4 thoughts on “Finding work you love”

1. Evan, what if the work you love has passed you by? As in you are humanly too old, or just in the wrong life-syle to do it now? Or, what about those who, for whatever reason, don’t seem to know what it is they would love to do, or what they love to do is not something that translates into a job?

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2. This is sure a difficult concept for me. It seems like most people have jobs they do, not because they love it, but because it’s a job that supports their families. I mean look at all the menial jobs out there that someone must do: collect the garbage, flip the burgers, catch rats in the attic. I can’t imagine they’re doing what they love to do! But someone’s got to do it. So how should we look at that situation?

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3. To anon above,

   I believe that what you call menial jobs are not menial jobs to many people. It’s all a matter of perspective and attitude.

   I remember when I was a teenager. I worked on my dad’s farm. During a couple of weeks I had to fill sand bags to prop up ditches the sprinkler wheels traveled in. It could be considered some of the most grueling tough and possibly boring work. I partnered with a grown man, probably around 30 years old. He was the leader of us two, and he was always full of energy, ambition, good attitude and gratitude. He was physically strong and could throw those 100 pound sand bags around like feather pillows. He was always happy no matter how many days he had to fill those bags. I didn’t understand. I wasn’t so happy about it. So I asked him, “Why do you do this work?” Figuring he could quit and do any other job. I couldn’t quit because I was working for my dad, and young. He said he didn’t know for sure why he kept doing it, but he loved working on the farm, and filling sand bags was a part of the job. He had no complaints.

   I’ve never forgotten his answer. He didn’t see a boring job. He saw another opportunity to express joy, gratitude and helpfulness. The job had to be done, and he didn’t mind doing it.

   Perspective is key! The job does not determine our attitude. Our attitude determines our experience in the job.

   God gives us the ability to be grateful, generous, caring and giving in all situations. We can make that choice!

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4. To first anon!

   What if the job you love has passed you by…I can relate to the feeling as the years have gone by, and I’ve begun to see that we simply have to revise and spiritually update our concept of “job” along the way.

   I’m not going to do now many of the things an 18 year old might do. But that doesn’t mean I have any less chance to experience Life.

   I believe that as the years go by, we should be maturing in our concept of what it means to “live.” For me, I see that I don’t have to prove myself to anyone anymore. The work I do is not to make a worldly impression, but to feel close to God. When I was young, I thought I had to prove something, be famous, or get rich, or something like that. I don’t feel that way anymore, and it totally affects how I view my work. So my job today is to be close to God, not to win accolades or recognition. To feel God’s love…

   Try this approach on yourself, and see how it affects what job choices you see out there. There are always opportunities to express love in a multitude of different forms. People everywhere all the time need love.

   Your primary job is to love. And that’s the job we want to learn to love the most! The opportunities have not passed you by…

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