For anyone who has known me for a while will attest, my job has defined who I am. Because of recent events, I have been forced to make a change. Day to day we all strive to do well at our jobs without burning out, but keeping with the metaphor, how many of us actually achieve something above putting out the fires?
I have been lucky in accepting a position which allows me to make a positive difference in people's lives. I help them towards a new career by providing them with an opportunity to train towards a career in the trades. If I had it to do all over again, I would choose a trade. I have been an amateur cabinet maker who has actually done some custom commissions and enjoy the fulfillment that both my client and I enjoy as a result.
I have spent the majority of my career concerning myself with sales figures and where I placed on a company spreadsheet in terms of results. While measurable achievement is a method of performance ability, it is in essence transitory at best. In fact, my resume reflects over 15 years of effort for companies which no longer exist.
One memory in particular represents what my commitment to my employer resulted in. I interrupted a week long vacation with my young family in order to attend a sales meeting in Toronto. My wonderful wife never complained and took my children to the zoo in Toronto. I spent all day Wednesday in a stuffy board room (or should I say bored room) while my family was out making memories.
I no longer remember what the product was that I was that I was learning about, and the company I worked for no longer exists. What a waste. My company not only ruined my vacation, but this "mandatory meeting" simply was not as important as my rest and time with my family. People talk about selling out, but in this case I feel as if I was held up and robbed.
We have such a short time in this life to make a difference in people's lives, and up until this point, I have not been able in my professional life to commit to that obligation. Now I am in a position to do so. The monetary compensation is not immediately as great as in my former position, but I feel much more satisfied and happy. Is that not really what it is all about?
