Finding Joy in Your Life Work!

In The Beginning. ...?

I grew up in a mining town in Northern Ontario, ever eager to start my 'dream’ job as a miner on my 18th birthday. It became my reality in1970.?

Well into my ‘career, one day, sitting in a ‘lunchroom 4,800 f. underground, I was overcome by the realization that surely, there had to be more to life than this.??

In 1977, I made the move – I sold the house and the boat and enrolled in a computer technician course in Toronto. Three years later, I graduated. The year was 1980.?

Ottawa, known as the "Silicon Valley of the North," beckoned me with promises of high-tech riches and opportunity. Led by $ signs, I relocated my family of five there, and over the course of the next 23 years, I ventured into entrepreneurship, launching two small businesses. After several highs and lows, by 2002, once again I found myself longing for that something that would give my life greater meaning.?

I don’t push my faith, but I do call Jesus Christ Lord, and it was in my flailing that He taught me two important lessons about the stirrings of my heart. The first was the realization that the reason I didn’t succeed in either of my previous careers was because my lack of genuine passion contributed the most to their lack of success. My heart was never fully engaged.??

The second took a bit longer but it was the game-changer.?

In 2004, Ottawa experienced a major weather event and thousands of property owners and homes were devastated in the aftermath. My son Darren, working as a project manager for a restoration company, invited me to come and help him and though I knew little about the industry, I agreed and soon after, I found myself being assigned projects of my own.?

One of my first solo claims was with #Economical, (now #Definity) and I attended site with an adjuster from #Eco named @KevinColton. As we sat at the table listening to the homeowner recount her story of the fire that destroyed her kitchen, she burst into tears. To my amazement, I watched Kevin get up and kneel before her, patting her hand gently while reassuring her that we were all there to help and committed to restoring their home and lives.??

My heart woke up at that moment – my Lord forever cementing my virtues of faith, compassion and empathy together with serving people in crisis after they’ve suffered a property loss. A desire to serve in the restoration industry was born!?

Fast forward 20 years, and it’s clear that my Christian faith played a significant role in shaping our company vision which today, reads: “to provide extraordinary care while serving people in their time of need.” and firmly set empathy and compassion as the cornerstones of all our endeavors.????

The ‘shepherding’ attitude of walking with customers in crisis until we return them back to the places and lives, they love, has created a culture of engagement where every member of the Paul Davis Ottawa team is deeply involved and committed, finding joy and satisfaction in their determined efforts.?

In reflecting on my journey, I've learned that true fulfillment comes from following your heart and embracing change, even when it means taking risks. Genuine passion is essential for success, and empathy and compassion can transform any career into a meaningful endeavor. By staying true to my faith and its' instilled values and and an investment in continuous learning, I found a purpose-driven path that not only brought me joy but also allowed me to make a positive impact on others. This journey has taught me the importance of resilience and the power of aligning work with a greater purpose, creating a culture of engagement and satisfaction for myself and my team.?

Hopefully, as you read this, all you who find yourself going through the motions in a career that offers nothing back experience a bit of a wake-up call.

Surely, there has to be more to life than that!