Not all jobs are created equal!

Some jobs are just that - a job. I'm sure you've seen the "J.O.B. = Just Over broke" analogy. Well, money is only one aspect of being "broke." Oh, you say. What other ways can you be broke? Here are three.

How's your enthusiasm for life? Is it up and running at full speed? Do you look forward to going to work, interacting with your coworkers ans customers? Can't wait to answer the phone and solve another problem. Woohoo! Check your enthusiasm bank account. You might be broke.

I know you enjoy your commute. It is a great way to prepare for the joy that awaits you at home. Constant excitement and joy. Your partner and children are waiting to give you a big hug and kiss. They missed you all day. Or maybe not. Maybe the commute is a hassle, traffic is a killer, and the chaos of home awaits you. How is your relationship account? Broke?

Lying there in the early morning, head on the pillow, life flashing through your thoughts you smile appreciating your success. All those lofty goals and dreams of youth have come true. Obviously you are fantastically satisfied by your accomplishments. Oops! There might be a couple of areas you could work on. Could your fulfillment account be - broke!?

Hmm. On second thought you probably don't need to make any changes.

Or not.

Coach

There may be benefits to taking care of yourself now.

We talked before about taking care of the stranger you don't know - your future self - by the action you take today. Today's New York Times has an interesting article about the value of downsizing plans for the future security and spending more time on relationships and other endeavors that enhance your current life. In the long run you may be healthier and happier. It is a new twist on the "grasshopper and ant" parable. It Might Pay to Follow Your Bliss is the story.

It fits with what we've been discussing - following your strengths to a better life. Better quality relationships and healthier mindsets follow in part from meaningful and fulfilling work.

In the end, confident career choices lead to a happier and more rewarding life.

Coach

Changing careers is all about taking care of those you love.

Is it OK to take care of others? Of course. Concern for others makes us more aware and appreciative of our own good fortunes. What about the other you? You may remember the "best friend you never knew" speech I told you about. Your future self is your best friend. Would you let your best friend languish in a job that drains their energy and life? Of course not. Well, if that best friend is your future self, what are you waiting for?

Your health, happiness and well-being are intimately connected to your work. In five years at a particular job I developed high blood pressure, bladder cancer and found myself becoming depressed with my situation. Medication addressed the symptoms but action addressed the causes. I went back to school to complete my degree, got additional training and established my coaching practice. The damage was done but further damage has been minimized by opening the doors to a world of fulfilling work. If you "just can't" give up your current position at least give yourself the gift of volunteering. Harness your untapped potential and energy giving something back to society. The life you save might be your own.

Update - My Palm Treo was turned in to the bus driver who took it to lost and found. Talk about relieved!!!! Lesson learned. From now on it goes in its holster where it belongs. Expect good things to happen and they will.

Any thoughts on this or anything else (career-wise)?

Coach