#10 You are allowed to love your job

Hi! Welcome to a new episode of this podcast. Today, we're going to talk about something incredibly dear to my heart.

Let me state it loud and clear: You are allowed to love your job. It is your right to have a job that makes you happy. You don't have to stay stuck in a job that sucks the life out of you and doesn't fulfill you professionally or personally.

Somehow, doing work I love is something I have never questioned. From my first freelance job to what I'm doing now, even though I often let opportunities guide me, I've never had a job I hated - at least not for a long time. When I was doing things I was not particularly eager to do, I quickly moved into doing something else. It's true that I've been a freelancer, consultant, and entrepreneur my entire life, but hating your job is not just something for people stuck in the 9-to-5 or working for someone else. I know many self-employed people, entrepreneurs who despise their jobs, and they don't have to stay stuck there.

We are often surrounded by fear in our society - fear of change, fear of the unknown, and, most of all, fear of failure. One of the beliefs many of us share is that we've been told growing up: that if we take a job we love too much, it will be harder for us to succeed financially. Or that we have to suffer to be successful entrepreneurs. I've touched on it in previous episodes of this podcast, and I'll get back to it in future episodes as well.

Just today, I had a coaching session with a bright and visionary young entrepreneur who wants to make a difference in the world, not just sell a product. One of the things this young gentleman questioned was why he started his business in the first place. Many clients say these things to me, especially when working hard to build a business that looks as successful as the ones they see online or around them. But, here's the thing: You don't have to do something you hate to make money or be successful. You also don't have to do all the things, especially the things you don't like to do. As I said in episode 8 of this podcast: it's not because you know how to do something that you should actually do it! Go back and listen if you need more to be convinced that you and your creative mind don't need to do everything alone!

It's much better and more fulfilling to start a business doing something you love - something that is true to your core values and makes you happy. Not because of the profits but because there is nothing more satisfying than working on projects you love that bring meaning to your life. When done from an authentic place, that kind of work will also bring in money - not always a lot at first, but enough for what we need. And eventually, you'll do much more than build a business or be successful; you'll make a difference in the world.

A wonderful client of mine, let's call her Julietta, was stuck in a job she hated. This ex-pat had a demanding job in the law department of a big corporation. Although everyone around her was happy with her work, and she received nothing but positive feedback and juicy end-of-year bonuses for a job well done, she was stressed out, unfulfilled, and desperately wanted something different. During one of her coaching sessions, Julietta cried and told me how frustrated she was with her job. Then, she asked: "Murielle, am I allowed to love my job?"

That question took my breath away. I've heard a lot of things in almost a decade of being a career and business coach, and even though I know a lot of people wonder about the same thing as Julietta, it was the first time someone had put it into words so clearly.

My answer was clear: "Yes, Julietta (and that goes for you as well, dear listener), you are allowed to love your job!" As I mentioned before, it is our birthright to love our jobs, choose the kind of work that brings us joy, and make money while making a difference in the world.

We all have unique talents and passions - and we must use those to create something meaningful and worthwhile. Don't be afraid to break away from what society taught you about sticking with a job or career path just because it pays well or is more accepted by your family or friends. This isn't about giving up on making money - this is about finding ways to use our gifts, time, energy, creativity, effort, and knowledge to build an abundant life for ourselves (and others!).

Just hearing those words gave Julietta the permission she needed to take action. She started exploring her many creative interests and other career options and eventually found a project that she was passionate about.

A question that keeps me busy is why we think it's normal to hate our jobs.

I believe it's because of our education system and how it shapes us to think that we have to do a specific job to succeed. We often forget that success isn't defined just by money and power but also - and most importantly - by feeling fulfilled, respected, happy, and loved.

Rather than blindly following what society tells us about having a "good job," ask yourself what kind of work lights you up. What type of work brings out your best, most creative self? What can you offer others - and yourself - that no one else can? It's a much better way to approach your work life.

The old way of doing things, when society molded us to be compliant workers who left themselves at the door of the factory or the office, is long gone. Today, more and more people are realizing that it's possible to create meaningful lives through meaningful work.

So if you're feeling stuck, unfulfilled, or frustrated with your current job, please take some time to reflect on what kind of work would bring out the best in you. You have unique skills, interests, and dreams - use them to create something special! Who knows where that journey might lead you?

