What kind of work, works for you?

Figuring out what kind of work you want to do is not easy or straightforward. If you have the courage to explore, a spirit of adventure and a good dose of motivation, you can discover what work, works for you! 

A long time ago, one question that used to trip me up in job interviews was - where do you see yourself in five years? Frankly, five years at the time seemed like a very long-range plan. I was not inclined to think about long range career building, having benefits or a retirement plan. I just sought out interesting work where I could make a difference. And, earn a good salary!

Many influences shape our attitudes about work. Our early family experiences, our circumstances and expectations, our desire to be a someone or a something, the amount of financial and moral support we receive and, of course, our own personal qualities, temperament and preferences.

The kind of work we look for, the jobs we take and the careers we nurture are influenced by tolerance for risk and uncertainty, combined with a unique combination of needs and desire for: 

• status
• money & material comfort
  
• meaning & usefulness  
• self-expression & creativity
• stimulation & challenge

Everything listed above, serendipity, good and bad luck, all intersect and collide over the typical forty-odd year working life.  Work has its ups and downs - we love it, like it and sometimes just endure it. And when work isn't working for us, we need to find other ways to feel satisfied, fulfilled and accomplished. Or, we need to find new work!

Do you have any stories to share about how you discovered your work?

Keep you posted,

Coach Minda

Contact me: minda.miloff@sympatico.ca

Johnny Paycheck - You can take this job and shove it, 1980