“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”
~Confucius
Anything you enjoy doing can be forged into a business. Someone out there is making money in that field, why can’t it be you? Don’t be afraid to start small – at least you’ll be starting.
Everyone has some slumps they go through with relationships, their jobs, and life in general. But it’s important to stop and realize the signs that the world gives to you to make sure you are grateful for where you are and where you have come from.
Last night we made impromptu plans to go to dinner. We randomly decided we would go out for a local all you can eat crab leg dinner. Without much thinking we jumped in the car, went and enjoyed dinner, and even gambled on some roulette and slot machines (no we didn’t win). But it wasn’t until we were leaving and walking to the car when I got my sign. I saw an entry-level worker (in my field) going about his job in the parking lot. His job is one that most people don’t respect, don’t look up to, and usually never want. It was then that I remembered how at one point I would have done just about anything for his job. I would have been more than proud to be at work every day doing exactly what he was doing.
Fourteen years ago I embarked on my lifelong dream career. I was amazed at the opportunity that I found and the job turned out to be everything I loved and more. But after 3 years I wanted even more. I wanted to relocate and try a larger urban area. I figured if it was this good at home, just think of the potential somewhere else. So I up and moved across the country.
I thought I had a plan. I had a job set up, a place to live, and was ready for the adventure to begin. And did it ever! When I got all moved into my new place and ready to start work I was told the offer had fallen through. No job, but I was now committed to a lease and numerous other bills that I had no idea how I was going to pay. Family offered to send money but it wasn’t their problem to fix. Nor did they know the extent of help I really needed. My former employer kept asking me to come back and even offered me a promotion. But I owed it to myself to not return with my tail between my legs.
I played it off as best as possible. I had some (very little) money saved. I applied other places and kept hoping…. and hoping… and hoping. I had reached my end. I had $32 left to my name. The bills were paid for the month, but after that I was done, I was tapped out.
Two days before my birthday I received a call and was offered a job back in my dream career. Like any other job, it has it downfalls and I have my bad days. But after 14 years I have had the chance to lead in my field, teach in field, and advance into areas I never would have imagined. I continue to find more doors opening up to me and am literally addicted to learning new aspects of my profession every day.
I don’t like to say you really “make it” because you should always be seeking improvement. But it’s a good idea to pause every once in a while and turn around to see the ground you have covered. The journey to get there is the best part of the trip – even with its pitfalls.
Don’t be the guy that lives in a box; one that only does what he’s told to do, only what he is assigned, just the bare minimum.
Life doesn’t occur in a box with set parameters. Sometimes you will have to stay late. Sometimes you will have to do more than your fair share. Sometimes you will find yourself doing things that “aren’t in your job description.”
Have a work ethic to get the job done. Don’t be afraid to go above and beyond. Take some personal leadership and do what you do well.
We all have a guy we work with who doesn’t carry his own weight, never can stay late, and is incredibly mediocre. Don’t be that guy.
Anyone can be a robot and complete tasks as they are dished out, but few people can be the go-to-guy where people know the job will get done and get done well.
We always hear the older and wiser tell us to be careful not to burn our bridges. But as guys we let our egos scream louder and sometimes we think we need to stand our ground and speak our mind. And what do they know anyway? I think most guys who have some life experience have probably experienced this or saw how close they were to experiencing it, only having avoided it by the luck of timing or choosing their words careful at the last moment. If you haven’t had the joy of this experience let me illustrate the concept with my own experience that I stumbled upon recently.
When I was in college I amazingly found a job in my dream industry. I was able to get my foot in the door, work midnights, still complete school, and enjoy college life all in one. And it provided me with a full time paycheck when my largest bill was my bar tab.
Looking back it definitely benefited me to have that job. I received great training, met some great people, some of which I am still friends with today, and ultimately set me up to get to where I am today. But it was still a job so I had my own set of complaints about it. However, I’ve been removed from that job for almost ten years. I’ve moved across the country, done well with my career elsewhere and have created a good life for myself. So I look back and reminisce about the good times but don’t give it much thought past that.
Well a couple weeks ago, I attended a reunion of sorts back at college. Part of it included this division of the university having its own reunion because they had employed so many students over the years. I have to say was kind of excited to get back there and see some old faces and laugh about some old times.
I preface it by saying I did have a good time and got to see some old friends. BUT, I can’t count how many people who still work there brought up a bridge I apparently burnt some years back. In fact, I didn’t even remember the incident. But it was clear that many did, and that it made a lasting impression.
After I leave that job and moved away to take another job, I needed some training records from my former employer – in order to advance in my new job. When I contacted them and wasn’t getting the cooperation or answered that I needed I got fired up. (To be honest, I still don’t recall exactly what lit my fuse and I was afraid to ask anyone for more details because I didn’t want to wake a sleeping dragon). What I do remember is that I sent a company wide email. I vented my thoughts about everyone I couldn’t stand who worked there and everything I didn’t like about the company. I was pretty vocal because I was 24 and had nothing to lose.
I could have never imagined that I would continue to have contact with this people and this company throughout my life because of the closeness of my industry. And lucky for me, most of the recipients saw my view and where I was coming from, but I definitely didn’t think the plan through. Also some of my old friends have moved into management positions of that company so by their saving grace I was able to save face.
But you never know whom in your past you will need to contact and for what reason. People and jobs will come and go from your life. You don’t have to agree with all of them. And you don’t have to let anyone walk all over you. But think twice before you speak your mind. Not that you shouldn’t speak it, but think about how you will speak it. Because once it’s spoken, it still may not make a difference. So choose your battles. A true gentleman will smile and walk away.
GrowingUpGuy 