Monday, September 22, 2014

A job is a job is a job- or not?

I once was told that people find themselves drawn to jobs based on just a few critical points:



For some job choice is economically effective-the job has the most "bang for your buck" so to speak. Of course it's not that simple- these individuals tend to seek the ultimate package of greatest perks or benefits with maximum payout; so not just does the salary need to meet expectations but the PTO and/or sick hours do too. As well as hours required and other various incentives.

For some work is just easy; the tasks required come easy and for some the opportunity itself comes easy as well.  These positions may not even feel like work on a day to day basis as the required deliverables are met without much effort; no stress, no exhaustion- over simplicity is key here. Don't get me wrong, it's not that the job requires mindless drone but rather the individual is capable of much more mentally exhausting work- they just prefer not to do so.

For some work is something they enjoy. This is the set of individuals that find them eager to rise and shine. When asked about their job they beam with excitement and joy- they love their job and tend to view it as more than just a means to an end but rather an extension of who they truly are.

I sat and wondered: Are these selections mutually exclusive or is there likely overlap between each sector? Can you simply move from one sector to another or must you bridge over through the overlap? In moving from one sector to another, can it be done by simply changing your thinking or must a change in the job itself (be it title, agency, otherwise) change as well?

So where is the struggle? For some it will be getting a job in general. But for those with jobs the question of reflection is "Where do you fall?"  Is your current situation one of economic efficiency, ease, or joy? What does that say about who you are? What does it say about what you do?




For me, I have a job I currently love but before I had a job of ease simply because it was easy to acquire and keep.  I don't think I was aware of how much my placement effected me. Personally, having a job that utilized my education has been a goal, as well as having a job I enjoy! It doesn't mean I don't ever have a case of the Mondays but it does mean that most days I'm overjoyed with starting my day. I believe in what I do and the mission of where I work. I consider myself lucky and continue on- cautiously optimistic of future employment endeavors.