When we’re little, the message most of us get is-“You can be anything you want.” Once we hit 7th grade or so, the message changes to-“Good luck with your life, it’s a fucking zoo out there.” That’s a serious extreme. We get trained to accept less as we get older, and in this difficult economy, we’re often told “It could be worse, at least you have a job,” from well meaning, but wrongheaded friends and acquaintances. It’s no wonder lots of people settle for jobs that don’t satisfy them in any meaningful way.
Our take is-No one, and we mean no one, should go to work and think “Well, only 9 more hours until I get to go home, and be free of this crappy job until tomorrow.” We spend more time at work than anywhere else in our lives. Yet, so many of us get stuck in jobs that are lacking in joy, meaning, or stimulation of any kind. The reasons why we get stuck are complex. There’s no singular answer for it. However, the way our economy is driven, most of us never hear real encouragement about doing something we love, and how to pursue it once we find it.
This week’s clip deals with finding meaningful work. It’s a short, but inspiring, commentary by author, Malcolm Gladwell. In the video, Gladwell discusses how following your passion, and investing time in work that feeds your passions, can ultimately give you the kind of life you want, a livable wage included. Check it out, and let us know if you agree or disagree with him.