Out of a Job and into Your Life’s Work – How the Economy is Changing the Way People Think About Their Careers
July 21, 2009
“Those who recognize their calling early in life and build on it are the lucky ones. Those who gain enough strength or independence to seek a more satisfying path in later life are also lucky. And though they may not feel so fortunate at the time, those compelled to seek change due to sheer discomfort [or change in circumstance] are lucky as well—because despite their own hesitation, events have pushed them in the direction of their true purpose.” – Excerpt from Professional Destiny
In this economy, many are losing their jobs — but for some it may become one of those “best thing that ever happened to us” moments. Although it may not feel like it at the time, being let go could be just the push we need to make a change to finding a profession that is far more satisfying and rewarding. It is a time to reflect on what it is we really love to do and find a career that fully utilizes our natural gifts. So many of us have been in unfulfilling jobs and by viewing a setback as a new potential opportunity, we can use this moment as a “course correction” to reintroduce joy and creativity into our profession. We can move from a “job” (something we do primarily to get a paycheck) to our life’s work (a mighty undertaking that challenges us, taps into our creative energy and awakens our spirit). In the long run, a “setback” can lead us to the career we were born for and make us far more engaged, productive and fulfilled.
Anyone can make a change at any time, whether by choice or not. The current economy is causing many people to take a fresh look at what they are doing. Losing a job might be a tough pill to swallow, but perhaps just the medicine we need to explore what it is we really want to do. This may be the perfect time to rethink our goals, as well as the gifts we were born with, so that we can leave behind something that is less than fulfilling to pursue a new career that energizes us and makes us feel alive. And, if we recognize the opportunity, chances are we will look back and realize that the thing we so feared, was actually one of the best things to ever happen to us.
Filed under: Job vs. Career vs. Life's Work
4 Comments Leave a Comment
1. Greg Rust | August 6, 2009 at 8:37 am
Sometimes the answer is right under our nose. I have been “searching’ for that new job for several months and have found that I am attracted (using this term loosely) to the same positions/job descriptions.Alas,my progress is stalled due to a lack of enthusiasm. Yesterday, four people contacted me for help to get them through their tough day. It seems I have become the “go to guy” for inspiration, insight, guidance and positivity. This while my boat is taking on water. One of these individuals pointed out how he depends on me for this and how I should find a way to incorporate this into an offering, that I should not be in sales but perhaps sales coaching. He said these traits are just a natural for me, my DNA.
So I spent the night digesting and reflecting on the events of the day and counting my blessings for having these people as part of my network. Then, this morning, I came across this book and this site. Hmmm, some things are right under our nose. OK, now what?
2. professionaldestiny | August 6, 2009 at 11:07 am
Greg – Thanks for the comment. It sounds like you are on your journey! Enthusiasm (or lack of it) is a great sign to point you in the direction of where you should head next. One of my favorite quotes is featured on the Professional Destiny facebook page: “Don’t ask yourself what the world needs – ask yourself what makes you come alive, and then do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” -Harold Thurman Whitman
In my book, Professional Destiny, I outline steps you can take to find the career you are passionate about. One of them is to write a three column list of Things You Love to Do, Things You Are Good At (they can be different) and Things You Loathe. To make this exercise effective, you must actually write it, not think it, so you can draw connections. Write down EVERYHTING that comes to you. From this you can begin to see a pattern and steer yourself in a direction for a career that will fulfill you. Then, follow the signs you get every day! For more information, I’d encourage you to read the book. I have gone through this, as have so many others whose honest and inspirational stories about the challenges, obstacles, encouragement and great joys are featured.
3. Greg Rust | August 6, 2009 at 2:55 pm
Book ordered! Seat belt buckled and sitting in an upright position. Cleared for professional destiny journey.
4. professionaldestiny | August 6, 2009 at 7:51 pm
Excellent! Hope you love it…
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