In that same session where Julietta asked if she was allowed to love her job, I asked her why she thought that it was normal for people to hate their jobs, and for her, in particular, to be OK with that, and after some reflection, we uncovered a few reasons:

1. She had been told by society that it was normal to hate your job, so she accepted it as her fate.

2. She wasn't sure how to find a job that made her happy or how to create one for herself.

3. She didn't want to disappoint her father, who wanted her to have a "stable" job with a good salary.

4. She didn't want to disappoint her father, who wanted her to have a "stable" job with a good salary.

5. She felt ashamed to admit that she wanted more from life than the 9-to-5 grind offered

We live in a different world than our parents and grandparents used to live in. A world where being passionate about your work is not only allowed but encouraged, where starting with Why, as Simon Sinek taught us, is essential, and where opportunities can be found everywhere, regardless of the job market or what other people think of it.

You are allowed to love your job. To be truly happy, you must figure out what that job is and go for it. You don't have to keep working on something that sucks the life out of you. It's never too late to make a career change or create something new.

Finding a job you love is possible; I help people do it all the time, but it does require some work. If hearing what I just shared makes you think it might be time to find a job you love, there are many things you can do to get started. Here are some tips for finding or creating the job of your dreams:

1. Get clear on what makes you happy and fulfilled professionally.

2. Reach out to people already doing the work you want to do.

3. Consider starting a side project or business in an area related to your passion and expertise.

4. Make sure that what you're doing aligns with your professional values and goals.

5. Take small steps and be patient with yourself.

Sometimes, you don't need to change jobs to love what you do, but you must change some parts of your job, your environment, or how you approach it. If you think this might be the case for you, here are a few things you could try:

1. Talk to your boss or colleagues about what you're passionate about and ask how to incorporate that into your job.

2. Take on a new project or two in the areas where you feel most inspired.

3. Brainstorm ways to make the work more meaningful for yourself, e.g., setting goals and celebrating your progress.

4. Find mentors or coaches to help you navigate any challenges to reach your goals.

5. Join an organization or club related to the field of work that interests you.

If the traditional 9-to-5 job isn't working out, or if you have a hard time finding the right job, then why not create a career that fits your passions and lifestyle? 

Creating a tailor-made job for you is absolutely possible and something I have done for myself and supported many people to do as well. It doesn't have to take years of searching or trial-and-error either. With the right approach and mindset, you can create your dream career in less time than you think. 

Here are some tips to get started creating your career:

1. Read the book "Wishcraft" by the late Barbara Sher, who I call the grandmother of creative generalists. The book is available for download on her website (see show notes for details) and is worth your time. After you've read it, please report back to me and let me know what you think! It does miracles, I promise you!

2. Your dream career will be a puzzle created from your interests, values, passions, and skills, so take the time to list all those elements. Then start playing around with ideas that combine them.

3. Get in touch with people doing things you find interesting. Don't be afraid to ask crazy or out-of-the-box questions. You want to create something unique, so approach your dream career with curiosity and wonder.

4. Lastly, start taking small steps towards creating your unique work. Every day, do one thing that gets you closer to it. It could be sharing what you're working on with someone or reading a book about a subject you're interested in. It doesn't matter, as long as it's a small piece of your puzzle.

Creating a career you love is possible – believe me, if I made it work for me, you can make it work for you! It just requires commitment and dedication - like all things worth doing, really.

The key takeaway here is that no matter what job you have, it's important to take steps toward creating a career that makes you feel fulfilled and energized each day. You won't get there by thinking about all the things you might do. Eventually, you must do what? That's right, go out and do it!

Wow, that's it for this episode. I hope you enjoyed it and feel inspired to take action on your dream career. But before I go, here's this week's "f*ck it, let's do it" experiment: This week, I want you to think about what a dream career might look like for you. Brainstorm some ideas and come up with one step - just one - you can take next using the tips I've shared with you today.

Before saying goodbye, here's this week's little act of daily rebellion: at least once this week, say no to a task you don't like doing. Either by voicing it or finding a way to have someone else do it instead of you. Bonus points if you get it off your job description list!

That's it for today. If you feel like sharing your experiment with me or letting me know how saying "no" is going for you, don't hesitate to contact me or send me a DM on Instagram @muriellemarie. Thanks for listening and joining me in this rebellion against the status quo. Have a fantastic week, and I'll talk to you soon! Bye!

Just a heads up: I am not a therapist or doctor! If you're not feeling your best mentally or physically, and you need some help, please make sure to consult with a medical professional or a therapist.