The Real Question to Ask Yourself About Work
Work takes up a big part of our lives, yet we hardly ever think about how our work shapes us. Everything we do in life impacts us - positive or negative. So does our work. Because we spend so many hours doing it, it has one of the biggest influences on us throughout our lives. It's important to ask yourself if you're really doing what you love, not only because you deserve to be happy.
Think about it - the people you work with, the things you do at work, the environment you're in... all of these things affect you. They shape the way you think, the way you feel, and the way you behave. If you're not happy with your work, chances are it's having a negative impact on your life. But if you love what you do, it can have a hugely positive impact.
Your work shapes your life.
So many of us go through the motions of our jobs day in and day out without ever stopping to think about whether or not we're happy with what we're doing. We may have convinced ourselves that work is just work and it's not supposed to be fun or fulfilling, but that's not true. I believe we deserve work we love; we own it to ourselves even.
Work is such a big part of our lives that it absolutely and most certainly should be something we enjoy. It's not just about making money - it's about positively shaping our lives.
Gone are the days that we entered an office or a factory and left ourselves at the door in exchange for a paycheck. We live in such a hyperconnected world today that we have no excuse but to find work we love. Work that's aligned with who you are, that fills your cup, that makes you feel like you matter, and that your contribution makes a difference; that's what we should all aim for in life.
Is your work aligned with what's important to you?
If you feel stuck in a job that doesn't make you happy, it might be time to reevaluate your situation. Ask yourself if you can do anything to make your job more enjoyable or if there might be another career path that would better suit your interests and talents. Make sure that your work is aligned with what's important to you: your values and what you stand for in life. Because if it's not, chances are you will end up feeling unfulfilled and unhappy.
Doing work you love is essential for your happiness and the impact it can have on the world around you. You bring your best self to it, which ripples on those around you. When you're doing something you're passionate about, it shows in your attitude and your behavior. It's contagious in the best way possible.
So if you're not happy with your current situation, don't be afraid to make a change. Find work that lights you up and makes you excited to jump out of bed every morning. Your life will be so much better for it.
It's not about how much you make; it's about who you're becoming.
Don't be afraid to change your life if it means you'll be happier in the long run. Work is a big part of our lives, so it should be something we enjoy doing. Otherwise, what's the point?
We all work to make money. But the real question to ask yourself at work is not "what am I being paid here?" but "who am I becoming here"? The real problem in a career that isn't making you happy is not "that they should pay you more"; it's that they should "value you more."
The work we do affects us on a much deeper level than just our bank balance. It shapes our beliefs, our values, and our identities. It teaches us how to think, what to believe, and who to be.
If your work isn't helping you become the person you want to be, it's not the right work for you.
It's as simple as that.
I'm not saying that you should quit your job tomorrow (although, if it's that bad, maybe you should). But I am saying that you should take a long, hard look at your career and ask yourself whether or not it's helping you become the person you want to be.
If it's not, it might be time to make a change. You only have one life. Make sure you're living it in a way that allows you to become all you're meant to be. Work is a big part of that, so choose wisely.
Feeling lost in your career and unsure what to do next?
You're not alone. Many people find themselves at a career crossroads, wondering where to go. I offer private coaching to help you get unstuck and find work you love.
As a coach, I have helped hundreds of people like you figure out what they want from their careers and how to get there. I'll help you assess your skills, interests, and passions, explore your options, and create a plan that works for you.
