I recently found a list of job requirements I wrote about ten years ago. Back then I was still working as a research librarian, and had recently received my M.A. in counseling psychology.
- creates passion & excitement
- is an energy-giving pursuit
- is somehow investigative
- constantly challenges my mind
- involves progressive technology
- offers emotional assistance to others
- utilizes my counseling skills
I was trying to be as open minded as possible in visioning the most positive type of work for my particular skill set and personality.
Now I see this blog and my subsequent book were exactly where I was headed although it took me nine years to get here! Sometimes our path is complicated and confusing, but we always seem to get to where we are supposed to go eventually.
Since I returned from my recent Cancun vacation, things seem to be falling into place for me. I had a fascinating interview on Thursday at the CBS TV station in Denver, I’ve been invited as a guest speaker at a local blogging class, and other opportunities keep appearing on the horizon to further my chosen work of connecting with and assisting those experiencing some sort of midlife transformation.
If you’re feeling unhappy in what you do for a living, why not spend some time visioning how you could use your skills and natural talents in a more positive way. How could you turn your work into a win-win situation for yourself and your employer? Why not try making a list of how you wish your job stimulated your zest for life and made you look forward to getting up each day.
Then, ten years from now, you might dig up that same list and suddenly realize you’re finally starting to get what you really want out of life!
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Laura,
That’s an interesting list. I’ll bet the orientation of some items has changed over time. I know they have for me.
I don’t expect my job to create passion & energy but I will bring my energy and enthusiasm to it.
I feel no need to counsel or guide others but I will enthusiastically support them on their journey. I think it’s best when we discover our own path. That “Do No Harm” thing.
Every day, be a Blessing to those God puts in your path.
Brad
Brad:
Too bad you have such a negative view of counseling.
It saved my life a few times and I’m willing to guess many others! I so glad there are excellent professionally trained psychotherapists everywhere working to improve the quality of their clients lives. More compassionate caring and support is what is needed worldwide, and I think this blog is proof of that.
I decided to raise my expectations high for my next job, demanding some endeavor that created passion and gave me energy. I think it served me well.
The Queen
Hi Laura,
Not sure where you got the “negative view” thing.
I feel no need to counsel others. If someone feels the need for counseling I hope they follow through. I hope to avoid passing along my views and expectations to others as I feel they would be better served to discover their own path. I so often find that the drama of others often contains a fair amount of what I feel is lack of personal responsibility.
Regardless of how you ended up in the soup, it’s your responsibility to get yourself out.
Ever Onward!
Brad
And when the counselor asked my ex “So, as you are unsatisfied with the statis of your life, what are you willing to change to make a difference?” She replied “Me? Change? What the hell am I paying you for?!”
and so it goes………9-)
I might just write a list for myself. I’ve just lost one of my jobs… such a relief though. I now have time to put into things I really want to do, and things I haven’t had time to do….just not sure what to do about the money I now won’t have.
Brad’s opinions are interesting. I love other points of view, be they aligned with mine or not. They are thought provoking. They teach us that not everyone thinks alike, they teach us…
I agree with Brad in bringing passion and enthusiasm to ones job. I guess it helps to see value in what you are doing. If you don’t see that you or your job are valued, its hard to be enthusiastic about it.
writeandcreate,
I think Laura and I agree on this point, focus your energy on that which serves your highest and best intentions, the money will take care of itself.
Brad