At Your Service
It takes a lot of courage–and no small amount of self-examination–to determine what it really is that we, as individuals, want to do for a living.
Article contribution by Byron Tully
Photo: CHEANEY
It takes a lot of courage–and no small amount of self-examination–to determine what it really is that we, as individuals, want to do for a living. We have to set aside economic considerations (not easy and often seemingly impossible).
Sometimes, we have to set aside our parents’ hopes and dreams for our careers, what they want us to be. We may have to park our desire for material comforts at the curb and walk up to the front door of a career or profession that appears to have limited financial rewards, if any. (Think of all the writers you know, including this one. Wink, nod.)
The distractions and rationalizations can be numerous. But the questions are self-evident and undeniable: what is it that I love to do? What is that, when I do it, time stands still and time flies–all at the same time? What am I naturally good at? What is my gift? How can I be of service?
Some OMG’s (Old Money Guys and Old Money Gals) are park rangers in a national forest. Some are investment bankers at Grandfather’s firm. Some are making a lot of money and some are not. But one thing you’ll find with many is that they’re doing a job they love and giving it all they’ve got.
Why? Because no amount of money will compensate for getting up every morning and going to work at a job you hate. You will hate your life, not just your job. You will be susceptible to wasting money, substance abuse, and health problems.
You may say to yourself, “I’m going to do this job for this amount of time, until I save up this amount of money. Then I’m going to quit and do what I really love.” That’s a plan. But ask yourself, “Am I saving that amount of money each payday?” “Am I learning about the job I say I really want?” “If I had a windfall tomorrow and didn’t have to work, would I be ready to transition to my dream career?”
Here’s a better plan. If you’re not in a position financially to toss it all and do what you love first thing in the morning, take steps. Do the job you have to do right now, do it well, and take on your dream job as a hobby. Do it on weekends. Who cares if you make money at it? Just get started. No pressure, just extra joy. Doing what you love.
