Career paths vs happiness: which road are you on?
If you’re like me and have done some soul searching regarding work, careers and general ambitions for life at any stage, I’m sure you would have come across the following questions: “What would you do if you weren’t worried about being paid?” or, “What do you really enjoy doing?”
It’s well known that we spend a massive portion of our lives working. It makes sense to be happy, it makes sense to spend all that time doing something we like rather than resent, yet many people continue to stay within their comfort zones rather than pursuing a career that would bring more enjoyment. There can be many reasons for this – sometimes it’s hard to know exactly what you want to do with your life.
When I made the decision to change university courses (10 years ago), I was wrestling with a few different things that I wanted to do with my life. All through high-school I was convinced I would pursue a career in IT. I practiced up on my skills at home, bought books, read magazines etc.
And so I pursued that career path. I finished school, enrolled in Information Technology at University, and spent 2 years studying for my chosen career. (Plus a lot of wasted time partying etc!)
The penny dropped
Something clicked in a conversation I had at the time that made me change my University course and ultimately my entire career path, and the person involved probably doesn’t even know the extent of how it changed the next ten years of my life.
“I think you’ve missed your calling”, she said to me.
That simple statement which was probably made half tongue-in-cheek got me thinking about what would make me happy. Had I missed my calling? I realised that despite the fact I enjoyed playing around with computers, I missed the interaction with other people. I thrive on contact with people, and was beginning to regret the possibility of being stuck in a cubicle tapping away on a keyboard for hours on end. While not all IT jobs fit this description, it did get me thinking about my career choice.
Another determining factor was that computer studies were sapping the fun out of things – anyone who has spent any time with COBOL will know what I’m talking about! The more I thought about it, the more I came to terms with keeping computer work as a hobby on the side, rather than a career. And so I made the decision to pursue a completely different line of work, and start university all over again!
Lately I’ve been thinking about that statement as I’ve pursued different career paths in health care that have led me to where I am now. I’m pleased I changed direction all those years ago, and certainly don’t feel like I’ve missed my calling in particular, but my perceptions on career paths and happiness have changed. I’ve put “ladder climbing” and thoughts of where I could be ten years from now above enjoying the here and now at times. Lately I’ve been thinking more about what I can do next to keep me interested in work (and life!). This is something we can continue to ask ourselves:
What would I really enjoy doing if money wasn’t a determining factor?
I have a lot of new interests now that I didn’t have a decade ago, so lately I’ve dedicated a lot more time to my current pursuits (ironically, my interest in computers has kicked back in after discovering the world of blogging and online opportunities), I’m also challenged frequently by ways to better myself as a person.
Are you happy with where you are at?
Have you asked yourself the question lately? life is an amazing journey, and I for one don’t want to wake up one day and realise I’ve wasted twenty years! I discovered the following video courtesy of Hank Edberg at The Positivity Blog. It’s narrated by philosopher Alan Watts, and is a bit of an eye opener when it comes to career paths and what’s expected of us in life:
“It was a musical thing, and you were supposed to sing, or dance while the music was played”
(Note: If you can’t see the embedded video in your feed reader, click here)
Career paths vs happiness: are we chasing a mythical pile of gold at the end of a rainbow, or can they co-exist? Which road are you on?
Surprised by a dying patient’s final words So you’ve heard it all before? Part 4: What Next? The tragedy of amazing success One minute you’re sitting on a park bench… Life’s not about ‘what’s better than’
November 23rd, 2008 at 6:19 pm
This is great Ross. It’s great because life is about happiness. It’s not about some end result. So what if you make it to the “end” – and you find that elusive treasure (which isn’t always the case). If you’ve been miserable getting to that point, has it really been worth it? No. And yet, we get caught up in trying to fit who we’re expected to be, or doing something because it pays well, or sticking with something even though our interests have changed.
I have evolved myself as I’ve moved through my career – although I don’t think I’ve been bold enough. So, while I’m happy where I’m at – I think there are some “musical notes” I’m missing – which I’m working on adding to my song now.
The video fits along very well with this post Ross. And it makes you think…about the “music” we’re playing everyday…
Lance’s last blog post..Sunday Thought For The Day
November 23rd, 2008 at 6:44 pm
Lance – Wow, super quick commenter!! Apologies for last minute edits to the post after you commented, you’re just so quick! As I eluded to in the post (and you mention), life isn’t about the end result. But as the video shows, this is something we chase and are taught sometimes & I’ve certainly been guilty of it. We stick it out for 3 more years just to make it to that long-service leave. We wait for the position above to become available, even if it means continuing to work in a boring or depressing job. I really like the video, it’s such an accurate depiction of expected career paths and our expectations. Thanks for commenting.
November 23rd, 2008 at 7:59 pm
I know that I get stuck in the I ADORE WHAT I DO NOW (writing) and yet IM NOT MAKING ANY MONEY.
is money important? NO!
is it how we measure success? sure…but I can get beyond that part
it’s the economy which is killing me…sparking me to wonder if it is sometimes necessary to do what we dont love for WORK and make the love a hobby?
