Are You “Settling” In Your Career?
July 20, 2010 at 5:50 pm Anthony Fasano 6 comments
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Civil Engineer and Professional Career & Leadership Development Coach
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I would like to make an argument that way too many people settle for less than they deserve in their career. I understand that this argument may hold less water in this economy, where people are just happy to have a job, but I still intend on making the argument.
Do you enjoy going to work each day? Are you challenged, engaged and/or inspired in your career? If you are not, then I would ask you why not?
Unfortunately our culture has forced many of us (not all of us) to adopt the belief that work isn’t supposed to be enjoyable – it’s all about getting a paycheck. I believe that all of life, personal and professional is meant to be interesting, exciting and joyful. That doesn’t mean that we don’t encounter challenges in our life, but most of the time these challenges present new opportunities for learning and growth.
During my graduation ceremony when I received my masters degree, the keynote speaker was the CEO of Harley Davidson. He rode into the ceremony on a beautiful chrome Harley. He stood up at the podium, in jeans and a pony tail, and started his speech with the quote, “This isn’t a practice life!” He then spent the next 15 minutes delivering an inspirational speech on how we only get to go around this merry-go-round once and it is our choice as to how we embrace it! That speech and quote had a profound effect on me and I hope to spread some of that inspiration to you through this post.
I challenge each and every one of you to take a good look at your career and ask yourself, “Is this really where I want to be?” If the answer is NO, start setting new career goals today and start going from where you are, to where you want to be. You deserve it!
Remember, “This isn’t a practice life!”
Entry filed under: Career Development, Civil Engineering, civil engineering blog.
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1.
Anthony Fasano | August 8, 2010 at 2:01 pm
Thank You Ben, I totally agree! Tomorrow is my daughters 4th birthday, I will be taking the afternoon off so we can take her to the zoo!
2.
Ben Matthews, P.E. | August 7, 2010 at 4:30 pm
Great points Anthony! This isn’t a practice life and my kids will no longer be newborns. Every day is special with them.
3.
Anthony Fasano | July 22, 2010 at 9:56 pm
Thanks Babette, there is always room for some type of improvement or development or just the time to try something new!
4.
Babette Ten Haken | July 22, 2010 at 11:33 am
You bring out some great points, Anthony. Identifying what is the status quo, and then deciding how to differentiate yourself within that environment, is a great way for continuous self-improvement.
5.
Anthony Fasano | July 20, 2010 at 8:49 pm
Thanks Jamie, I agree, we do need to always plan ahead, but way too many people are settling and I intend on changing that.
All the best,
Anthony
6.
Jamie Ross | July 20, 2010 at 6:17 pm
Great article Anthony! I think that’s a great motivational phrase – we do only get one go around, and we need to live a full day each day. I don’t think we should live every day as our last, because I believe building for the future is just as important. But there certainly isn’t time to waste years in a job that doesn’t excite or challenge us!
Thanks for the post!
– Jamie Ross (Mining Man)