Knowing the Role vs. The Keys to the Building
I have a book hangover this morning.
I won’t say which book I read, because I once said I’d never, ever read it. (Never say never.) Furthermore, I don’t agree AT ALL with the book in terms of its treatment of women. In fact, I’m so opposed to it, I’m not going to even mention the name of the book here. (But I will say, if anyone cares what my opinion is on the lead male character for the movie series that I’m sure is coming shortly – my vote is for Ian Somerhalder–he’s got the ‘steel eyes’ vote pretty much wrapped up in my book.) That’s all I have to say on that matter.
However, the book-that-shall-not-be-named triggered a thought for me regarding the world of work–one that I definitely know more about.
There are really two ways to approach your career:
1. To know and accept your role (as the path this book reminded me of), or
2. Just pretend your first job into a place isn’t a job, a title or a specific role–it’s just the keys to the building, and what you decide to make of your career is yours–i.e. Choose Your Own Adventure.
Path 2 isn’t my original thought – it is Tina Seelig’s. That is – your job can be what you MAKE of it–you don’t have to resign to a job description, a specific role, or a defined employment contract. Instead, your first gig is just the back stage pass to the LaLaPalooza of possibilities.
The lead character/female of the book struggled with path 1. Good. For. Her. I’m a big fan of path 2, as you can tell. The question is: what is YOUR favorite path there when it comes to work? Do you really like sticking to the four corners of your job description, or are you going beyond it and stretching yourself and your limits? Are you growing in your job, or are you stuck? I say, fight it. If it’s not you, fight it. YOU are responsible for your life–no one else is–and that includes your professional growth and development.
That’s all I have today. I’m now going to look for more coffee. #booknerdproblems
