What Do You Want To Work For?
Everybody wants a paycheck. Nobody wants to “work for a paycheck.” Because if a paycheck is all you’re working for, you will have a hard time finding joy and passion in your work. What is it you want to work for? A cause? An ideal? Your team? A product you believe in? The ability to create something unique? It’s different for everyone. And it changes over time.
I’ve been lucky. And even more so in the year and change since my 25+ year agency job disappeared. Because, now I’m working on projects and companies I like and truly believe in. There is joy in that. There is extra energy that comes with that. It’s something I wish for all of you. It’s not that I didn’t find joy and purpose before, but I’ve got it in spades now.
I’ve reached the point in life where I should be able to choose who I work for. But in reality, you should always have that choice. Sometimes it might mean making less or taking a leap of faith. You don’t have to wait until life pushes you out of the nest, like it did to me. You can make that choice now. Even in the middle of this messed-up year of uncertainty. And if you can’t do it as your main profession, you can do with the time that is your own.
For instance, in recent years, I spent a lot of my professional time writing furniture ads. I was very good at it and I enjoyed helping my clients. But convincing the general public that this sale was the biggest sale in the history of the universe wasn’t exactly the most fulfilling part of my life.
But we also did work that was more about filling our souls than our wallets. For instance, the last 10 years or so, I’ve worked on creating the videos the Capuchin Soup Kitchen used in their main fundraiser. Each year I got to go around and interview people who were truly making a difference in people’s lives, in a very good way. It was work that brought me joy.
Now, as an independent consultant and contractor, I spend most of my time working for clients and agencies that I really believe in. It is work that is gratifying and makes me feel good about the work and what I’m doing with my life. I’m doing a lot of work with education. I do work showing the underserved how they can help their children lead better lives. I’m working with innovative startups that could change how their industries operate. I’m working with small, woman-lead manufacturers who believe in operating in ways that increase human safety while reducing their carbon footprint.
Yes, I’m working for a paycheck. But I’m working for so much more. I love the work I’m doing today and who I’m doing it for. And while I’ve always loved my work, this seems like a little bit of personal Nirvana. I’m not telling you this just to share how much I believe in and enjoy the work I’m currently doing. I’m telling you this because chances are pretty good that you are younger than me and at an earlier point in your career.
Don’t wait. Work for more than a paycheck. Spend some time finding work you love and companies you love working for. Find your own Nirvana.
Mike McClure, loving who and what I work for
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