You Deserve to Love Your Job

I always keep a couple of questions ready whenever I meet someone new. These questions range from serious to funny. I hope you have some questions as well.

Last weekend, I was in Hampton, VA, competing in a professional bowling tournament. Fridays are reserved for the practice session and pro-ams, and I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to bowl the pro-am last weekend.

Pro-ams are great public relations events for the bowling center and the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) Tour. I didn’t expect to have this conversation during a Pro-Am event at last week’s tournament, but I’m glad I did.

Here are my go-to questions:

1.????Where is the best place around here to get a great doughnut? I’m in the South, and someone must have a great doughnut!

2.????Who’s got the best ice cream in town? If I don’t want a doughnut, I’m going for the ice cream! LOL. Truthfully, I’m being more intentional about what I am eating, but the questions are great conversation starters.

3.????What do you do for work? I’ve got lots of things to talk about, especially when they hear I had a 25-year career in education and now have my own business as an executive and career transition coach. Plus, I’m a professional bowler. It’s a unique combination.

I spoke with a young woman, probably in her early to mid-20s, who told me about her difficult career/job situation. She said, “You deserve to love your job, right?”

I didn’t say anything. We just locked eyes.

I saw her pain and frustration.

I listened as she talked about her education, only to enter a profession she felt wasn’t heading in a great direction.

I heard her contemplate a career pivot and held space as she talked about how uncertain she was about what was next for her and her career.

Career paths are messy.

I’ve discussed this many times and will continue to do so. There is no shame in not liking what you do or wondering how you will stick it out for the rest of your career in the job, industry, or profession. We question our career paths several times. It’s part of the process as we grow and evolve.

Today is my birthday. I’m beyond grateful for another trip around the sun and blessed with a loving spouse, family, and friends and a job I truly love. I’m having the best time I’ve ever had in my career helping mid-career professionals who feel stuck, undervalued, and underutilized SHOW UP to find a job they love or love the job they have.

Comment below about what you love about your job/career, or message me and let me know what’s frustrating you about your career right now. I know I can help you figure out what’s next, and I’d be honored to help you build Your Mid-Career GPS.

Remember, how we SHOW UP matters.

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This Week on The Mid-Career GPS Podcast

Episode 151 – How We Find Our Mid-Career Voices (A Personal Story)

Do you remember the first time you stood up for yourself? Whether on the playground at school or in the boardroom, standing up for yourself is a powerful and memorable moment.

When I was in elementary school, I gave myself the nickname “Everlast” because I was the school’s punching bag. I was bullied and harassed, but I took those experiences and learned from them. They are, in large part, how I found my voice.

In this episode, I share a few personal stories I’ve never shared before about how I found my voice after standing up for myself – both on the playground and in the workplace. These moments improved my confidence, and I hope that sharing these stories helps you overcome whatever is holding you back from your greatness.

This is a personal and powerful episode with some sensitive topics. Listener discretion is advised.

Episode 151 – How We Find Our Mid-Career Voices (A Personal Story)

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#ICYMI – Make Sure to Listen to These Wonderful Episodes That Recently Aired on The Mid-Career GPS Podcast

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Episode 148 – Four Questions for Your Career Clarity

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Episode 147 - Stop Trying to Convince People You’re Great

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Episode 146 – Tips to Increase Employee Engagement and Retention with Marcelle Yeager

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