The Proud Career and Work That Moves Us
Some people, perhaps most people, spend a sizable chunk of their lifetime building a career. Some shift, change, and pivot, and others stay nearly the same. Are you building a proud career or one that just gets you through life?
First, let’s not confuse pride with money. Yes, there is an intersection where the two lines meet, but for many, money is not the sole (or soul) reason behind your career.
We all need money. We need it to exchange for food, clothing, and shelter. Sure, we may like more of it to buy more resources, toys, and extravagant lifestyles, but even people with gobs of money aren’t always happy.
Tenure
Since I’ve been around for more than half a century, like Farmers Insurance, I’ve seen a thing or two. People spend a lifetime chasing money and they die spending very little while still worrying if they have enough. Your lifestyle and your career, is your choice.
Money is important, but let’s remove it from this discussion. Set it aside, at least for a few minutes.
What happens when we work to become an improved version of who we already are? Imagine what it means to be more balanced, more grateful, and more giving.
What would happen if you spent your time differently, doing more things that matter, changing the results for others, and becoming uniquely you?
Can you see a different or better person than you are right now? Are you creating a proud career?
Proud Career
When you look back will you be happy with what you’ve built? Proud of the contributions you made? Will you be leaving a legacy for others to build upon?
Will you spend forty or fifty years working, or living while you work?
What matters most for your family, friends, and your life? Your money or what you’ve become?
Yes, you’ll need some money, but pride should be about your life and your people, not a paycheck.
You only get one shot. Check for confusion. No regrets.
-DEG
Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker (CSPTM), and culture expert. He is a five-time author and the founder of Appreciative Strategies, LLC. His business focuses on positive human performance improvement solutions through Appreciative Strategies®. Reach him through his website at Dennis-Gilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.
2 Comments
Dennis Gilbert
November 19, 2018at 2:11 pmI’ve been helping people with career paths for a long time. In the past few months I’ve witnessed an increase need from individuals searching for the right path or navigating their career. Much of my business is still B2B, but some aspects have always been B2C. While it is a lengthy story the short version is not so much of a shift but spending some extra time in the B2C marketplace. I’m also kicking around my next book (*wink*). Thanks for noticing, I hope you’ve enjoyed the posts!
Curious
November 19, 2018at 12:52 pmI feel a shift in your work. Are you moving into Career Planning/Strategy?
If so, how and why does that fit with your other work?
Are you shifting from an organizational focus into an individual/personal experience?
Regardless, interesting.