In said column, Ms. Kellaway speaks of a friend who quit a 20yr career of powerful media jobs to become a receptionist. Why?
Her routine was soothing. The people were friendly. The work was pleasant. It was also finite, easy to do well, and ended on the dot of 6pm. There were no unmanageable work loads, no ugly competition, no gnawing anxiety that you aren’t up to it and that someone else is better.You can read the article for your own conclusions. I was just thrilled to read it. Some familiar thoughts went through my head, re-visits of when I was firming up my decision to quit my job.
But best of all, she said, the receptionist’s job didn’t swamp her mind and her life; instead it left plenty of room for her to think her own thoughts. The only thing that wasn’t fantastic was the money, but it was enough and she didn’t mind.
1. If we're all doing what we were born to do, why do we crib about the hours or the money or the pressure or the deadlines?
2. Is there an assumption that the job we do employs our talents to the best?
3. Do we even know what our talents are?
4. Is the path to discover our talents a linear one (i.e. Job X to Y to Z to A to B to C) and one that only a job can fulfill?
5. And finally, a very basic one - are these two joys comparable and/or mutually exclusive(a) watching a sunset each evening (b) adding that next zero to my net worth?
Ever thought on these lines? Would love to hear from you.
9 comments:
That's the point, isn't it? We know not what we want...until it is too late. Have you read Stumbling Upon Happiness? Sort of makes the same point, but in a wider canvas (beyond work).
You ask some very tough questions! All of us do that for a moment but push it under the carpet. You hv the guts to keep asking that and I'm sure you wd be getting the answers.
Respect for you grows many times over!
Shantanu - Thanks for the comment, will definitely look up that book.
Ranjan - Thanks very much, you're being too generous!
Everytime I go on vacation, relax, stare at a sunset and I did this last week in Goa, I realised how much the money I worked my arse off for helped me do it :) I wish the money didn't play a part but how else would I enjoy a King's beer,prawns to gladden a woman's heart and just be :)
We unfortunately need the money to survive today. Once u make yur peace with tht, I guess the joy of tht sunset takes over.
Kits - that is so well put! You've also hit the nail on the head. It's the money you slog over that gives you the freedom to enjoy those sunsets! And yes, I'm in search of making that peace you speak of. Thanks for the comment!
You may like to see if a book Status Anxiety (Alain Botton) seems relevant. It is not to do with job satisfaction but seems related.
I think I know who'd have the answer to some of these questions. He is a cobbler (a.k.a Sailu) sits outside Nirlon House. Has also appeared on MTV once! He is the one of the best Karma Yogi I know. Content, joyful, gives 100% his best to work at hand, sets customer service benchmark. But he'll never make it to CNBC panel or blog. I've learn/t a lot from him.
Adding zeros to networth or comparing joys I'll leave for another day.
Deepa - I think a.k.a. Sailu would indeed have many answers. I will check that book out when I'm next at Landmark. Thanks for the rather nice comment!
An errata, it shd have read a la and not a.k.a. :(
Deepa - The message was clear! Thanks.
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