Stop for a moment.
Whether you love, hate or just accept your job – what does it represent?
Since work consumes such a large part of our lives it should serve a purpose.
Finding the perfect job isn’t going to make you “happy” for long. That’s not saying you can’t stay in one profession for a while and enjoy it, but chances are on bad days your mind wanders to other options.
A career is never meant to define you.
When casually asked, “what do you do?” it results in three reactions: proud, ashamed or blah.
The better question to ask yourself is: what are you chasing?
For me it’s lifestyle. As a father and entrepreneur I want my work to provide the opportunity to control how I spend my time. Sure, I’d like to make more money (who doesn’t), but if the tradeoff is I’m rich, but can never see my family it’s not worth it.
Consider your life stage. Don’t default simply to age.
There are people in their 20’s married with kids and others in their 40’s single.
Values don’t change much over time, but priorities do. Added responsibility like being a parent will do that to you.
Feeling stressed isn’t fun, but tension also promotes growth. Changes whether expected or unexpected will challenge you. Take time to relax, but too much of it can hurt you.
When it comes to evaluating where you are in your career, remember to stop comparing yourself to others and look at it in “chunks.” Each experience prepares you for the next so no matter where you are take what you learned in the past and utilize it to propel you into the future.
Chasing is healthy in moderation.
Ambition leads to drive and motivation.
But what’s most important is to define your career path based on your standards alone.
Those who are focused are trying to win the race, not consumed with beating others.
Growing Forward 