Love What You Do

[Gosso]

"Love What You Do" seems to be a common theme that pops up when reading about how to improve your life and be happy.  This makes sense since your job/career/business will dominate a large amount of your waking life.  So I'm trying to think of ways to improve my enjoyment at work.  I have read a few of the standard work/motivation books but they seem so phony and try to turn you into a mindless corporate pawn.  Here are some questions:

- Is there a way to be true to who you are and still be a good employee?
- Does your career get easier as you age (I'm 27)? 
- Does having a wife and kids increase your appreciation of your job/career, since you have other people to worry about other than yourself?

In all honesty I have a good job that pays well, with a good boss, but it can become repetitive and boring at times.  Maybe I need to stop whining and realize that I have it pretty damn good.

[MediumTex]

Learning to more skillfully enter a "flow" state is important.

[Lone Wolf]

Learning to more skillfully enter a "flow" state is important.

That's great advice.

I don't know much about the nature of your work so I can only speak in generalities.  But becoming really, really efficient and super-productive at what you do feels amazing.  You often find that underlying every repetitive, seemingly boring task is the opportunity to either automate the crappy aspects of it in some interesting way or to simply get very, very good at doing it fast.  You may find that there's an underlying meta-game that's much more interesting.

Are you working with a particular computer program?  Could you do what you do even faster?  Do you know all of its ins and outs, hotkeys, shortcuts, and methods?  Can you make what you do appear easy and effortless?  Can you get ridiculously good at it?  Maybe master it?

That "flow state" that MediumTex is describing is an incredible experience.  If you've been there, you know it.  These are those moments of superhuman productivity and total focus.  Get there as often as you can, lock in, and enjoy.

Beyond this, are there interesting things that you can work on learning that will help you move your career in a direction you think you will enjoy more?  Perhaps put together a plan in that direction and use some of that time you gain from the above steps to study up. 

- Is there a way to be true to who you are and still be a good employee?

In what way do you find that your job puts you at odds with who you are?

[Tyler]

I've struggled with this myself. Here are a few personal thoughts and observations:

1) Certain personality types (I'm an INTP) thrive on challenges and become unhappy when they feel they've conquered something even if the work is something they enjoy. The trick is to find new challenges to keep your mind engaged. 

2) What is keeping you from changing jobs to something that excites you?  In an extreme example, the average job duration in silicon valley for engineers is less than 2 years - the age of getting a job and working for your 30-year watch are long gone and employers don't frown on job hopping like they used to.  If you want something new, why not act on it?

3) A good friend once told me (in a personal moment of work frustration) that what I really need is a kid or an expensive hobby. I don't advocate either for pure distraction, but having something outside of work that defines you and gives you purpose is a very healthy thing.  Church, art, sports - find something you enjoy and learn to turn off the work brain on the weekends.  Just like sleeping lets your brain recover from from the day, having a life outside of work lets you recover mentally and you'll be happier as a result.

[AdamA]

Great questions, Gosso--

Is there a way to be true to who you are and still be a good employee?

I think that this is definitely possible.  Keep in mind, though, that almost anything you do day in and day out for many years will probably feel stifling in some way or another.

Does your career get easier as you age (I'm 27)?  

Are you familiar with The Peter Principle?  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Principle

Does having a wife and kids increase your appreciation of your job/career, since you have other people to worry about other than yourself?

That is a loaded question...I won't confuse you by trying to answer it.  Maybe one of the more functional posters will have something to say about this.

In all honesty I have a good job that pays well, with a good boss, but it can become repetitive and boring at times.

If repetition and boredom are your biggest problems, I'd say you have it pretty good.  

A couple of things that might help you get more satisfaction.

1.  Find a hobby (but make it a cool one, not just a hobby for the sake of having a hobby...something you really look forward to).
2.  Consider learning another trade.  Even if it's not something that would pay you a fortune, if you learn how to do something that can pay you a few bucks on the side you'd feel less dependent on the job you have presently.  
3.  Save a lot of money in case you ever want to quit.  Even if you don't, you'll probably enjoy the job more knowing you could walk if you wanted to.

[Tyler]

"Save a lot of money in case you ever want to quit.  Even if you don't, you'll probably enjoy the job more knowing you could walk if you wanted to."

That's good advice.  "Love what you do" still usually fundamentally assumes that you're plugged into the matrix of needing to work a full time job for a living until you're 60.  Work and save relentlessly with the long-term goal in mind of early retirement, and suddenly work takes on new meaning -- short-term sacrifice in exchange for long-term freedom.  When you've saved enough, you can choose to work solely for personal fulfillment rather than to pay the bills.

[6 Iron]

I believe balance should be the goal. Early retirement is a laudable goal, but no one is promised longevity, and life is about the journey, not the destination.

