Money, passion, or comfort: Choosing a career that does not infringe on others

My youngest stepson, a college student, has worked part-time for a grocery store for the last few years. While I admire his stick-to-itiveness, during these years, he, like many others, has enlarged his lifestyle to reflect his earnings and his current wants. This is, more or less, to say that he spends nearly every dime he makes. His rationale is that, while he is young and without responsibility, he should be enjoying himself as much as possible. The future, as far as he is concerned, is some distant event – even if the “future” holds a car breakdown or an expensive traffic ticket, much less living expenses for when he goes out on his own. He sees little point in seeking employment that pays more or, in the alternative, saving some of what he earns for that “future” that rapidly approaches. He likes what he does, he is comfortable, and he is happy with the present desire-to-money ratio. The parents in his life, on the other hand, furnish him with room and board, college tuition, book money, health insurance, insurance co-pays, prescriptions, vacations, transportation for family events or emergencies, and picks up the occasional car repair. This allows him to continue his work, at his present pay, in an environment he enjoys.

In contrast, my friend’s daughter, Andrea, a poster child for independence, enjoys a great lifestyle but works her behind off at two jobs to maintain it. She whole-heartedly pursues her career passions without asking anyone to augment her choices.

This had me wonder if, when intending a career, should finding a job that suits one’s comfort or passion, without the associated financial consideration, be the entire goal? As much as it would be great to live in a world where everyone can indulge their passion or comfort level, without thought of paying a mortgage, feeding the kids, or keeping the lights on, this approach is not practical. In research I conducted on increasing life spans and adult child dependency, I learned that 40% of all 40-60 year olds are excessively dependent upon their parents. (Yes, you read those figures correctly.) This may mean that a number of adults are, in fact, indulging their desires without being concerned with financial remuneration from their work efforts. This also means that someone else, perhaps someone who is not pursuing their passion, is supplementing the other’s lifestyle choice or career aspirations.

I am not suggesting that choosing a career based exclusively on money is the wisest choice; far be it. Rather, I am suggesting that career intention without accountability is unconscionable. We are each accountable for our lives, without imposing the consequences of our decisions onto others – parents included! It is perfectly alright to pursue the sculpting, acting, medical, teaching, receptionist, et. al. career that you wish. What is wrong is when choosing a particular career and you come up short in supporting the lifestyle you also want, you assume someone else will fill in the gaps. The intention then becomes fulfilling your purpose but at the expense of others.

How intent is enough

In practicing or thinking about intent, it may feel as though there is a lot more you should be doing other than just intending. I mean, come on, how can just intending for something to happen actually generate results? Is just wishing, even really hard, for a particular job or career to come along enough to actually have it happen? You know, the answer may actually be, yes – but with a few caveats.

Caveat 1(and the most important): You first have to decide what you want.
Caveat 2: You then have to do the research on where you might find what you want.
Caveat 3: You have to approach these organizations and give it your all.

I stress the decision of what you really want as the most important as, I believe, most people either don’t know what they want or don’t believe they can have what they want. So, they settle for whatever comes to them. And, trust me, things will always come to you but it may not be what you need. But, you can have what you want, regardless of the obstacles you perceive. All you need to do is intend it.

Don’t just take my word for it. Read Kelly McIntyre’s, Does your dream job seem out of reach?

Have a little faith

In this era, it can be difficult to have faith in your intended outcome. You’re not alone. However, experts stress that what you perceive to control your life – meaning, you (internal) or the world/others (external) – can largely determine your success. If you believe you, not outside influences, decide the direction and actions you take, you maintain an “internal locus of control”. If you believe others or circumstances determine your path, this is an “external locus of control”. W. Jane Robinson, author of The Divine Declaration—Awaken to Your Divine Inner Power, Your Life Depends On It, explores the characteristics of those who possess an internal locus of control in her article, Take Charge of Your Life: Align With and Strengthen Your Internal Support System.

How to think (or meditate) your way to an ideal career.

I have brought myself, by long meditation, to the conviction that a human being with a settled purpose must accomplish it, and that nothing can resist a will which will stake even existence upon its fulfillment.
- Benjamin Disraeli

Several years ago I met with a gentleman at a global company. He explained that his job was to think about “stuff.” He also spent his time flitting around the country, meeting with University researchers, entrepreneurs, and other companies to gather ideas on what to think about. He would then retreat to his office where he enjoyed an enormous atrium outside his office floor-to-ceiling window. His musings produced innovations for his organization.

The same can be done for a career.

In this culture, thinking, just thinking, is frowned upon. It is as though it is assumed nothing great can ever be accomplished without doing something. Idle time is discouraged so that it becomes filled with meaningless cell phone conversations or hammering away at laptops. Just walk through any airport and you’ll know what I mean. With the way we act, one might believe people are fearful of the thoughts they would produce if their minds were left to wander.

But, as the saying goes, we can’t get to where we are going from here. Changing career direction can be daunting. We have our interests, skills, and competencies and then scan job postings looking for a place where these may be applied. If you think about it, no pun intended, this activity doesn’t take much thought. It only requires reading. Sadly, I believe that is pretty much how people approach their career. What would happen, however, if you just stopped to think or, better yet, not think at all?

In thinking, in letting our minds roam, in meditation, or any other form of deliberate nothingness, something profound happens to the human brain. Physiologically speaking, the aging process is slowed (good to know), blood pressure is lowered, and stress decreases. (Click here for great info on meditation and health benefits.) Anyone who has ever been required to make a snap decision knows full well the body’s reaction when the mind is under pressure. I am reminded of a man I know who was let go from his job. Within an hour of his layoff, he was on the phone to all of his contacts, me being one of them, to learn who in the industry was hiring. I could literally feel his desperation, confusion, and fear. So much for portraying confidence and calm.

While I appreciate there are circumstances that sometimes require an individual rush to get another job, I do not agree they cannot afford to step outside of their circumstances for even 10 minutes to simply ponder the situation. Allowing the mind to do the job for which it is intended – namely, solve problems – can do more than just produce short-term or immediate results. It can also expose new avenues for achieving long-term career plans. Just give it a try. What have you got to lose?

How on-boarding can help ensure employee success.

I believe there is some confusion out there as to what on-boarding actually means. At one global outfit, I was surprised to learn that local managers, one of which had an MBA, had not even heard the term. This is especially dangerous considering these are the same people who recruit and hire staff. So, what does on-boarding mean? It is the carefully orchestrated process of integrating a new employee into the organization with the goal of making them productive as quickly as possible. This can take many forms, including a formal orientation program or assigning a mentor to new staff. If there is any doubt as to the importance of this function, read Jim Kissane’s blog, Why on-boarding makes sound financial sense.

In the past, I have been the recipient of good on-boarding and non-existent on-boarding. For the former, my new boss educated me on the company’s politics, who to ask to get things done, gave me in-depth indoctrination to company systems, and made certain I understood all of the resources available to get the job done in the most efficient and productive manner. In contrast, another manager, at another company, left me to my own devices to learn how things got done. It was months of fumbling through company processes, systems, and people when, all along, the time spent doing this could have been spent in my actually performing my job.

When intending the career you want, make sure the organization you want to work for has a good on-boarding process in place. Ask when they expect you to become productive and what measures they have in place to ensure this happens. Personal intention carries a lot of personal responsibility and personal accountability but organizations have a duty to ensure employees are well-equipped with the tools they need to do their job.