Daily Om - Being Happy with Your Job

[Shpongled]

March 13, 2009
Giving Your Gifts to the World
Being Happy with Your Job

In our search to define ourselves, we often look to our job to show us our worth. Society does not judge all professions equally, however, and it is not uncommon for the individuals who hold what others may consider to be ordinary or menial jobs to feel that they themselves are ordinary or menial. Yet, in truth, many wonderful and wise people throughout history have held what have typically been perceived as ordinary jobs, and this in no way has had any bearing on whether or not they have managed to contribute their skills and talents to the world. Whether you work in business, education, medicine, retail, or another profession, you worth is inherent to who you are and not what you do for a living.

A job that you enjoy, lets you meet your needs, and allows you to live in accordance with your values will always be more gratifying than a high-status job that you dislike. But while experiencing professional satisfaction can be a vital part of being fulfilled by your work, it is important to remember that it is possible to find happiness in any job. This is because what you do is often less important than how you do it. Your attitude and intention can turn a mediocre job into work that fulfills you because of the way that you approach it. If you do your job well and what you do benefits others, then you are doing work that is making this world a better place.

If you are happy in your current line of work and feel that it allows you to be yourself and live authentically while meeting your emotional and physical needs and allowing time for you to enjoy the fruits of your labor, then you have found a job that adds value to your life. If you are a waitress, then be the best waitress you can, take pride in your work and others will notice your passion. You can contribute your talents and skills to this world while doing any job. It is not the kind of work you do that allows you to be of service. It is you who must choose to be of service through the work that you do.

 

[WhiteBeastofWotan]

I masturbate like it's my job, and that makes me happy.

 

[vikk]

"If you are a waitress, then be the best waitress you can" my father used to say that, but with "garbage-man"

I had some "serious" jobs, but i was totally unhappy, so now i'm working in a studio, which i hopefully i'll be doing for a long time

 

[Lord Foul]

March 13, 2009
Giving Your Gifts to the World
Being Happy with Your Job

In our search to define ourselves, we often look to our job to show us our worth. Society does not judge all professions equally, however, and it is not uncommon for the individuals who hold what others may consider to be ordinary or menial jobs to feel that they themselves are ordinary or menial. Yet, in truth, many wonderful and wise people throughout history have held what have typically been perceived as ordinary jobs, and this in no way has had any bearing on whether or not they have managed to contribute their skills and talents to the world. Whether you work in business, education, medicine, retail, or another profession, you worth is inherent to who you are and not what you do for a living.

A job that you enjoy, lets you meet your needs, and allows you to live in accordance with your values will always be more gratifying than a high-status job that you dislike. But while experiencing professional satisfaction can be a vital part of being fulfilled by your work, it is important to remember that it is possible to find happiness in any job. This is because what you do is often less important than how you do it. Your attitude and intention can turn a mediocre job into work that fulfills you because of the way that you approach it. If you do your job well and what you do benefits others, then you are doing work that is making this world a better place.

If you are happy in your current line of work and feel that it allows you to be yourself and live authentically while meeting your emotional and physical needs and allowing time for you to enjoy the fruits of your labor, then you have found a job that adds value to your life. If you are a waitress, then be the best waitress you can, take pride in your work and others will notice your passion. You can contribute your talents and skills to this world while doing any job. It is not the kind of work you do that allows you to be of service. It is you who must choose to be of service through the work that you do.

Kevin, you had asked earlier for book suggestions and I just thought of one for you. Pick up a copy of The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. I will warn you in advance that it contains large swathes of metaphysical bullshit as is often the case with self help books, but the four underlying concepts are solid and thought provoking and seem right up your alley. It's a tiny book and took me an hour to read, but I continue to go back to it and evaluate the core ideas year after year.

 

[Shpongled]

Actually I read that book a few years ago and really liked it! Pretty cool that you'd suggest it. I think reading the book helped to understand the author's interpretation of the 4 concepts, but I what I like most about it is that you can decide on your own exactly what each of them means to you. Great read for sure.

Don Miguel Ruiz is actually going to be speaking in Seattle in April. I'm considering going.

http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/46413

 

[Liverslapper]

I had some "serious" jobs, but i was totally unhappy, so now i'm living with my mom, which hopefully i'll be doing for a long time while spending my time trolling the interwebz.