With regard to work, there is no job that I am aware of that does not involve some drudgery. If it was always fun, interesting, and uplifting, people would do it for free. I like the 80% rule for job satisfaction. If you find yourself disliking what you are doing more than a 1/5 the time, you have a real problem.  But if you are providing a valuable service, or creating a desired product, I do not understand how that is not being true to yourself, because those are honorable things.

Good luck, Gosso.

[Gosso]

Thank you all for your responses, you have given me much to think about.

I wouldn't say that I hate or dislike my job, but I'm rather trying to maximize the joy I can receive from it.  I read through half of Linchpin by Seth Godin, where he tells you to treat your job the same as an artist would treat his/her art.  I liked this, and in some ways has helped.

The biggest problem is that the job/career has become too easy--even though there is still stress and projects to complete.  It kinda feels like playing the same level of a video game over and over again--it was a lot of fun at first, but became dull after awhile.

The "flow state" is a great place to be, but for me it is normally initiated by an approaching deadline and will involve plenty of stress.  I will work on my ability to enter this state on a more regular basis, minus the stress.  Considering that I have applied Zen principles (at least based on my limited understanding of Zen) to other areas of my life such as investing and my personal life, it makes sense to apply it to my work as well.  I'm not sure why I didn't think of this before.

Another hangup I have comes from Joseph Campbell where his motto is "Follow Your Bliss".  To me this means that the work you do should provide you with unlimited happiness.  But I honestly have no idea what type of work would do that...eventually anything will become boring, unless it is constantly evolving.  So I like the Zen approach, where you flow with the work rather than battle it.

Who needs a therapist when you have internet forums!

[Gosso]

- Is there a way to be true to who you are and still be a good employee?

In what way do you find that your job puts you at odds with who you are?

That's a great question, but I don't have a great answer for you.  I think it has to do with the mindset that is commonly seen in the workplace and the expectation that you must be like everyone else.  I find I have two different personalities -- one for work and one for family/friends.  (I can hear Bob Newhart yelling in the background "STOP IT!")

Tyler, you made a lot of great points.  I may look at new job opportunities to give myself a new challenge, but I'll work on improving things here first.

Quote from: Gosso on March 14, 2012, 01:25:45 PM
Does having a wife and kids increase your appreciation of your job/career, since you have other people to worry about other than yourself?

That is a loaded question...I won't confuse you by trying to answer it.  Maybe one of the more functional posters will have something to say about this.

Adam, looking at it now it definitely is a loaded question!  I was hoping that everyone would say that your paternal instincts takeover and you stop thinking so much about yourself.  But I guess it is more complicated than that.

I'm also saving as much as I can, and I have gotten to the point where losing or quitting my job would not bother me.

Thanks again for all the food for thought.

[Mountaineer]

For me, once that I realized that everything I have is a gift from God and that my role was to do the very best that I could in everything I do so that it might benefit my neighbor, all of my "toil" became much easier. 

For those who like to read: the book "Luther on Vocation" by Gustaf Wingren (translated by Carl C. Rasmussen) was very illuminating to me.  I wish I had read it years ago. 

P.S. I have quite a bit more years under my belt than Gosso 

[jackely]

- Is there a way to be true to who you are and still be a good employee?

Depends on your bosses definition of "good employee". If he/she thinks a good employee is someone who kisses his/her ass then unless my boss is a female with a very lovely ass I have a very hard time being a good employee.

- Does your career get easier as you age (I'm 27)? 

Not for me (I'm 62). I don't mind the work but I seem to have less tolerance for the bullshit that goes with it the older I get. And it seems like there is always more and more bullshit. Also I have seen working conditions in my profession (software development) deteriorate greatly through the years.

- Does having a wife and kids increase your appreciation of your job/career, since you have other people to worry about other than yourself?

I think you appreciate the necessity of it more but I don't know about the job/career itself.

[Gosso]

That's good stuff Mountaineer and jackh.  I always appreciate wisdom from people who have seen more battle action than I have.

I have been able to increase the "flow" at work over the past couple days, which feels great!  Although I can still make further improvements. 

This thread reminded me of this scene from Happy Gilmore. (0:29):

http://youtu.be/-uVOz0u8O8M

It's weird how I used to never understand that scene, but now it all makes perfect sense!

[6 Iron]

Doing the bull dance. Feeling the flow.

