Why I Swapped Money for Passion

"Stop chasing the money and start chasing the passion" - Tony Hsieh.

 Losing passion in an employer is never an easy thing to come to terms with but it usually means your goals and desires have changed. Having been through this myself over the last few years, I believe it's vital that people understand how to identify this change in goals and take the right steps to get back on track and find their passion!

 I hope that over this article I can share a little insight to my experience and help guide you to make the right choices going forward.

So how did I notice my goals were changing?

Looking back now, I feel this process took me way longer to identify than I hope it does for those that need to hear this. Hindsight is a wonderful thing.

Over 6 months, I started to see a decline in my happiness at work, my happiness outside of work and general motivation - the real 'me' just wasn't about anymore. But I was earning good money, so what was the problem!?

'Moneys great, I'm hitting my KPI's but why am I feeling like this?' I sought the advice of a trusted colleague, they asked me 'What I enjoy about my job?'. I couldn't answer, I was stumped, lost for words.... which if you know me doesn't happen very often.

I started asking myself some tough questions:

·        What do I enjoy about my role?

·        Why do I go to work?

·        How meaningful is the outcome of my work?

·        Do I care? Do they care?

·        Does the company share my own values?

·        What am I missing in my role?

·        Is it enough, am I happy to continue doing what I'm doing?

·        Am I being challenged?

·        Am I meant for something better?

“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” – Steve Jobs

I must have used a couple of trees’ worth in note pads going on this journey but each of these questions got me 1 step closer to realising what I truly wanted and the ability to start to come to terms with the fact, it wasn't my current employer. However, in true Katie fashion, there was still a niggle in my mind, that I should stay as I can earn an easy buck... I took my thoughts to my managers in hope of making for a happier working environment (who welcomed the conversation!) But then I must have gone a week without laughing in the office and it hit me, like a HGV on the M27....

Money isn't enough to keep me satisfied in my role! I'm no longer passionate about the work I do.

*eyes finally open*

Then I went on a whole new journey:

·        What am I good at?

·        What do I enjoy?

·        How do I thrive at work?

·        What's important to me?

·        How can I make an impact?

·        What do I want from my future?

·        How on earth do I find this?

So, what next?

It's never an easy decision to make when it comes to changing companies but if you are passionate you are doing it for the right reasons and have a clear idea of what you want in your future, it's a million times easier!

 I knew I needed to find a company with values I was passionate about, who could challenge me but most importantly, a business where I could have a positive impact on people’s lives - after all I am a people person.

 Then I was introduced to Greystone. They ticked every single one of my boxes from the very first conversation and have continued to do that every day since. Even though I went on tough journey of questions and decision-making the outcome was a million times worth it.

 Here's how changing money for passion has positively impacted my work life:

·        I'm happy and motivated at work, my days fly by.

·        I am more focused.

·        It increases my contribution to work.

·        I wake up before my alarm every day.

·        It's driving my desire to develop professionally.

·        A much healthier work/life balance.

·        It's not a 'workload' anymore.

“Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work.” – Aristotle

Not only have I found a company that makes me happy but that also prioritises the happiness of others, which also resulted in me being much happier outside of work, which also means:

·        I'm less stressed.

·        I've got more time with enjoy with my loved ones.

·        More time to explore new hobbies.

·        Truly be me!

So, what should you take away from this?

You spend most of your daily hours working, and if you are not passionate about what you do the entire day, then you will not secure the results you desire - FACT.

Be passionate, be happy and achieve great things!

Honestly, I kind of wish I had my own 'Greystone' to help me on this journey, so I am here for you if you need to talk.