Monday, June 29, 2009

Doing what you love is not work.

A friend 'tweeted' a Scottish proverb today ... "It's only work if you'd rather be doing something else". (Thanks Jason)

So how do I get back to that place, where I wouldn't rather be doing something else. I just celebrated 10 years with my current employer and have to be honest, I have more days where I wish I would/could be doing something else. Why is that? What changed?

I know how I got here. Up until a few years ago I thought I was doing what I truly loved. I found my passion for baking and cooking after I joined a ready made family. It doesn't hurt that I am pretty darn good at it too.

What I have found to be difficult was deciding, do I continue down this path of complacency or do a leap off a cliff and make a career change. 10 years is a big investment to just toss aside for something so risky. Especially with more financial obligations and kids that depend on my stable job and benefits.

In the last month I have done a lot of thinking, planning, and research. It's time to make a change. I have found that my desire to do something else and my lack of effort to make that happen is not the best example to set for a child who wants to be a famous musician one day. I have the same conversations with Logan that I do with myself, if you have big plans for yourself you better have some big action to back it up.

"So what" action have I taken thus far:

* I wrote down what I liked about my job 5 years ago, what I like about my job today, and what has changed in my job in the last 5 years.
* From that list I was able to identify the things I needed to address or change in order to move forward. I now have a better picture of what I have to do and what I 'can' do while trying to realize my dream.
* I made a separate list of what I want to be doing in 5 years and then 10. Where do I see my life? What am I doing, and what does that look/feel like?
* I then took action. I made action items for those things I want in my future, things I need to start on today. I made appointments, set goals, and deadlines. These things will keep me on task to assure I am where I want to be in 5/10 years.

In short:

See it, believe it, share it, live it.

This video is of a man who plays the glass harp. We saw him perform during our last visit to VA. I was so fascinated by his musical talent. He found what he loves and shares it with anyone who stops to listen!!!

SO WHAT... if you haven't caught on to the "So what" at the end of every post, stay tuned and I will explain in my next posting. I would like to hear from all of you on what you think I mean when I say "So What..."

3 comments:

  1. I had a mentor once tell me, "Jason, don't be one of those in a hurry to get back to the middle."

    Jen, you're an inspiration to us all. Keep the focus, the good words coming, and the passion for what you can do...And what you can do well!

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  2. Hey Jen - just saw you had a new blog!! Stupid blogger had deleted all of my blog roll and I hadn't linked back to you yet!! I will now!! HOpe you are doing excellent (I am sure you are!!)

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  3. Sometimes it's just time for a change, even if you still love your job. It happens to me about every 5 years. Jump! The water's fine.
    Love you. TN Mom

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