The Vital Importance of Good Work

Too often we find ourselves "trapped" in a job, or even in a career. What a horrible feeling to dislike what we are doing day after day, but many of us allow ourselves to continue in these environments for years. What is it in us that creates this feeling that we have no option but to suffer in our professional lives? It is a far cry from the graduation speeches that we all heard, where we were told that the world of work was there for the taking, and all we needed to do is to use what we have learn to capitalize on any opportunity we wish.

I think that life catches up to us. When I say "life", I mean the variety of responsibilities and commitments that can make us woody and inflexible. Our children, mortgages, parents, cars, vacations, and schedules can turn us into robots that move from one thing to the next, all of them involving a need for money. But you have to ask the question - is this what I planned for years ago? Am I fulfilling the wish of the good life? Also, take a close look at the list that I wrote above. Virtually everything that I said are things that we looked forward to at one point in time!

The other part of the good life is gains in physical and mental well-being. While being woody and inflexible is a pattern of behaviors, it is also a way of being. If we allow ourselves to let the years tick by as we stand tied up in our lives, our bodies and brains become physically inflexible. Our hearts push harder against clogged arteries, our tired and under-developed muscles work to move our bloated bodies around. Our minds become a jumble of disconnected thoughts driven by the numbing sameness of our daily lives.

Now there's a pretty picture of the "good life", right? My Goodness no!

I am finding now in my "in-between jobs" state that there is plenty of good work out there, and lots of good people doing it. They have joy in their lives. They look forward to Mondays when they can be presented with new challenges that stimulate their senses and create a purpose in their professional lives. But, good work also creates increased satisfaction in their personal lives as well. They bring home the confidence of a job well done. They are respected for what they do, so they respect their lives outside of work. They love their partners and children better. They don't worry about their financial commitments because they feel confident that their professional talents will take them far, and produce gains in income.

So many people that have suffered real pain in losing their jobs during the recession are rediscovering their love of work. They have changed direction and are doing something that they have always wanted to do. Many have started their own companies. They are forging new pathways that may limit them financially in the short-term, but have high potential for paying off as time goes on.

But, you don't have to lose your job to re-create your professional self. Today I encourage you to remember the hopes that you had long ago, then turn those hopes into action. No one needs to suffer doing bad work. Create a way for yourself. Talk to people you know. Use LinkedIn and other social media to connect with people who have the same passion and goals that you do. Don't be shy about being forthright in your interest to improve yourself. It increases the chances that you will find something that inspires you.

Commit to doing this a lot. You will be amazed at the new world that opens up to you!