My very first career was in consumer marketing research. I was rabidly focused on getting a management track job and after years working crap jobs and taking two years to earn an MBA, I got that job.
Two years into that job I was given a new position which required me to work for someone who was known by all to be a "problem manager." The assignment itself was very challenging and I realized I didn't like the work at all. I never, ever imagined that I would hate what I was doing for this company. It threw me into a real crisis forcing me to think seriously about what kind of work I wanted to do.
I'd love to tell you my next career was IT but it wasn't. Probably my best insight has been that careers aren't "forever" constructs for most people. We try things. They work well for awhile, years if we're fortunate, but it's not a bad thing if we outgrow our careers or our interests shift and we realize it's time to do something different.
I'd argue that the idea that people have "forever" careers is very, very outdated. People live a lot longer and the world of work is rapidly shifting. I don't think there is any one career that I would have felt fulfilled doing for 40+ years.
I think we're better off looking at employment/work as something where our talents/passions/skills can be applied to earn a living but with the understanding that we should also be sensitive to when that particular occupation is no longer purposeful and that it's OK to look for something that will better fulfill our sense of purpose and destiny.
Thanks for your fulsome response, Judy. Much appreciated. I agree though my central point is that, even if we LOVE our job, we’ll still have bad days, annoying colleagues, disrespectful clients, etc. However, to your point, perhaps, when one loves their role, those tough days aren’t as devastating as when they happen in a role that’s unfulfilling or, worse yet, soul-sucking.
Never again want to do a job that sucks my soul. I have experience waitressing and bartending. I'd go back to that. At least I had a lot of interesting conversations.
Oh yes. It can sometimes become all about marketing, whether I’m trying to publish my writing, put together a dance gig or come up with coaching clients. Some of it is intriguing but I have to make sure it doesn’t take over the fun and creative parts (which can be just as hard but more rewarding).
This is such a great observation, Lisa.
My very first career was in consumer marketing research. I was rabidly focused on getting a management track job and after years working crap jobs and taking two years to earn an MBA, I got that job.
Two years into that job I was given a new position which required me to work for someone who was known by all to be a "problem manager." The assignment itself was very challenging and I realized I didn't like the work at all. I never, ever imagined that I would hate what I was doing for this company. It threw me into a real crisis forcing me to think seriously about what kind of work I wanted to do.
I'd love to tell you my next career was IT but it wasn't. Probably my best insight has been that careers aren't "forever" constructs for most people. We try things. They work well for awhile, years if we're fortunate, but it's not a bad thing if we outgrow our careers or our interests shift and we realize it's time to do something different.
I'd argue that the idea that people have "forever" careers is very, very outdated. People live a lot longer and the world of work is rapidly shifting. I don't think there is any one career that I would have felt fulfilled doing for 40+ years.
I think we're better off looking at employment/work as something where our talents/passions/skills can be applied to earn a living but with the understanding that we should also be sensitive to when that particular occupation is no longer purposeful and that it's OK to look for something that will better fulfill our sense of purpose and destiny.
Thanks for your fulsome response, Judy. Much appreciated. I agree though my central point is that, even if we LOVE our job, we’ll still have bad days, annoying colleagues, disrespectful clients, etc. However, to your point, perhaps, when one loves their role, those tough days aren’t as devastating as when they happen in a role that’s unfulfilling or, worse yet, soul-sucking.
Never again want to do a job that sucks my soul. I have experience waitressing and bartending. I'd go back to that. At least I had a lot of interesting conversations.
Oh yes. It can sometimes become all about marketing, whether I’m trying to publish my writing, put together a dance gig or come up with coaching clients. Some of it is intriguing but I have to make sure it doesn’t take over the fun and creative parts (which can be just as hard but more rewarding).
Thank you for reminding me of what I left behind in the corporate world, in favor of what I do now - the hardest work I’ll ever love.
Love this sentiment, Carol! 🙏 Do you experience tough days in your current role?
You sound like you've got a lot of career wisdom!
Thank you, Moorea! I guess I do. 😊It's hard won. 🙃
Lisa, I appreciate this balanced perspective given all the "follow your passion" talk out there.
Indeed. Thank you, Sandra. Passion or not it's not all sunshine & unicorns. 🪄