If You're Unhappy With Your Job (Career), Consider This....

We all end up in adult diapers at some point.

Some Truths Pop-Out When Doing Hospice Nursing

I’ve been doing some hospice nursing over the last year and this type of healthcare is, well, certainly particular.

And, as the Doors (rock band) lead singer is quoted as saying, ‘No one gets out alive.’ Fundamentally this remains a universal truth to life—and death. The inescapable act of dying is something we will all do and something I see in my hospice work.

And this type of work is a gift: helping with transitions for the Dying and their families. Because, the ‘acute’ phase of dying is not that long…even though we all are doing it right now and have been since birth. But the acute, in your face phase, is short. And that means some truths pop out…

·???????? Like everyone ends up using adult diapers needing help from others.

·???????? Like everyone needs help standing up.

·???????? Like everyone needs help eating and toileting.

·???????? Like one sees what types of friends and family the Dying has... Or, if they have any at all that show up when the time calls for it.

Hard Truths and Good Dying

And the hard truth presents itself to the Dying: ‘Did you live your life well?’ ‘Do you feel complete about the time you’ve spent here’? ‘Do you have big regrets, or did you live authentically, honestly, and to your values?’

And the good truth of dying is that the Dying person sees, feels and is surrounded by the friends, family, community that they’ve built over a lifetime (and hopefully feels some peace with themselves).

Self Check-In

So that’s why, even if you’re in the 30’s or 40’s, its (truly) never too early to do a spiritual or emotional check-in. It’s never too early to ask yourself if you’re doing the thing that meets your needs. It’s never to early to ask yourself:

?? Are you being responsible and accountable to those who rely on you?

?? Are you actively trying to bring harmony into your life and your family’s life?

?? Are you building a loving community?

?? Are you being honest with yourself and those around you regarding your goals and preferences?

?? Are you exploring as much wonder in your life as possible? Meaning, are you experiencing things that leave you feeling astonished, and which bring you joyful surprise? ?

Reality Does Not Have to Be Contrary To A Life Well Lived

Of course, not every moment in life can be exuberant, but there should be moments when each of us feel awe and bliss, and in-harmony with our inner-selves, and loved by others…

And work, if aligned with our beliefs and values, can be another source of focus to our values—and not contrary to our existence. Sure, there are always times when we don’t want to create that excel sheet, or go to that meeting (which could have happened by email), or been assigned to some project…but…if on the larger balance and in the whole you are doing something that uplifts you and makes you feel proud of yourself, well then, you’re in the money.

Always Choose Work That Feels Significant

I always felt proud of the work I was doing when working as a clinical nurse. Whether in pediatrics, adult emergency medicine or hospice, I felt good about my contributions. The work was never insignificant nor unimportant. Sure, there were people around me who were petty or mean, and sometimes the shifts were hard. And of course, there were many a day when no one thanked me but—who cares? On the whole, it was good work.

And Remember, It Gets Late Out There Early

So, if you’ve been thinking about changing your career or job (or where you live or with whom you live), remember what the legendary baseball player Yogi Berra said, ‘It gets late early out there.’

No truer words have been spoken…

About the author: Julie Kliger is recognized by LinkedIn as a "Top Voice" in Health Care in 2015 & 2106, & 2107. She is a Healthcare ‘Strategic Realist’ who is passionate about improving health care and improving lives. She specializes in future-oriented healthcare redesign, optimizing existing operations, implementing new care models and strategic change management.?She is an advisor, clinician, health system board member, speaker and author. Please reach out to her at [email protected]