Can you really love your job, do your life’s work, and be financially successful?
Yes! You really can love your job, do what you were born to do, and be financially successful. The United States of America is bursting with opportunity, even in this economic downturn, and with sincere effort, it’s possible. That’s why I was unsettled when I read a comment from a respected friend and colleague. She wrote, “I am not 100% convinced that if you do what you love, the money will follow. I would like to be. But, honestly, I am not…” The thing is, she’s not alone; many believe that work is work, that’s why it’s called work.
My friend’s comment sent my brain burrowing for answers. Why should we try to discover, define and do what we were born to do? What proof do I have that it’s possible to do what you love to do and still be financially successful? And, is it my personal mission to convince the unbelievers? Here are my thoughts:
Why should we try to discover, define and do what we were born to do?
My answer could win the grace and poise competition of any beauty pageant; world peace. If we’re all doing what we were born to do, feeling a deep sense of personal fulfillment while making the world a better place, we’d have world peace. OK, maybe not world peace but how about a little more peace and harmony in the workplace? Anyone for a little less stress and more balance between home and work? How about putting a dent in fatigue, frustration and burn out? NY Times Bestselling author, Elizabeth Gilbert (Eat, Pray, Love) said, “All of the trouble and sorrow of this world is caused by unhappy people… The search for contentment is, therefore, not merely a self-benefitting act, but also a generous gift to the world.” Come on people, let’s enjoy the way we spend our day. Let’s seek contentment and make things better for ourselves and for those around us. Doing your life’s work is fulfilling and is a gift to your community. It’s complete contentment.
What proof do I have that it’s possible to do what you love to do and still be financially successful?
Well, for one, Oprah Winfrey does it. Rush Limbaugh does too. Every day I meet people who are doing what they were born to do and many say that they are earning more money than they ever thought they would. This doesn’t mean they’re all multi-millionaires but it does mean that they’re financially successful by their own definition. Most important to me, I’m convinced that we can be successful and do what we were born to do because I’ve pulled it off personally. Want more proof? Visit the Experience Project and read some of the thousands of real life experience stories shared by the members of this online community. There are 340 members of the “I Love My Job” group and 67 have shared their personal stories. There are 205 members of the “I Will Pursue My Dream Job” group, and 104 members of the “I Want To Find A Job That I Love” group. My favorite is the “I Am Going To Change The World” group; 1,269 members strong. Yeah. I’m convinced it can be done and so are a lot of other people.
Is it my personal mission to convince the unbelievers?
It’s hard to believe in something that you’ve never experienced. It’s hard to change a mindset based upon personal experience. Changes in actions and attitude are linked to timing. If times are very tough and you need something to believe in, you’re more likely to change your mind. If times are great for a friend, and you see them living their dream, you’re more likely to change your own mind. Is it my job, or anyone else’s job, to change your mind? I don’t think so. But it is my job to be there to share information with you when you arrive at that place where you’re ready to take on new ideas. (It’s what I was born to do.) I know that lots of folks out there are ready to begin the quest to discover, define and do what they were born to do. I found 294 of them at the Experience Project in the group called, “I Hate My Job.”
This brings me back to my friend’s comment, “I am not 100% convinced that if you do what you love, the money will follow…” Maybe people who feel this way just haven’t found the right spot, the perfect place, the dream job or career? I still believe that right here in the good old USA opportunity abounds and with sincere effort it’s possible to do what you were born to do and be financially successful. Maybe the unbelievers simply haven’t found their path. Karen Burns, author of The Amazing Adventures of Working Girl: Real-Life Career Advice You Can Actually Use says, “When deciding on a career, you have one huge limitation; you can only pursue fields of work you know about.” Karen provides some helpful advice on how to find your perfect spot by expanding your knowledge of career opportunities. For inspiration and an education check out the Working Girl Blog, Your Hidden Dream Job.
Don’t give up. You really can love your job, do your life’s work, and be financially successful.
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September 15th, 2009 at 2:30 pm
Thoughtful post!
I tend to agree with your esteemed colleague’s skepticism about “do what you love, the money will follow.” Maybe it’s just the simplistic way this sentence is phrased. Let’s see, I love collecting butterflies. So I collect butterflies. Now where’s the money?
It’s not as easy as all that, I don’t think. A lot more has to go into discovering our life’s work. Often much trial and error is involved, even sacrifice, even (especially) rejection, inevitably there will be parts of your work you don’t love…..and “what we love” may change significantly as we grow older. It takes effort. It takes determination. It takes risk. It ain’t simple!
But maybe I’m just quibbling about semantics.
P.S. I do believe that if you love something, you will do a good job at it, and money often follows that. And I agree with another friend who said that in her experience if you’re doing what you love, you don’t care so much about money. Do what you love, and whatever money follows will be enough? Hmm…..
September 15th, 2009 at 4:08 pm
Hmmm… Working Girl a cynic? I guess after 59 jobs you’re entitled. But then again, those 59 jobs sure make for some good stories and career lessons in your book.
September 16th, 2009 at 8:43 am
I know what I love and want to do and I’m pretty sure I was born to do it but I haven’t fiured out how to make GOOD money doin it and I’m hoping that when you get that book writen you’re going to tell me how to pull it together and make money doing my thing. You told me that would be part of the book and that’s why I’m hounding you to get it written and published. I want to get out of survival mode and into fulfillment mode and I still want to be able to pay my rent and damn my rent is high. I know it can be done becasue I’ve seen people do it but I’m having a hell of a time making it happen for me.
P.S.
This girl had 59 jobs? Holy sh#$@*t.
September 17th, 2009 at 8:51 am
Oh, how I agree with you Gina. However, I didn’t persue a specific career, I fell into it and fell in love with it!
I just read a book called “Finding Joy” by Charlotte Davis Kasl, Ph.D. – in which she said “it’s fine to work toward future goals, but don’t forget that today will never come back again. You have only twenty-four hours to enjoy it. Some people put life on hold while striving for their dreams…..etc etc. Good book, I’ll send it to you.
I love what you are doing…keep it up. Good points! Interesting! I want to do some things…..but haven’t….but will keep at it because of your encouragement and enthusiasm.
October 6th, 2009 at 10:06 pm
Oh, no, never a cynic! Just, I hope, realistic….
Good comments here. This has been a good thread!