Comments on: Why We Don’t Really Want “Work We Love”

By: Chris Edgar

Chris Edgar — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 19:27:03 +0000

Hi Sara — yes, I also get the sense that looking at the big picture of what we’re trying to accomplish with our work and what we want out of it can be a double-edged sword — if you dare to look at the big picture, you may feel inspired because you realize you’re working toward a goal that moves you, or you may realize you’re not sure why you’re doing this at all. The day job example you gave is a good illustration, I think — if we’re just using it as a piece of a larger puzzle we’re putting together in our lives, stepping back and taking notice of that once in a while can help us get motivated again.

By: Chris Edgar

Chris Edgar — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 19:24:16 +0000

Hi Megan — It’s okay to admit that you like things easy on this blog. It sounds like you’ve found a way to do work that you’re deeply engaged in without agonizing over it — that sounds like a great balance to strike.

By: Sara

Sara — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:33:47 +0000

Chris — To me, this was an innovative way to think about work. It makes me think that it’s a good idea to be conscious of the reasons I’m doing the work I do and the impact it has on my life and my soul. If it’s draining me, then I have to reconsider my options.

Also, you made me think about how we perceive our “day” jobs. I think we often expect them to be fulfilling and something we love. Instead, we may need to see them as helping us to have enough money to support ourselves or being what supports the thing we love to do.

Seems to me, that if we can see the “day” job as having that supportive role, maybe we can happier in it, rather than thinking it should be providing us with more emotional sustenance.

As usual, Chris, you made me really stop and think about this. Thanks:~)

By: Megan "JoyGirl!" Bord

Megan "JoyGirl!" Bord — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 13:25:42 +0000

Chris, what a great point you’ve made. I think I fall into that category now of wanting to do stuff I love, but not wanting it to own me in a negative way. I will admit: I like things easy. In my life, “less is more” is not just a phrase. It’s the way I exist. My living quarters are sparse. My schedule is open and flexible. I eat very simply. That all feels good to me, and allows me to be passionate about stuff without getting overwhelmed or feeling it could overcome me.

I love how you pointed out that we all have to choose what’s right for us – amen! Authenticity at its best.

By: Chris Edgar

Chris Edgar — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 21:34:49 +0000

Hi Stacey — that’s been an interesting question for me too — whether doing the work I love really lives up to its reputation. My thinking these days is that it’s like a close relationship with another person — it has its annoyances, but the “smoothness” of being alone can be worse. Like anything else in life, I guess, it’s going to be a tradeoff.

By: Chris Edgar

Chris Edgar — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 21:24:22 +0000

Hi Mark — I like that way of putting it — that it’s important to make this decision for ourselves consciously, instead of buying into what we may have heard from others about what it’s right or wrong to do.

By: Stacey Shipman

Stacey Shipman — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 16:04:43 +0000

I appreciate this perspective, too. As someone who left the 9 to 5, steady paycheck world almost 4 years ago I can confirm the roller coaster ride that comes along with self-employment. Some days are better than others – financially, emotionally, etc – and other days I wish I “knew then what I know now”.

My husband and I talk about this quite a bit. I spent many years miserable in the corporate world, failing to see a larger picture. We also ponder the question “Is doing work you love all it’s cracked up to be”. I have yet to find an answer.

By: Mark

Mark — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:28:28 +0000

Chris,
I love the perspective that you have on this topic. You are correct there are people who do not want to do what they love because they don’t want to be that invested and subject to the highs and lows or the work of “getting there”. Some do what they love and do so with out the extreme lows that can be experienced. The key is to be aware of the choices we are making, not to label them as bad or good choices.

By: Chris Edgar

Chris Edgar — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 18:58:36 +0000

Hi Michelle — it sounds to me like you recognized that, if you’re going to be deeply invested in what you do, you might as well do something that feels rewarding. I had the same realization in what I used to do — I saw that, regardless of what I do, I’m going to do my best to produce something worthwhile — and if that’s how I am, why not devote all that energy to something I actually enjoy?

By: Michelle @ Find Your Balance

Michelle @ Find Your Balance — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 14:52:06 +0000

I wish my 9-5 had been something I could do during the day, leave at night, and collect my big paycheck. But it was with me all the time, stressing me out even in my off hours. I felt out of control and constantly subjected to office politics. If I could have had a boring but neutral job that didn’t require me to work nights and weekends too…I’d probably have stayed. I think if that’s the case, it opens many possibilities in one’s personal life because you have stability and income. But for me…my old job ate up my time to the point that it was impossible to do much else.