On Being Defined

It's the weekend. My last weekend of vacation. I go back to my normal routine Monday morning. I thought I'd dread it, but I think I'll be just fine. I'm actually looking forward to getting some work done as I've had quite sometime (18 days in a row off work) to reflect about what I need to get accomplished this year.

I'm also in the process of soul searching and trying to find the answer to the question, "What am I supposed to do with my life?" This is a pretty common question. Books like The Purpose Driven Life were written to help people with this very question.

I've always linked my worth to what I do for a living. One of the first things you'll be asked by a new aquaintance is, "What do you do for living." And, we all want to have something awesome to tell. We are asked to give our occupation on tax forms, medical forms, surveys, and credit applications. And, who isn't more impressed with say an attorney than a cashier?

But why? What if the attorney is miserable. They are practicing law because at 24 years of age that's what they thought they wanted to do or were expected to do, but hate it and can't quit because they have $85K in student loans. What if the cashier had no desire to go to college but dedicates her time doing mission work that she feels completes her and her job gives her the flexibility to do so.

One chooses to define themselves by their occupation...the other by what they are passionate about.

In my experience, this is a struggle with employees. People have a passion and feel that if they aren't doing that professionally then they are in the wrong field. Maybe. Not sure.

What if your job is a means to live out your passion?

I do think you should generally like what you do or else you are going to be absolutely miserable at least five days a week. That doesn't do anyone any good. But your passion for life may not be something you can earn a paycheck for...and if you did you may not love it as much.

I do envy the people who say they love what they do so much for a living that they feel they shouldn't get paid for it. Mainly, I've heard this from multi-million dollar actors and singers. Ironic.

My husband is living out his passion and gets paid for it. I often times envy him. But, just last night I was talking to him about my job and said, "I don't want to be defined by my job. There are other things in my life that I want people to see about me."

I want to do a good job at work, meet my goals, encourage my team, etc. But I also want people to see me for the things I am and love. I love traveling, I love writing, I love laughing and watching movies. I want to help people, I want to be Bono (LOL), I want to go on a mission trip, I want to help get a church started in my area. All these things are the things I most passionate about but don't expect to ever get paid for.

And, I think that's the point.

So, here's what I'm thinking: A good occupation that you like helps give you a means to live out the things your are passionate about. Regardless if you're a cashier or an attorney, work to the best of your ability and make time for your highest priorities.