love your job.
Should I sign off with a "Namaste"?
Best,
Maven
