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Beth Rousseau
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30
Songwriting, Education, & Compassionate Support
12/09/19 at 3:36PM UTC (Edited)
in
Career

Not doing what you love for a living

What makes you money in life, and what makes you happy in life, aren't always the same pursuit. It's nice when they overlap. But capitalization can make you hate what you once loved, and conversely, giving to much of your heart to your job may eventually break both. I am getting clearer about a few things I need in order to be happy: 1) I must spend time doing things I love; 2) I must have income; 3) I must have time for myself; 4) I must have time for my spouse and children; 5) I must feel like I am growing. My job has to accommodate all of this, but not provide it. I don't have to make money doing what I love, as long as what I do to make money doesn't steal ALL my time and energy to do these other things as well. I just left a position that needed to much from me. I was miserable, and so were my employers. I truly understand now, the adage that a job will never "love you back." Jobs demand attention like children, but rarely provide equal compensation. *I* have to decide what I can give well, and stop giving beyond that point. My employers will thank me, and so will I. In the meantime, I continue to search for work based on my expertise. I can do some things better than just about anyone. Those skills are worth a lot, and make sense to capitalize upon. But they are not me, and they are not all I can do.

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Tresha Render
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19
12/11/19 at 11:46PM UTC
This is helpful insight. Thank you for sharing.
Jamilla Segar
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701
12/09/19 at 9:41PM UTC
I like that you are emphasizing happiness! Many people get stuck in the rat race! Many people will get stuck in dead end jobs, thinking they are advancing their career. There are soooo many posts right now on "Dream jobs" and it's kind of concerning. I know someone who took on 3 jobs. Maybe not the best jobs but, she keeps coming up with personal life goals to hit. She just spent a month alone in Europe. This is very inspiring to me more so than things that other coworkers are doing or "not doing." No one chooses their coworkers, boss/ management and other work environment circumstances. We should all be thinking about our personal lives and if we are reaching the dreams we have outside of work!
Stacey K
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779
12/09/19 at 7:53PM UTC
I have never heard this, I truly love it! The adage that a job will never "love you back." Jobs demand attention like children, but rarely provide equal compensation.
Jackie Ruka
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2.07k
ProfessionalHappyologist Thrive in your purpose.
12/09/19 at 6:43PM UTC
Hi Beth, you make very solid points. When you feel you are compromising yourself over and over then it is time for a change and to reevaluate your own happiness and what I call your Not To Do List. Your Not to Do List can include: I do not answer work calls or emails during my time off. I do not think about work or my TO DO list on days and times off. I set forth on what I can control and no longer worry about what I cannot control... The NOT TO DO LIST sets healthy boundries while you are looking for a new role and separating "work self" from "personal self".
Anonymous
12/09/19 at 6:11PM UTC
Your 1-5 points are all very solid goals to focus on!

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