"Work for the money, the love will come after". This is a statement in a book on career management. It is not a general fundamental truth, though it is extensively true. People often work, want to work, change jobs basically for the financial reward. A lot is written about this in the "unemployment and unskilled labour" post.
However, people take up jobs for several reasons depending on the pyramid/hierachy of needs (Abraham Maslow) - Physiological, Safety, Sense of belonging, esteem, Self actualization. The lowest of the need is physiological, that is the basic need of food, air,shelter and clothing. And the highest is Self actualization.Looking at it from this angle, one can say that human needs vary based on social status. Someone can take up a job in order to have a sense of purpose and a sense of integration (self actualization). One will think that the basic physiological needs would have been satisfied before one can desire self actualization (i mean, why would someone want to strive to be the best he can without 1st being able to satisfy his lowest needs?). Perhaps, that is possible if the burden of meeting the primary needs is not directly borne by that individual.
People can also take up jobs to have a sense of belonging, feel a sense of identity and boost their morale. More often than not, a person without a job can develop an esteem problem regardless of status.
One cannot ignore the fact that money can determine what job we choose or even override the intent to do a job we really desire. Earlier today, a friend shared his experience (career wise) with me. He wanted a core IT job, but he was offered something in IT but not his actual desire. Anyway, it was difficuilt for him to reject the job because the pay was higher than he expected to earn even with his desired job. So he took up the job with the hope of resigning after a few months. Guess what? His salary was doubled after about 4 months and it became even harder and almost impossible to leave the job. Months ran into years and he still could not resign. Fortunately though, after a few years he started to do the type of IT job he wanted. He is beginning to get fulfilled on his job and the financial reward is not bad either.
Does that mean it is possible for one to start out on the tangent and still be able to get back in line? Well yeah, i guess. But one fact still remains which is - basic needs have got to be satisfied before other abstract needs can be satisfied. However, if one can, it's better to start up with what you really want and continue in it even if the pay is meagre(which is temporal). It's a learning process.
5 comments:
"... mean it is possible for one to start out on the tangent and still be able to get back in line?"
Yeah but, if one's not present minded one might get lost in the job & when one's finally awoken; ...oops, 'tis too late.
However, while one might choose either (what one actually wants or what's available with hope of getting what one wants) one should always a vision that's continually in ones mind's eye; this way one has a GOAL -which could mean different things to different people.
Cheers...
in an ideal environment, yes everybody wants to put their love first. in most environments, like ours, we find that the more important thing is earning a living. we find work actually being 'work' so not really meant to be enjoyed. our work hours, conditions and all show this. most people find themselves doing what brings them shelter and food first, then maybe find their love. the banking industry for example offers the most opportunities currently hence doctors, engineers, pharmacists etc find themselves "doing well" in those environments! and their love...?
@ Thotstimi
"Going off on the tangent while having the focus in mind" ( i know that sounds rather paradoxical). But just like you said, if the opportunity provides itself to follow one's dream while being present minded; then it's possible to get back in line. However, that is if one is not yet carried away by the incentives of the available job.
@ Wole
If i understand Wole clearly, he's saying that work in it's real nature is not necessarily enjoyable. I agree with u to an extent. reasonable extent
Work is 'monotonous'. Does that word not sound boring? Even the most interesting jobs (as it were) get really tiring.
Anyway, in my own opinion, enjoying one's work is a matter of choice. What's the point doing it when you can't enjoy it. One might as well enjoy it while it last so long as it is meeting a need (whatever need).
Fulfilment is an essential thing to be considered in getting a job, but the truth is, in a society that does not offer you a wide range of choices, many people put money first.
i would just say we should always consider the long term effect of the jobs we go for.
I do agree that its possible to start out in a tangent and still end up where your your strenght really lies and be fulfilled. The question however is, how many people end up on this side of life - being fulfilled?!
Someone says, money can't buy you love, however, it makes shopping for one easier and fun too. Money is good!.....if you have more than enough to spend and enough to give out.
However, as much as your career has a place in reaching this level, it isnt a guarantee for fulfillment. Some have more than enough and live a life of pain. Others barely have enough and are living a life of bliss.
True fulfillment comes when you end up making someone else smile and thank God for that day because you reached out with the reward of your job/career.
I would have wasted my life if i work just for the cash flow.
It should be job i wake up exited about to do.
A job should address much more than just ourselves. It should think of others.
As you enjoy your job,enjoy the prcess of living life for your neighbour....the fellow who doesn't have as much as you do.
Reach out with your job.....
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