Do you realize that most organizations can’t love you back? OK, maybe their not supposed to. But have you ever found yourself on the receiving end of being the “jilted lover?” I have…more than I care to remember. You give, which is reasonable, then the organization says goodbye or so long.
I think the answer to the riddle is to love your work, and not your workplace. It took me a long time to realize this, but a very liberating paradigm indeed. Does this make you squirm a little? Probably not, especially if you’ve been in Corporate America in the most recent past. Listen, the issue is loving what you do. We’ve confused the organizations we work for and the thing that makes us come alive. If you plan on working for 30 years doing something, it better excite you. If you haven’t given up on making a difference, then you should examine who, or what you love. The answer will astound you. I offer the following for the aftermath:
1. Find out what you truly have a passion for.
2. Start loving what you do, and if you don’t go find something that ignites your passions.
3. Get out of financial debt (creates freedom of choice).
4. Get a mentor/advisor.
5. Significance is more important than success.