I've realized lately that some people have a misconception about those of us who try to "do something we love."
People say things like, "there should be meaning in life, but you shouldn't find it at work." People think that work is work and the things you love should be kept as hobbies so that you don't love them less by relying on them for income. Some cynics strongly disagree with the statement "do what you love and the money will follow." I figure that statement used to read, "Do what you love and the money will follow because of your natural aptitude, ceaseless hard work, and passion." Yeah, whew, they had to shorten the statement so that it would be a catchy quote. They thought the whole "hard work" thing was implied, I guess they were wrong.
I agree that sometimes we do whatever work we have to in order to make money so that we can do the things we love. I know that some jobs that need to get done might not be easy to love. I agree that some things should be kept as hobbies. I also can site personal experience for how money complicates our passions. Still, I strongly believe that we should attempt to have a day job that we love, or at least I should. It's a choice I make for myself and if someone asked me my opinion I would give them similar advice. We spend so much of our precious time at work. Having a day job we love doesn't mean we are happy and carefree everyday. That's not the definition of love we are talking about.
Let me clarify. It's not about doing something you love so that work doesn't feel like work. It's not about loving your job because it's always fun and easy. It's not about always being happy. In fact, it could be argued that it's the opposite. Doing something you love probably means you will work harder than ever, have ridiculous expectations, and care a lot about the outcome. It won't be easy and stress-free. Think about the people you love most. Don't you love them "in sickness and health, good times and bad?" Don't you work hardest on the relationships you have with people you love? Words are difficult. You might hear someone say, "when I'm doing what I love it doesn't feel like work." This is not to mean that said person isn't working. In fact, it is likely they are working really hard. Sometimes it doesn't "feel" like work because they have natural aptitudes and passions that make it enjoyable. It's still work. There is still effort involved.
People that search for dharma or a calling aren't just looking to have a "dream job" so that they can coast through life. Happiness is not about always being on vacation, happiness often means using the skills and gifts that we have. It's not simply "I love to do yoga so I want to get paid for it." It's more about a love to teach, share ideas, and help others so I'll teach yoga... or coach soccer... or write a blog... or share ideas with friends. It's not even always about the doing something related to the thing you love. Sometimes it's about doing something related to the things you love doing. It's about utilizing your strengths and aptitudes.
Sometimes I think it would be easier to use my "degree" to get a "stable" job in a "reputable" industry like engineering. I know, however, that things that are easier aren't always better. Some people work for the sake of work. That's fine. That's their choice. Some people want to do something they love. Call us naive, call us dreamers, call us unrealistic... but know that we won't give up.
After all, doing something we love is something we are willing to work for!
Here's a neat post by someone more direct on the subject: Doing what you love ...instead of some shit that sucks. I tried to find a argument for the other side but I suppose I'm a little biased.
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