On The Job: The failure of achievement

3 comments:

• Zaphoid posted at 4:39 pm on Sat, Oct 13, 2012.

  Posts: 4

  For the first few years of my selected career choice I was very happy. I was energized, educating myself, earning a good living and meeting interesting people - and getting interesting assignments.

  As I ascended in seniority I was required to abandon my original assignments and take on more political and managerial assignments and these became less and less rewarding even though the money was better.

  I soon reached a point where I was not enjoying the work at all but by that time had a house and family to support so there was no practical alternative to changing careers. I toughed it out for 15 more years taking the money and enjoying my family and outside life and just doing what was necessary at work.

  When the first opportunity came to retire I jumped at the chance and have not regretted it one bit.

  Very few people get the chance to spend their working lives at something they really enjoy. The rest of us work to finance doing the things we enjoy.

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• Suelee posted at 5:52 am on Mon, Oct 15, 2012.

  Posts: 118

  The real issue is occupational wellness. Sometimes we expect too much from a job. Odds are very good that the way you earn your living will not be the way you obtain occupational fulfillment. Here are some other ways you can reach this goal:
  1. Volunteer--if your passion is to work with children, but you work on an assembly line, then volunteer at a school, pediatric unit at a hospital, or scouts.
  2. Hobby--you are a high power executive, but yearn to work with your hands. Take up woodworking. Your job is routine and your creative self screams for an outlet--try a craft.

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• Dr CK Bray posted at 7:05 pm on Mon, Oct 29, 2012.

  Posts: 1

  I appreciate your insight and comments, both of you raise some great points in how to find more fulfillment at work.

  Zaphoid- You provided a warning I often give my clients. They need to make sure they think about the benefits and consequences of taking a promotion. Most promoted individuals are soon living up to their new salary and then can often get "stuck," losing the option to make other choices because of financial responsibilities.

  Suelee-I really like your ideas on how individuals can find occupational fulfillment outside of the workplace. If you are happy in your personal life it often bleeds over into your worklife.

  Thanks for your comments

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