So, at some point we have to make a decision, do we let work consume us, or do we, at the end of the day, understand and appreciate that it's “just a job”. I've gone down the path of the latter. I LOVE what I do, even when I don't like it every single day – and I'm extremely passionate about it – but it's a totally different kind of love. The REAL kind of love in our lives isn't a one way street – as you said – a job doesn't love you back – that kind of love has to be reserved for what really matters in life, your family and friends, the ones that will always be there.

All of our opinions don't mean anything in the grand scheme of things, but I very much agree with your thoughts here. Thanks for coming by and sharing a few words

Have passion for your job because you have to do it everyday.
Love you family and friends, they are what matters most.

And that's my opinion, which really, means nothing

@jessicahannon

Having a realistic professional definition of success is important. Career goals and plans are very nessasary, but we are not just made of “WHAT” we do. It may sound silly but if “all” you are to yourself is “WHAT” you do, your professional accomplishments, who are you, when you are doing nothing?

I think as most people mature we are prominently driven by “WHO” we feel we are, or are becoming. Moral values, spirituality, being happy, become more “important”. Personal success is about happiness and fulfillment in life. Not what you “do” for a living, not how big your house is, not what kind of car you drive, not what neighborhood you live in. As you get older you learn the importance of feeding your personal goals as primary in life. Nurturing your own soul, not just your pocket book or wallet.

For those of you who are just starting out in the workforce, my best recommendation is to find that thing in life that you can “DO” that not only feeds your wallet, but also feeds your soul, find that thing which makes you happy and accomplished by your own measure of personal success, and do it on purpose!

I have the pleasure of working in the healthcare industry as we speak (Pediatric Therapy) and while I do not work directly with children, it’s very rewarding to be a part of an organization who is committed to helping children and restoring happiness to families. Thank you for coming by to share your perspective Vivan!

Don’t get me wrong. I’ve reached the point wherein I want to find the right people to pass on my work to because I am starting to feel tired of it all but then just when you’re thinking that, a student would come along and smile at you or hug you…Just like how your babies erase all of the weariness when you hug them, knowing that you are doing something that impacts the lives of hundreds of children is inspiration enough and motivates you to keep on working.

If you love what you do, then you shouldn’t have too much to complain about. In my experience, teachers who are not passionate about teaching will not be able to stand the demands of the job without complaining about it. They usually stay for 3 years, doing nothing but complain for the last year. Those who love teaching get to stay 5 years or longer and these are the ones who are willing to overlook some of the problems because they believe these are insignificant compared to the bigger picture…being able to affect lives.

I guess working without loving your job is possible but then it’s just work, you’re just doing your job. Teaching requires love, patience, understanding and appreciation..just like any relationship and it also needs a nurturing heart. Teaching is a calling…

I recently received some great advice on this subject that I’d like to share: “You need to think of it [your job & life in general] in terms of joy. What you’re doing may not always make you happy, but it should always bring you joy.”

Thanks,

Tom O’Keefe
@TomOKeefe1