(all personal musings
)
off to rewatch video.
MizFit’s last blog post..What the (bleep) do we know?!
November 23rd, 2008 at 9:49 pm
Ross
I found your site today through Eric Hamm’s Motivate Thyself. I believe that life connects us with people we are meant to know. I was just writing on this very subject yesterday. I have a few years on you as far as following career paths. Currently on my third career and seeking a change. My current career path was a deliberate choice. After realizing that I would soon be a single mom, I returned to college to pursue a degree that was sidelined. I needed to support my family and meet the financial need for college educations for my daughters. Now that the “baby” is at university, my attention has turned toward designing a new career where work and passion coexist. After 12 years of corporate work, I am heading toward burn-out. While the escape will take some time, I will get there and it will be lovely. So, even though it has been much longer than 20 years since I started my adult life, none of it has been wasted. Even though I’m not terribly happy in my current work it is within my capability and choice to change it.
kathy’s last blog post..Your Inner Child’s Connection to Flow
November 24th, 2008 at 12:00 am
Great article Ross.
You should never stop grasping for more education and interests.
Once you find your niche then your next challenge is the balancing act to what some people refer to as “having it all”.
This “having it all” is different to each individual.
Being happy with your career is beneficial to you and your employer.Your more productive, even mentally healthier.
We recently had a conversation about people who fall into apprenticeships and end up working at factories.Not because they longed to work at the factory all their life but was raised with the idea this route is the more secure path to follow.
There is nothing wrong with working at a factory as long as you enjoy doing it.
Certain factors remain if you don’t risk change.YOU just settle.You breath but aren’t really living your dream.
It takes a lot of determination to start over – start something new.These challenges are what I call life.
Don’t see obstacles but opportunities be more open minded and adventurous.
Bunny got Blog’s last blog post..Helping Others To Help Yourself
November 24th, 2008 at 12:57 am
Hi, Ross. Two things flashed to mind while reading this. First, I believe many people don’t stop to think about what makes them happy (agreeing with Bunny Got Blog, here). They just look at making a living, and leave happiness and fulfillment out of the picture. The next thing that came to mind was something someone told me long ago, during a horrid chapter in my life: Look back at your childhood, the things you enjoyed the most. That’s likely where you belong. I did, and then I acted, and healing/awareness began. Now, although that’s not the activity/field I plan to pursue next, it is related. I’ve found the “real” me.
Side note to Lance: I LOVE LOVE what you say about our “music.” That’s awesome!!!!
Side note to MizFit: Sometimes doing something we don’t like is necessary, as long as we keep our dreams alive…knowing they’ll come true. That makes the current place remain temporary. Like Kathy says…
Julie’s last blog post..The Smile
November 24th, 2008 at 1:20 am
@MizFit – Ah yes, the “I like what I do, but it doesn’t pay!” scenario…. I guess there are a lot of situations like this, people who are volunteer workers or people who are in jobs that don’t pay a lot for example… Maybe a new spin would be “how can I make this more profitable?” As you say, the economy doesn’t help things however…
@Kathy – Welcome, I’m pleased you found the site! I really like Motivate Thyself, I hold it as one of my favourite blogs… Thanks for your comments on careers and career paths, and good luck with your escape from the corporate world! It’s a great thing when you can see that work is having a detrimental effect and begin to take steps to change careers etc.
@Bunny – I like this line, “Don’t see obstacles but opportunities – be more open minded and adventurous”.
@Julie – Hi, welcome! A lot of this comes back to comfort zones – once you’re in a groove, making money, even if you know you’re unhappy it’s sometimes difficult to start making the first steps to change. I appreciate the comment you made about childhood, reminds me of a recent post on another site where they encouraged people to return to a childhood view on life!
November 24th, 2008 at 1:25 am
Hey Ross,
“What would I really enjoy doing if money wasn’t a determining factor?”
This is a very good question to find the answer to what we love and want to do because most of the time, we are stuck in doing something because of the financial reward and the things we are doing may not be the things that we will love to do. Good point noted, Ross.
Cheers
Vincent
Personal Development Blogger
Vincent’s last blog post..The Secret About Getting Others To Agree With You
November 24th, 2008 at 4:41 am
Hey Ross,
Your post is very timely since I’ve been thinking a lot lately about what makes me happy (and my posts have reflected that as well). I wish money wasn’t a factor in our decision making process but unfortunately there’s no escaping it. I guess we all have to figure out the minimum amount of money that we need to get by and then concentrate on what we’d rather be doing. Another excellent and thought provoking post!
Steve C @ MyWifeQuitHerJob.com’s last blog post..How Our Online Business Brought My Wife And I Closer Together
November 24th, 2008 at 8:02 am
Hey Ross,
Pleasure to meet you, and congratulations for having the wisdom (and guts!) to follow the nudge you were given ten years ago.