[One day at a time]

Gosso,

My sense is that every self reflecting person deals with these issues along the way.  My two cents worth:

In regard to what's been written:
1.  The Joseph Campbell PBS series maybe led to "follow your bliss" being a simplified version of Campbell's idea.  I would suggest reading A Joseph Campbell Companion to get a more nuanced view of Campbell's views of good living. 
2. Csikszentmihalyi's Finding Flow is a useful book in terms of thinking about Flow in one's life.
3. In thinking about taking on a second skill, consider the idea of learning skills that are different but complimentary to your regular job.  For most people (at least on this blog), that probably means something outside being some type of knowledge worker.  An interesting take on modern life is how much it has fragmented what used to be a more integrated daily experience, ie. being an active part in providing one's food, energy, etc.  Personally, I loved Eric Brende's book, Better Off, detailing his 18 month experience (with his wife) in living with an Amish style community and the implications of technology in modern life.

Two other complimentary considerations beyond Flow/Following Your Bliss:
1.  Gratefulness practices.  There was a good commentary in the Wall Street Journal, I think, in response to the attention that Steve Jobs' commencement address at Stanford (which, if you didn't read it, was in the follow your bliss style).  Basically, the author pointed out that very few people can be Steve Jobs- genius, CEO of a huge company, etc.  But that we can all be more grateful for what we have.  www.gratefulness.org is a popular website.
2.  You mentioned Zen.  Mindfulness practices, in whatever form, seem to bear out in all kinds of research.  Mindfulness in daily life tends to directly correlate with happiness per the research, which maybe is another way of getting at Flow (or vice versa.)  I happen to work in an area of high burn out rates (hospice) and mindfulness practices invariably beat out the other approaches, ie. exercise, social support, etc, when compared as preventative practices. 

 

[steve]

"Love What You Do" seems to be a common theme that pops up when reading about how to improve your life and be happy.  This makes sense since your job/career/business will dominate a large amount of your waking life.  So I'm trying to think of ways to improve my enjoyment at work.  I have read a few of the standard work/motivation books but they seem so phony and try to turn you into a mindless corporate pawn.  Here are some questions:

- Is there a way to be true to who you are and still be a good employee?
- Does your career get easier as you age (I'm 27)? 
- Does having a wife and kids increase your appreciation of your job/career, since you have other people to worry about other than yourself?

In all honesty I have a good job that pays well, with a good boss, but it can become repetitive and boring at times.  Maybe I need to stop whining and realize that I have it pretty damn good.

Thats why its called work and not vacation.

[Gosso]

Doing the bull dance. Feeling the flow.

Hahah!  It's gotta be in the top five best comedies of all time, especially if you're a golfer.

One Day at a Time, thanks for your thoughts.  I am currently reading The Power of Myth which is constantly expanding/exploding my mind.  I realize this is only an introduction to Joesph Campbell -- I will be getting more of his stuff and will start with your suggestion.  I think even he acknowledged the misunderstanding of his "Follow Your Bliss" message, and said he should have called it "Follow Your Blisters".  I still need to work on my gratefulness and mindfulness -- it amazing to sit back and watch your mind do all sorts of crazy stuff.

Steve, are you saying that work cannot be enjoyed?

[steve]

I'm not saying that work can not be enjoyed. Work can and should be enjoyed.  Even if you job was having fun most of the time there are still times it may be monotonous or tiring or having to do something that you do not like, those are the times when you have to realize its work and not vacation.
When I was in high school I figured that I should get paid to do what I liked, so I trained myself to be a professional so I could get paid to do what most others paid to do. I have had the good fortune to have had what I would consider one of the best jobs in the world and yet at times it still felt like work.

[Gosso]

I have had the good fortune to have had what I would consider one of the best jobs in the world and yet at times it still felt like work.

You're a photographer for Playboy?! You lucky dog!  ;)

I see what you're saying, and you are likely correct.  I cannot remember where I heard this but someone said "You can only find happiness once you stop looking for it".  But that doesn't make any sense to me so I'll continue to bang my head against the wall.  :)

[Mountaineer]

Gosso said:
"I see what you're saying, and you are likely correct.  I cannot remember where I heard this but someone said "You can only find happiness once you stop looking for it".  But that doesn't make any sense to me so I'll continue to bang my head against the wall."

Gosso, I sympathize with you.  I remember that early in my career I was focused on my salary, how it compared to what others made and the CPI.  Over time, I began to focus less on making money and more on doing my job to the very best of my abilities and genuinely caring and trying to make my bosses, peers and subordinates successful - lo and behold, it was then that I began to get promotions with the corresponding increases in salary.  One caveat, the caring about others has to be authentic or you will come across as a self-serving manipulator.

This line of thinking is comparable to businesses that focus on making money (usually they are not successful long term) versus businesses that focus on delighting their customers (such as Apple or a neighborhood bank).  The ones who focus on their customers (external focus) are usually more successful than those consumed by financials (internal focus).

Thus, back to your statement about happiness - perhaps one finds happiness when the focus shifts to making others happy vs. making yourself happy.  Maybe that will help the happiness statement make sense to you.

