It’s me again, writing about jobs. In this video, I answered the question “do we have to like our jobs?” (Spoiler: the answer is no. In fact, we romanticize the idea of loving our jobs. YOU DON’T NEED TO. It may have benefits but it also has drawbacks.)
Today we’re talking about being interested in our jobs. Would I sound like a broken record if I said you don’t need to be interested in your job, even though interest may allow for some benefits? And is this different enough of a topic for me to spend time on it?
We weigh lots of factors when searching, selecting, maintaining and leaving jobs — the money, the security and stability, the work environment, the commute, the topic or industry, the work itself, the people, the reputation of the company and job, and our thoughts, feelings, interest and emotions, and much more.
So at what point do you have to leave the job you like and are interested in? How bad do things have to be?
If you’ve followed me for a while, you’ll know that I’m here to ask the question, not present the answer. And the answer to this one is I don’t know. So, that’s what I’ve been struggling with. It’s kinda a privileged spot to be in, huh? To have a job that you’re interested in? Ruff life.
I’ve found, though, that there comes a time when the “rest of it” — the emotional impact, stress levels, everything about the job BUT the interest part — outweighs your interest and passion. It’s usually when the work or work environment becomes toxic or when you finally realize it is.
Making a choice to move on is about seeing the whole picture and your whole self. It’s about advocating for stability, emotional wellness and healthy stress. You choose you over interest because you work to live, not live to work.
That’s my best answer this time.
You don’t live to work.
P.S. in case we haven’t met…
you seem normal is a mental health medium run by 24-year-old communication professional (hello!) who… well, seems normal. Turns out, my roommate is mental illness. Actually more like my unborn, and non-conceived baby. Because it’s like, inside of me. This is getting weird already. Topics of focus: self-awareness (we love it), mood, anger management, perfectionism, relationships & boundaries.
YSN links
join my email list | blog | youtube | instagram | facebook | podcast
youseemnormal 