Money is a powerful motivator. It often influences the decisions that we make, in small and great ways. You probably chose your current job because of the money or the benefits. You may have picked your current vehicle because it was a skosh cheaper than your other choice. For a long time, Americans have associated money with happiness.
When we talk about the pursuit of happiness, what we are really talking about is obtaining money. The problem with that mindset is that money does not bring happiness. It may for a short while, and it may for some people, but they are merely the exception.
Or, they may just happen to be making a lot of money for doing something they love. The lucky ones. If you want to be one of the lucky ones, then let us enlighten you with five reasons to find the work that you truly love.
1. Time
You will spend a whole lot of your life in the workplace. If you work the standard 40 hours, then you are spending something like 40% of your life (well, your waking hours) at your job. For anyone in management or those who are self-employed, then it may be even more. You just can’t get away from how much of your life will be taken up by work.
The truth is, life can end in a second. So, why would you want to spend the majority of your life doing something that makes you miserable? Work takes you from your loved ones, it takes you from your hobbies… shouldn’t it be something you enjoy?
2. Performance
If you don’t enjoy the job that you do, then there’s a good chance it will impact your performance. Sure, you may have the knowledge it takes to complete the task. You may be able to go through the motions, but it’s difficult to stand out at doing something that makes you miserable.
There are so many changes occurring within every industry, and it’s happening at a rapid pace. So, you may be good at it now, but tomorrow it could all change. When it does change, you’ll need to pay attention, improve knowledge, and spend time learning to improve. How can you do that when you hate it?
3. Passion
Even if you somehow manage to perform well at the job you hate, you will run into an issue at some stage. It’s difficult to fake passion, and this will become an issue for anyone who seeks to fill a sales role or perhaps fill a leadership position. It’s difficult to inspire others when you struggle to inspire yourself.
4. The Extra Mile
Employers are always praising the employee who goes the extra mile. Sometimes it’s just one of those things you have to do, but it’s much easier to put in that work when you care about your job. When you’re passionate about it, it won’t feel like going the extra mile. It will just be a continuation of your job description.
5. Fulfillment
When you finally achieve the goals, you set in a job you love, you will reach a feeling of fulfillment that cannot be replicated anywhere else. It’s one that lasts.
Achieving something that you enjoyed every step of the way will feel greater than anything you can imagine. Even (or perhaps especially) if you had to fight tooth and nail to get there.
There is no obstacle that can stand between you and fulfilling your goals when you are truly passionate about what you do. You don’t have to hate your job.
– Scott Blessing