Hindsight is a wonderful thing! Can you see now that your interest in computers and your need for interaction with peeps have melded into your current life?
I am continually amazed how things I learned years ago, seemingly unrelated to each other or any grand plan for my life, are being utilized as I move forward to the ‘me’ I am becoming.
You have this pleasure to look forward to, as well.
Happiness comes from following your bliss, listening to the nudges, and trusting in your Inner Weirdo.
Ain’t life grand?
Jacqueline Johns’s last blog post..Happy Quotes
November 24th, 2008 at 1:25 pm
Very interesting and thought provoking questions! I spend the past eleven years in jobs that I felt a range of emotions from so/so to totally hating it. Not only was I not trilled at my choice in “career” (if you can call it that), but it was highly unstable and I can be replaced in a heartbeat – and I was time and again due to cut backs and lay offs. I never had that “comfort zone” thats regularly talked about. I stayed because that was all that I knew (or so I thought).
It wasn’t until last year that I decided that its really up to me to change my situation.
I have fear that what I’m trying to do wont work out, but its better than not trying at all.
Carla’s last blog post..Holiday Gift Ideas | Not Buying it
November 24th, 2008 at 2:39 pm
@Vincent – The lure of financial reward is very real! Thanks for commenting.
@Steve C – I’m pleased it’s such a timely post for you! I have noticed a bit more of a sarcastic swing coming into your last few posts (I must mention that they’ve been quite entertaining though!!) What do you think is the answer for people who are doing what they love but not making enough money? Change careers? Or look for other ways to make money?
@Jacqueline Johns – Hi, thanks for visiting and taking the time to comment, I really appreciate it! Hindsight – it’s interesting you mention this, I may write a post on it… A lot of times in my life it’s not been until I’ve looked back that I’ve realised that things happened for a reason. Likewise, as you mention, things that you learn or experience come back into your life in some form or other. And let me just add that I’m LOVING your tag line: “Happiness comes from following your bliss, listening to the nudges, and trusting in your Inner Weirdo.” Priceless!
@Carla – Howdy, hope you’re well.. I’m really pleased to hear of your experience, because you are someone who identified that you weren’t happy, and made the difficult choice of branching out and changing your situation. This is something I’d love to do myself (when timing is right), and like you I have an underlying fear that things may not work out – what to do in that situation? I’m pleased you mention that “it’s better than not trying at all” – this is what I suspect, the nagging “I wish I’d given things a go” is way worse than trying and failing sometimes.
November 24th, 2008 at 3:32 pm
Ross,
Wow, your article is like what I thought and ten times better writing skill! And thank you for the lovely video. I’ll check out the positivity blog later.
Am I happy with where I am at?
No, I’m not but I hate the feeling; “regret”. I think it’s worse than any feeling possible. Because we always know that we could not change our past. I decide to look at my job from a different side. I made new friends and I have been improving. I believe in the economic idea of “sunk cost”; whatever cost occurred in the past, it’s gone and irrelevant. Your next step is the only thing that counts.
are we chasing a mythical pile of gold at the end of a rainbow?
Sometimes, we knew that our road is not leading there but we could not let it go. We are too afraid of other paths out of our road, our comfort zone. I think that if we know we’re in the wrong road, don’t hope for the next turn or curve. Just step out of the road and do not regret.
Viriya’s last blog post..Summary: Your Career Choice
November 25th, 2008 at 11:01 am
@Viriya – Hi, thanks for taking the time to comment. I like your attitude on regret – there’s nothing we can do to change time, we might as well move on and learn from past choices! You also make a great point by saying “Just step out of the road and do not regret”. Sometimes the easier choice is to ride things out, often causing more problems. Have a great week.
November 29th, 2008 at 11:05 am
[...] Career paths vs happiness: which road are you on? ” It’s well known that we spend a massive portion of our lives working. It makes sense to be happy, it makes sense to spend all that time doing something we like rather than resent, yet many people continue to stay within their comfort zones rather than pursuing a career that would bring more enjoyment … [...]
January 1st, 2009 at 5:38 pm
the girl with the blue eyes is pretty, i cant think of asnything else intellegent to say, hi bloggers. I hope your honest opinions make the internet less of a validation to the global society’s self destruction or whatever
January 1st, 2009 at 6:17 pm
@Brian – one of the most unique comments I’ve read for some time! Thanks for making me smile
August 23rd, 2009 at 1:26 am
“All through high-school I was convinced I would pursue a career in IT. I practiced up on my skills at home, bought books, read magazines etc.”
I’ve been doing the exact thing for the past 4 years, preparing myself (for a certain subject for university), but migrating to Australia has changed all my ‘dreams’ into disappointments, when I start to realise that ‘quest for happiness’ will not end even if I achieved my career goals.
I guess it’s about being ready to ‘expect the unexpected’ in life, if we want to be happy. If not, we will be living a life full of questions, regrets and fear of all the changes that are about to come. because nothing is constant but change.. how sad.