Tag: #FindingBalance

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Finding the Balance: Why Liking Your Job is More Important Than Loving It

In a world where we’re constantly told to “do what you love,” it can feel like a failure if your job doesn’t set your soul on fire. There’s this pervasive notion that to truly succeed, you must be passionately in love with your work. But what if you’re not? What if you don’t spring out of bed every morning, eagerly anticipating the day ahead? Does that mean you’re in the wrong job, or worse, the wrong life?

I used to believe that loving your job was the ultimate goal, that anything less was settling. But after traveling different career paths and experiencing the highs and lows of work life, I realized that the key isn’t necessarily to love what you do, but to genuinely like it. Liking your job isn’t settling; it’s finding a balance that allows you to be content without the overwhelming pressure to be obsessed.

The jobs I liked the most weren’t the ones that perfectly aligned with my passions. They were the ones where I felt valued, respected, and content. These jobs gave me space to breathe, grow, and maintain my identity outside of work. I didn’t need to pour every ounce of my heart into them, but I needed to feel good about going to work every day. Liking your job means finding satisfaction in the everyday tasks, enjoying the company of your coworkers, and feeling that your efforts matter.

There’s a certain peace in liking your job. It’s not the adrenaline rush of loving something so much it consumes you, but a steady, reliable warmth that makes your days easier. You don’t dread Mondays or count down the minutes until Friday evening. Instead, you find yourself in a place where work complements your life rather than competes with it. This balance is invaluable, allowing you to show up every day with a positive mindset.

Today’s culture often romanticizes the idea of a “dream job” to the point where anything less seems like a compromise. But not every passion needs to become a career. Sometimes, what you love most is best kept as a hobby or side passion that doesn’t carry the pressure of paying your bills. Keeping that separation allows you to enjoy those passions without the added stress of turning them into work.

When you like your job, you can walk away from your workday with a sense of accomplishment without it consuming your entire being. You have the energy and mental space to pursue your passions outside of work, to cultivate hobbies, relationships, and a life that’s full and rich beyond your career. You can leave work at the office and come home to your personal life, ready to engage with the things and people that matter most to you.

Not every job will be your “dream job,” and that’s okay. There’s beauty in liking your job. It’s a quiet contentment that embraces the good in what you have. When you like your job, you can appreciate the moments of joy and fulfillment it brings without being consumed by the need for it to be everything.

And let’s not forget the importance of financial stability. Sometimes, a job you like provides the means to support your true passions and hobbies outside of work. It pays the bills, funds your adventures, and allows you to build the life you want. This isn’t something to dismiss lightly. In fact, it’s a key part of why liking your job is so important. It gives you the freedom to live the life you want without the constant pressure to turn every passion into a paycheck.

In the end, it’s about finding that balance—where your job doesn’t define or deplete you. Where you may not love every aspect of it, but you can still find joy and satisfaction in the work you do. And sometimes, that’s enough. When you like your job, you can find contentment in the everyday moments, knowing that your work is just one part of a fulfilling and well-rounded life. So, if you find yourself in a job that you like—one that gives you peace, stability, and space to grow—embrace it. It might not be the love of your life, but it could be the best companion for your journey.

xoxo
-S

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Dear 20-Something Me: A Letter from the Cusp of 40

Hey there,

I hope this letter finds you well, wherever you may be on your journey. As I sit down to write to you, my younger self, I’m filled with a sense of nostalgia and reflection. You’re at such an exciting time in your life – full of hopes, dreams, and endless possibilities. But there are a few things I wish I could share with you, a few lessons I’ve learned along the way that might make the road ahead a little smoother.

First and foremost, I want you to know that it’s okay to feel a little lost sometimes. Life is messy, and it doesn’t come with a roadmap. You’re going to encounter moments of doubt, moments of uncertainty, moments when you wonder if you’re on the right path. And that’s okay. Embrace the journey, my dear. Trust that every twist and turn, every bump in the road, is leading you exactly where you need to be.

I know you’ve been told countless times that you’re “mature for your age,” and while that may be true, don’t let it weigh you down. Being responsible is important, but so is embracing the joy of being young. Don’t rush through life trying to check off all the boxes of adulthood. Take your time. Enjoy the ride. And above all else, don’t forget to laugh – at yourself, at the world, at the absurdity of it all.

Oh, the adventures you’re going to have! From spontaneous road trips to late-night conversations that stretch until dawn, your 20s are going to be a whirlwind of excitement and discovery. Embrace every moment, my dear. Say yes to new experiences, even when they scare you. Take risks. Be bold. And never, ever lose sight of the fire that burns within you – the passion, the drive, the unshakeable belief that you can change the world.

But amidst the chaos of youth, don’t forget to take care of yourself. It’s easy to get swept up in the thrill of the moment, to push yourself to the limit in pursuit of your dreams. But remember: self-care isn’t selfish. It’s essential. Listen to your body. Rest when you need to. And don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. You don’t have to do it all alone.

As you navigate the ups and downs of your 20s, you’re going to encounter some rough patches. There will be moments of heartache, moments of disappointment, moments when you feel like you’re drowning in a sea of uncertainty. But here’s the thing: you’re stronger than you realize. You have a resilience within you that’s truly remarkable. So when life knocks you down – and it will – dust yourself off, my dear, and keep moving forward. You’ve got this.

And please, please don’t be in such a rush to grow up. I know it’s tempting to want to have it all figured out – your career, your relationships, your future. But trust me when I say that life is so much more than a checklist. It’s about the journey, the moments, the memories. So take your time. Enjoy being young. And know that it’s okay to not have it all figured out. You’re exactly where you need to be.

As I stand on the cusp of 40, I look back on my 20-something self with a mix of fondness and nostalgia. You were so full of hope, so full of dreams, so full of life. And while the years may have brought their fair share of challenges, they’ve also brought moments of incredible joy and growth. So as you continue on your journey, my dear, remember to cherish every moment – the good, the bad, and everything in between. For it’s in those moments that you’ll discover the true magic of being alive.

xoxo
-S