If you are like multitudes of Americans, you may have just lost your job, been forced to downsize your home, or drastically curbed your spending because of our current economic recession. I know from personal experience how stressful tough financial times and unemployment can be, but instead of feeling hopeless and depressed, we can take our struggles as an opportunity to re-evaluate the path we have chosen for our lives and analyze where we are, where we have been, and where we want to go.
It is immensely satisfying to encounter individuals who love their work. You can always tell whether or not people do! Unfortunately, I don't run into this too often, but a few years ago, my husband and I hired a man to stucco our home, and it was a delight to watch the pride with which this man and his co-workers performed their work. I will never forget them. Just recently, we remodeled our bathroom, and the individuals we worked with were so enthusiastic and professional, taking pride in the finished product, that the process was a joy. How much different both of these experiences would have been if the people I hired didn't want to be there.
In fact, these two experiences are in stark contrast to what I normally come across. I'm sure you know what I am talking about: The waiter at the restaurant who never fills your water glass, mixes up your order, and seems annoyed when you ask for extra napkins. Or the college professor who delivers the same lectures each semester for years, never modifying them to reflect current events or other relevant changes. Sometimes, I feel like people are just going through the motions until their workday is over - and that always leaves me a bit frustrated and often disappointed.
Do you really love your job or is there another occupation that you have always dreamed of pursuing? Maybe now is a good time to return to school for new training or a completely different career. With every choice we make, there is give and take, but what matters most is that at the end of our lives, we have made the most of our days. Making sure that we are satisfied with our choices takes courage and perseverance, but in order to feel fulfilled, we must remember that our contentment is more important than the size of our paychecks. Life is much too short to do something day in and day out that does not make us happy.
A number of years ago, I read a great book on this subject: "Do What You Are: Discover the Perfect Career for You Through the Secrets of Personality Type" by Paul D. Tieger and Barbara Barron-Tieger. I would highly recommend this if you are at a crossroads and need to make a change.
Let me know if you decide that now is the time for you to pursue your dreams!
Anna Sherise
Co-Creator of Magna Sententia
Co-Author of Magna Sententia: The Logical Cure for Our Society
Disclaimer
Anna Sherise and Ellie Sherise are not licensed or trained healthcare professionals, counselors, or financial advisors. This article is provided for informational purposes only, and is not intended to take the place of the care and advice given to you by your physician, counselor, other healthcare professional, or financial advisor. Sherise Media LLC, its members and representatives, specifically disclaim all responsibility for any liability, loss, or risk, personal or otherwise, which is incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use and application of any of the contents of this article and/or website.