I noticed a trend. Work is now supposed to be your fulfillment. You are supposed to work your bliss. If you aren’t happy at work, you are doing something wrong. This new expectation adds to the pressure of perfect body, perfect house, perfect relationships, etc. Now even your job has to be perfect.
Like the other things, no job is perfect either.
My Grandma says if it were fun, they wouldn’t call it work and pay you for it.
This isn’t to say you shouldn’t try to find a job that makes you happier or create your own work. I did after all.
But, don’t expect work to completely fulfill you. Even in jobs you like, you will get stressed and have to do things you don’t like to do. (Please not another financial month end.)
If you are in a stinky job at the moment, what if you thought of work more in terms of character development and learning? Every job can teach you something about yourself, the world and teach you skills.
I was very shy when I started working as a fast food cashier in high school. Four years later I could talk to people.
You can also think of your job as being in service. You are serving someone with each job or no one would give you money for doing it. That’s another viewpoint to take.
If you aren’t in an optimal job right now, it’s o.k. You don’t have to feel badly or like this is another area you aren’t living up to expectations. Improve the job you are in with your work ethic, your attitude and making your space your own. Keep your eyes out for opportunities to do more of what you love to do.
In the meantime, find your fulfillment elsewhere – in your family and friends, in volunteering, in your spiritual life, in a hobby. Work doesn’t have to be your fulfillment for you to have a good life.
These are wise words, Beth. Thank you for showing us a new perspective.
I love what I do (teach), just not where I do it. I needed a reminder that that is okay. There is as much for me to learn at this school as there is to teach. Thank you for your insight.
Wishing you the best Carissa as you learn where you are.
Your words are so true. I tried to teach my kids the same thing. If work was supposed to be fun, it would be called vacation. You’re so right about keeping good work ethic while looking for better opportunity. I think it helps in some situations, to just be thankful you can pay bills, etc. So what if you never find that “perfect” job, work is work & life is life. It is possible to separate the 2.
I like how you said you can separate the two