What percentage of American workers love their work? If you guessed between 40-50%, you would be correct. For some, loving their work is not that big a deal. Their “true love” lies outside of their job – such as their family or racing cars. Their job provides a paycheck. That’s OK. What about the other half who want to love what they do to make a living?
I have always been determined to love my work. Years ago I learned a lesson from a friend who was launching his career. He and his wife took a whole weekend to think about their values and Bob’s talents, and came up with a list of 10 “absolutes” that needed to exist before any job was accepted. As the search began, Bob was tempted to take a couple jobs that were missing one of the components on the list. He remembered his commitment and turned the jobs down. He eventually found what he was looking for. Some 40 years later he is still loving his work.
Bob was smart. Loving his work was important. He didn’t want to wake up one day at age 45 and realize he did not like his work. By that time, he would be settled in and starting a new career would be a financial hit. Bob started out on the right soil and bloomed where he was planted. How about you? Is it important that you love your work? If so, I recommend you do the “Bob” exercise and determine your absolutes. If you stick to these absolutes, they will serve you well.
