Monday, April 22, 2024
Some things are important for the world around us, and some things are highly pleasurable and motivating. When those exist concurrently, we have a “calling” or an especially rewarding career. It doesn’t have to be lofty. Some people love carpentry work and construction, and it’s an important skill for society. Some are doctors and attorneys, or consultants and coaches. However, we’ve all met people in such positions who aren’t especially happy. When the job is important but there is no passion about it you have a “grind” or simply a “nine-to-five” job, or a “workaholic” attitude.
When there is great pleasure but not much societal importance, you have a pastime, or hobby…..or addiction. I love to play Angry Birds and to run a model train layout, and to build models. No harm done to anyone, and they don’t interfere with my obligations and accountabilties to others. But when that addiction to pleasure does cause such damage to yourself and others—as with drugs, alcohol, overeating—then you have a serious problem.
I’ve always tried to pursue a career—a “calling”—where I’m good at what I do and love doing it. I’ve observed that we’re often held back from that by an over-focus on making money, or parental influence, or normative pressure, or fear of failure.
Life is short. Is it time to change direction?