Peace

[HB Reader]

Gosso said:
"I see what you're saying, and you are likely correct.  I cannot remember where I heard this but someone said "You can only find happiness once you stop looking for it".  But that doesn't make any sense to me so I'll continue to bang my head against the wall."

Gosso, I sympathize with you.  I remember that early in my career I was focused on my salary, how it compared to what others made and the CPI.  Over time, I began to focus less on making money and more on doing my job to the very best of my abilities and genuinely caring and trying to make my bosses, peers and subordinates successful - lo and behold, it was then that I began to get promotions with the corresponding increases in salary.  One caveat, the caring about others has to be authentic or you will come across as a self-serving manipulator.

This line of thinking is comparable to businesses that focus on making money (usually they are not successful long term) versus businesses that focus on delighting their customers (such as Apple or a neighborhood bank).  The ones who focus on their customers (external focus) are usually more successful than those consumed by financials (internal focus).

Thus, back to your statement about happiness - perhaps one finds happiness when the focus shifts to making others happy vs. making yourself happy.  Maybe that will help the happiness statement make sense to you.

Peace

Mountaineer -- That was very similar to my career experience.  Do your best to make the others around you successful and happy.  Before you know it, some of it will rub off on you.  Early in my career a retired Air Force general told me to think of myself as a "heat shield" protecting my peers, and especially my subordinates, from too much heat.  It was great advice.  It inspires loyalty and attracts competent people.  Another military officer once told me to "manage" resources, but "lead" people.  That was also good advice. 

[Gosso]

Gosso, I sympathize with you.  I remember that early in my career I was focused on my salary, how it compared to what others made and the CPI.  Over time, I began to focus less on making money and more on doing my job to the very best of my abilities and genuinely caring and trying to make my bosses, peers and subordinates successful - lo and behold, it was then that I began to get promotions with the corresponding increases in salary.  One caveat, the caring about others has to be authentic or you will come across as a self-serving manipulator.

Those are good points.  I have come out of my money obsessed phase (lasted for about two years, before I realized I was being dumb), and I am now looking for the enjoyment and challenges that my career can offer.

Do your best to make the others around you successful and happy.  Before you know it, some of it will rub off on you. 

That makes a lot of sense, especially looking at it from an evolutionary standpoint.  Our brains evolved being in a community and we were required to get along with the other people -- you simply had no choice but to be cooperative and help make the group stronger/happier/safer.  If not you were killed or exiled.

This raises an interesting point of the type of people you are working with.  If everyone around you is depressed, then that alone would be a good reason to look for a new job with a company that values their employees "happiness".  Unless you have the ability to change the culture at your office.  Isn't this what companies like Google and Apple are doing?

[kobe1]

Gosso,

One thing to keep in mind is that you are only young once.  With no wife or kids you have options now that might not exist in the future.  You can take more chances now, push the boundaries of yourself and life a little.  There is plenty of time for a serious career later.  You might not end up with as much money (or maybe you will), but at least you will have lived a fuller life.

[Gosso]

Gosso,

One thing to keep in mind is that you are only young once.  With no wife or kids you have options now that might not exist in the future.  You can take more chances now, push the boundaries of yourself and life a little.  There is plenty of time for a serious career later.  You might not end up with as much money (or maybe you will), but at least you will have lived a fuller life.

I have thought a lot about this.  I have come to the conclusion that as long as I limit my career to the 40 hours per week that is required, then I'll be able to do the "fun" stuff in the evenings and weekends.

I'm not that interested in travel or extreme adrenaline pumping activities -- I live more in my head.  But I do fully agree with what Kobe1 is saying, since I was guilty early in my career of not enjoying life (which happened to be the same period of time when I was obsessed with money).

[kobe1]

I have thought a lot about this.  I have come to the conclusion that as long as I limit my career to the 40 hours per week that is required, then I'll be able to do the "fun" stuff in the evenings and weekends.

Gosso,

I was not so much talking about doing the "fun" stuff, as I was about considering the world of options about how to make money.  Starting your own company doing whatever you are good at or doing something you would like to be good at, digging for clams in Long Island Sound, being a tour guide in the Grand Canyon, developing a new product in your given industry.  These things might not make you rich and they would very likely require more than 40 hours per week, but they would greatly enhance your life experiences and they are possible now whereas later you might need to settle down and get a "real" job.

If you live more in your head then there must be some terrific ideas rattling around up there.  Consider exploring some of those ideas, that's where true greatness comes from.

[Tyler]

Here's an interesting alternative viewpoint.

http://blogmaverick.com/2012/03/18/dont ... ur-effort/

Not sure I agree totally, as I don't see this as an either/or scenario.  You can still pick what you like and work hard at it. But he makes a good point about the value of hard work.