Why you should stop doing work just because you’re good at it
Including 7 real reasons why you should start doing things you love instead
Some years ago, I met a woman at an interior design course. She had recently resigned from her job at an Investment Bank and decided that from now on, she would only do things she enjoys. That’s why she was in that course. She was curious about interior design. She didn’t have a plan of how to implement her new skills, other than using them in her own home.
“Wow!” you are so brave, I said.
“I recently lost my dad and realized that life can be so short. I’ve decided to stop wasting my time on a job that I don’t care about.” she replied.
Remember, this was some years ago, fast forward and that is me, sitting on the other side of the table, telling a scared woman that she should stop wasting her life.
Stop wasting your precious life and start doing things that you love!
When my husband started his company, I offered to do his bookkeeping. Not because I wanted to, only because I knew how, and he said that he “really hates it.” For months I did his accounting, next to my regular job that I also wasn’t that fond of, and every weekend when I had to take out the laptop, the binders and dig out the expense reports, invoices and receipts I was in a really bad mood. Not only the hours when I sat with the bookkeeping were impacted by my mood. I was angry days in advance because I dreaded those accounting hours that I had in front of me.
The funny thing is I didn’t really realize that this was the case until I had one of my meetings with a coach. Not until I spoke it out loud did I realize that bookkeeping wasn’t my thing. I never really wanted to do any accounting at all. There, I had said it! I went home after that coaching meeting and acted on it too.
Looking at the interior design woman’s and my stories there are several reasons why we should stop doing things we hate and start doing the things we love instead.
1. Life can be short, let’s not have any regrets
We have all read the outcome of interviews with people that are on their deathbeds. None of them were connected to regret in connection with when they stopped doing something they hated. Regrets are usually rather in line with, “I wish I had been braver.”, “I wish I’d taken more chances.” and “I wished I had spent more time with my family”.
2. You’ll be an inspiration to others
That interior design woman definitely inspired me. I don’t even recall her name, but she definitely left her mark on my memory.
Many people are afraid of taking that scary leap to start pursuing their dreams. They come up with all kinds of good or even great reasons why they won’t achieve it. By pursuing your dreams, making them come true, you will show others that it is possible.
3. You’ll feel more fulfilled
There is a lot of talk about finding your “why”. What it is that drives you and essentially makes you happy. This is probably one of today’s major challenges and finding ones “why” isn’t something that you do on an afternoon. But, when you do things you love, independently of how small or big they are, you'll feel more content and happier. That will even make you feel better about doing things that you don’t enjoy as much, because you know that the majority of your time is filled with things you love.
4. You’ll learn more
When you are passionate about what you do, you automatically take an active interest in learning more about it.
I don’t know how many mandatory trainings I have done in my old career. Every time a new mandatory training popped up in my inbox, I had to add a reminder in my calendar to not forget completing it on time. Today I read and learn for the fun of it. For my own sake. Not because I have to.
5. You’ll get new friends
It is much easier to connect and getting to know people that share the same passions. You have common interests that you will talk about when you meet (or chat). In my experience, people are also much more likely to be open and connect when they meet a soulmate.
6. You’ll be successful
Doing what you love gives you extra motivation to meet your goals. No-one will have to cheer you on. You will do your best work anyways because it’s fun.
I know, it is really scary, and especially if it’s something completely out of your comfort zone.
7. You’ll be happier
Wouldn’t you love to be one of those who jumps out of bed on a Monday morning? To not have any regrets about the work week that just started. Your career should make you feel good emotionally, both in and out of the office.
The woman from the interior design course - I have no clue what happened to her after that course, or where she ended up. Whether she still only does things she enjoys doing. I certainly hope that’s the case.
By doing something you love, you will be in a better mood. Your family, friends and colleagues will thank you for it. Trust me. I know.
See you on the inside!
