I ran into a former classmate from Indiana State University the other day; it was great seeing a Sycamore alum from the old university yard. I found out we would be colleagues teaching Freshman Seminar Courses this upcoming fall at the college where we both work at as adjunct professors. We met as freshman classmates over 10 years ago working together in our English Composition 101 course; we have come a long way from being those young, zealous, African American, inner- city youths. I was so happy to see how far we have come and that we are still on a great track of positive successes in our lives. She asked me how I liked my job. I told her, without hesitation, “I LOVE MY JOB!” She looked completely shocked and said, “That is something I rarely ever hear; someone that actually says they love their job.” It was the complete and honest truth. The flexibility, the benefits, and the ability that I have to help people accomplish their dreams of completing a degree in higher education are a blessing and an honor. I enjoy my career even on the hard days, because I know that I can be a blessing to someone and give back to my own hometown and community in positive ways.
So the question is simple: Do you love what you do? Do you wake up every day excited about your life? Your employer may pay the bills, but does your job make you jump out of bed saying “I love my job!” or “Dang, I cannot wait until I get off work today!” Is your life about working every day to keep the lights on or working to keep the joy of living life? If you do not love what you do, what is it going to take to get to the point of DOING what you love every single day? Would it take leaving your current position to go back to school and earn the credentials needed to live out your dreams? Is doing what you believe worth the sacrifices you will have to make? Are they worth downsizing to an older model car with no car note and putting the Mercedes Benz on hold? Is a $20,000 pay cut worth a few years of putting your heart and efforts into making those dreams a reality? How many more years can you wake up to just getting a check? Is it worth working 20 to 30 years and retiring knowing you spent those years doing something just to make ends meet?
What will it take for you to pursue the job and career that you love? You should never regret putting efforts into pursuing your passion. It is worth the risk, effort and sacrifice. Start doing the educational research, figure out your financial prospectus, and analyze the realities of what it will take to work in the job and career that you love. Isn’t your happiness important? You are worth the effort. It may be challenging, but you can do it! Learn how to invest in yourself. Find a way to make what you love to do in life, well…YOUR LIFE! You only live once. Believe in yourself, your dreams, and your determination; know that with positive thinking, hard work, and faith, nothing can stop you from putting your passion into action!
© 2012 – 2013, John C. Turner. All rights reserved.
John is an author, speaker, higher education professor and adviser that works to encourage people to live towards their greatest dreams and successes.
