Jason Monastra

My life and thoughts out on the web

I hit an interesting obstacle this week.  I was presented with a situation where someone  I know well is taking a step out of the recruiting business.  Personally, I know the person well enough to know he is making the right choice.  His desire is to do well in whatever he does, however is passion is not recruiting.  With that in mind, it really sparked some additional discussions with people and candidates surrounding their desire do what they love for a living.  What I found was most people don’t and funny enough, most people do not even know what they love.

I took in a movie last night, frankly one that was not very good and quite course, however ties into this subject.  Step Brothers.  It features Will Farrell and his normal band of comedic actors discussing the lives of two 40 yr old men that still live with their parents.  In between the language and the liberal comedy, there was a message that came out in the end - one that brought their family together and eventually helped reconcile seemingly lost relationships.  When people are forced to do things they do not like, or simply play it safe for the sake of fitting in, there is a spark of character that is lost within that person that is very difficult to recover.   The person loses a little of themselves and eventually becomes something that they never wanted to be.

I speak with people daily about career moves and what that means for them professionally and as an individual.  What I find is most people do not consider their desires and passions when determining a career path.  They are driven by money or some other external factor that aligns them with their job.  With whatever time is left over, they pursue their dreams and their passion for life.  Seems to me like that is a huge waste of time.  Why would you do that?  What if they both were inter-twined and allowed for the two to run parallel and feed one another - that is both your work and passion.  I think you can if you plan in that fashion and do not allow the process to choose for you.

First and foremost, find and determine what it is you like to do.  If there is something that interests you, research it.  Not all things are meant for careers, that is why we have hobbies.  But the only way you will know is to take a look into it and see.  Second, meet people that do it.  Network and talk to people that do what you want to do.  Sit with them, pick their brains, and see what has made them successful.   Third, evaluate yourself.  Let us be serious, not all things are for all people and each person has a skill set that matches well to a certain path in life.  Figure out what yours is, develop it and align that with your passions.  Most people are passionate about things that they are good at…..I am sure it is the way with you. 

Be yourself and be happy in your work.  If you do not like it, change it.  Some changes are gradual and some are instant.  Plan and be prepared for obstacles along the way.  Patience is a virtue and in change, you will either use it or you will quickly develop it.  No matter what you plan or think, there are always changes and things always happen that were unexpected or unique.  Understand that and be ready, so when they do happen - you are calm and ready.  Enjoy your life, pick something to do that is fulfilling and fun, love the people you work with and work will no longer be work, but just life and things will be a lot better!