Love What You Do!

Great! So Donald Trump tells us to love what we do, but that seems a bit easier when you’re worth a gazillion dollars. What about the rest of us who have a slightly-lower earning power? Or who have a net worth in the 4 or 5 digit range, as opposed to 7 or 8? Or what about those of us who work for large employers like the federal government or a large technology contractor?

I’ve been very lucky to have always had careers that I’ve loved. From the high-tech world of Germany in the 80s, to the high-flying AAirline industry of the 90s, to the new millennium leadership-development gigs of the present, I’ve ALWAYS loved going to work. From time to time, people have mentioned that they are envious of my career, in that I actually love getting out of bed in the morning and going to work.

When asked what my secret is, I’ve not been too sure. So I’ve been ruminating about this for a couple of weeks, and I think it boils down to a couple of strategies. The primary one, however, is that I’m unabashed in asking for what I want .

Now, what does this mean?

Those of you, who know me, recognize that I can be a pretty extroverted, verbal dude (plus, having a mom who’s a therapist probably helps). What I've realized during this period of rumination is that I'm pretty darn good at asking for what I want. This might be using a trusted advisor as a mentor, going for a developmental assignment in a different, high-profile area, or simply asking to be part of multi-disciplinary, special-assignment work team. I've never been one to sit on the sidelines and wait for others to approach me with new opportunities. I've always been the one to take the initiative and be clear about my intentions and desires.

Now, I'm not advocating whining or playing Machiavellian games. What I'm talking about is including others in my dialogue about the career. You can’t manage your career in a vacuum, so by including others in articulating your desires and growth goals, you multiply the number of eyes and ears who will be working on your behalf.

If others are clear about your interests and intentions, they will be able to steer you into more interesting, more enlightening directions. And as you navigate into different areas, the boredom factor diminishes and you’ll have greater career satisfaction.

So, come out of the career closet and start engaging your inner circle. As you begin the process of, say, “Hey, I’d like to learn more about working in that department,” the chances of it happening are significantly greater, AND, this is what leads to mucho-greater career satisfaction!