"If you aren't fired with enthusiasm, you will be fired with enthusiasm."
-- Vince Lombardi, football coach
A client of mine was an attorney on the fast track to becoming partner, but he felt miserable. After realizing the only thing he liked about his job was the paycheck, he quit and felt ecstatic.
Is your career path taking you where you want to go in life? One way to test this is, if you would do what you do even if you weren't paid, you're in the right job.
Are you pursuing a career because you were told you should? Perhaps you have not pursued a career that feeds your passions because somebody told you, "You can't make money at that."
Are you in a job that doesn't excite you because of inertia? If you drag yourself into work every day, it might be time to find work that works for you.
Do you feel trapped by obligations? You have bills to pay, a mortgage, and a family to support. An executive I know was caught up in the corporate rat race. He shared with his family that he was no longer fulfilled by his high-paying job, but was willing to keep it because it provided a comfortable life for them. His spouse and children agreed that they were willing to give up some luxuries and contribute to the family finances so that this man could transition to work he was passionate about.
It is not always easy or immediately lucrative to pursue a career that feeds your passions. But if you're willing to make the sacrifice, it is the best bet for long-term job satisfaction and fulfillment.
When you find a career that has meaning and purpose to you, pursue it with all your heart.
Renew your passion during this month of Valentine's Day and love what you do.