I've been giving a lot of thought to the nature of work. Why do we do it? For some people, work is about the money, and in fact they use money as a unit of measure. "I must be successful, I made $100,000 last year."
Other folks work because it gives them an opportunity to socialize with others. One of the nurses in the treatment room yesterday told about one of his co-workers who took a job at another facility making a lot more money. It seems after several months on the job, the nurse was very unhappy because instead of working with patients, and fellow nurses, she was in a tiny office filling out detained reports all day long. She was miserable.
Still others work for the sheer enjoyment of the work. I know chefs, business owners, artists, and musicians who fall into this category. The trick is finding the work you love, and recognizing it when you do.
Einstein weighed in on the topic when he said "Try not to become a man of success, but a man of value." Wise words if I've ever heard them.
Other folks work because it gives them an opportunity to socialize with others. One of the nurses in the treatment room yesterday told about one of his co-workers who took a job at another facility making a lot more money. It seems after several months on the job, the nurse was very unhappy because instead of working with patients, and fellow nurses, she was in a tiny office filling out detained reports all day long. She was miserable.
Still others work for the sheer enjoyment of the work. I know chefs, business owners, artists, and musicians who fall into this category. The trick is finding the work you love, and recognizing it when you do.
Einstein weighed in on the topic when he said "Try not to become a man of success, but a man of value." Wise words if I've ever heard them.
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| Longing for a summer sunset. |
What a great picture Rick... I am longing for a sunset too :)
ReplyDeleteWise words indeed!
ReplyDeleteI have tried many different jobs in my life, but could settle in none of them...because I really wasn't happy in a 9 to 5 office job.
Then I thought "what the hell" and devoted my life to doing what I love most - writing...and I have never looked back! I honestly feel I have found my true niche in life.
Oh, such a gorgeous sunset...I would travel far and wide for a sight this beautiful!! :)
Good thoughts on work, Rick. Lovely photo.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard not to equate success with money, until that is you find yourself earning good money while being bored out of your mind. Toys and trinkets can only soothe the frustration for so long.
ReplyDeletemood
Moody Writing
Great post! Love the quote at the end and your picture as well. I agree with your thoughts. Here's another one for you that I had posted in my classroom when I was teaching...“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”
ReplyDelete― Confucius
I work because I hope I'm helpful to other people who aren't as in tune with grammar as I am. I'm proud to see a book or paper that I edited and to know I helped make it better.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
What an excellent conclusion.
ReplyDeletelol I agree. I think man has to work one way or another. It is in his genetic make up.The mind has to be kept busy otherwise what is the purpose to life?
ReplyDeleteIt IS important to love your job but sometimes we have no choice and have to learn to love the job we have. We all belong to each other. United we stand, divided we fall.
The Sunset is beautiful and nicely captured. Einstein was a philosopher too?
ReplyDeleteI think work is important. You need a reason to get out of bed in the morning. I was once married to a paralyzed vet, and I knew a number of other vets who were paralyzed. Not being able to contribute, to do something of value was something they each struggled with in different ways. Once they found a purpose and a way to contribute to something of value, they coped with their disabilities much better. Gorgeous sunset! We seem to have spectacular skies here in Colorado no matter what the season. Rarely soft skies like yours though. It's just beautiful.
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous photo! My girls are in their early 20's and I tell them if they cannot find satisfaction in the actual work, then find satisfaction in the knowledge that their job allows them to be independent, pay their bills, manage their own lives. I do think it's important to at least like what you're doing. We spend a lot of time working.
ReplyDeleteWork makes me feel a sense of pride...a sense of accomplishment. And it also pays the bills :)
ReplyDelete