So is that what executives get to do, suck the life out of their employees all day? Some of them do and some of them are the kindest, most gentle souls who genuinely care about your well-being. I have not yet worked for those people, but I believe they are out there. In fact, I believe I am one of them. Maybe you feel the same.
I will never forget the words of my last boss. He was kind enough to hear my concerns and gratitude-filled resignation for about 5 minutes before calling two other employees into his office and asking why I was really leaving. Later he told me, “Tanya, you are a being with unlimited potential. But this job is limited in what it can offer you.” My response was something like, “Oh, so you do understand.” Then, dead silence. It was terrifying and awesome at the same time. For the first time in my life, I stood up for me. Not just the me everyone knew, but the me that has been patiently waiting to step into being.
Somewhere along the line of corporate jobs I have held, I failed to realize one important point. It is one that I am happy to share with my clients today. What you are good at is not always what you are supposed to be doing.
I recently learned about this study on work and mental health. The research compares the mental health of unemployed people compared to those with poor quality jobs. They defined jobs of poor quality as those with low pay, high demands, and little autonomy. The study found that the mental health of unemployed subjects fared better (or were about the same) as those with poor quality jobs. It makes sense. Some jobs are not worth having. Yet, unemployment is not an option.
When you feel that you have given more than your share to corporate Decepticons, ask yourself what it is costing you to stay where you are. The risk could be greater than the reward.
I have learned that no matter what you have done for a living, it cannot define who you are or what you will do unless you let it. Figure out what your passion is and own it. Run with your passion each day (instead of your employer’s) and the money will always follow you. Trust that wherever passion leads you is exactly where you are supposed to be; even if it means changing jobs or fields altogether.
