You know that old axiom that people often quote "if work was supposed to be fun it wouldn't be called work"? Don't you think that is a sad commentary? In 2012, the average number of hours worked by employed people in Canada per week was 36.6 hours which means just over 32% of our waking hours are spent working - don't you think we should enjoy it?
I happen to believe that we are on this earth to experience joy...period. It is not more complicated than that. We have a finite amount of time here, so in my mind, why not strive for 100% joy in every moment no matter what we are doing? So, does that mean joy on the job too? Yep, in my mind, it sure does.
Have you ever stopped and thought about what job would bring you the greatest joy? If your answer is yes, awesome, I hope you are doing it & if you are not, I hope you will soon! If your answer is no, then please do it...NOW. Notice what comes into your mind and how it feels and before dismissing it, really think about how it could become reality.
What brings me joy on the job or my idea of my 'perfect job' has been evolving over the years (as everybody's will). The cool thing as I reflect on it is that I have always had what I would call my perfect job at every stage in my career. That is an amazing thing to realize. Is that because I have been exceptionally lucky? Maybe a bit, but I also have very consciously decided what I wanted from my work and I asked for it. I have gotten bolder & bolder, allowing myself more freedom to imagine and express what perfect looks like, I believe it can happen, and I'll say it again - I ask for it.
Today, my perfect job would be a combination of studying (something...or lots of things), connecting with and having invigorating conversations with interesting people, writing, pushing the envelope & creating, inspiring boldness & innovation, seeing ideas come to life, moving people forward, making a difference - spreading joy & making it contagious. In fact, maybe I will do a thesis on Joy one day. I would find it fascinating to interview a huge variety of people and learn what brings them joy and how much of their time they notice that they are experiencing joy. I wonder if I could get a reality show interviewing famous and ordinary people around the world and compile a joy journal. Hmmmmm....
My perfect work also needs to be flexible and give me the freedom to be the as committed to my family as I want to be. Ideally, I will be able to do my work from anywhere in the world so that I can see more of this amazing planet, enjoy the ocean more and get some warmth to break up winter.
Sound too good to be true? Sure it does - but why not aim to bring it to life! And guess what? My perfect job is shaping around me as I write this...for real!
Almost a year ago exactly, I started having this feeling that my community needs me and that I could contribute more to High River. Then the flood hit & my home & family needed me. Now, I'm seeing that I have a lot to offer to the business community and town administration at large as we rebuild our town and move forward. I am a connector, marketer & business developer and I love technology. I am currently contracting to an independent consultant to build her digital identity - setting her up & showing her how to embrace all the media that is available. I am helping my brother action a dream he has for his business. I am interacting with the town and had the good-fortune to participate in a super-productive visioning meeting yesterday to give input in the creation of High River's Economic Development Plan. I am having so much fun...and you know what else, I'm doing it all from my home in my jammies today:)
Find joy on your job - do it now - life is short!
