#Joblove is exactly what it sounds like. Its a hashtag to indicate that a person, does in fact, love their job, or some aspect of their job. The thing about #joblove is that it’s typically attached to certain kinds of scenarios: People traveling for work (i.e., “Charleston bound *emoji with hearts in its eyes* #joblove”). People exercising for work. People getting to wear whatever they want at work. People going to work whenever they want. People getting paid lots and lots of money to do their work. People having FUN at work. People having a kind, loving, supportive community within their workspace. You get it. #Joblove emerges when work becomes super rewarding, to the point that it doesn’t feel like… work.
Some of us might tell ourselves that these people mentioned above just got lucky, and that #joblove doesn’t exist for everyone. But I’m writing today to tell you that’s not true, and that you too can have a slice of the sweet #joblove pie. You just have to believe in it.
I’ve had some crappy jobs. Dog-walking in the dead of winter. Telemarketing. Daycare. I know what #jobhate feels like just as much as I know what #joblove feels like. It starts with these 3 things:
#1. Accepting that work is hard
If you think #joblove is defined by a lifestyle free of difficulty or stress, well then you’re not quite understanding what its really about. I have a really awesome job with Kula for Karma. But truthfully, the work can be difficult. There is a lot of problem solving. It requires I look at a computer a lot. In fact, I bring my computer almost everywhere with me. I’m on call most days of the week, even when I travel. Emails and conference calls are part of the daily routine. I do a lot of sitting. I do a lot of running around. Sometimes, like any job, it can be a lot. However, I’d much rather find myself being tested and a bit stressed out by my job, than being totally bored of it. More importantly, I’ve also found that the challenges of a tough job are so much more rewarding when you…
#2. Understand the end product
The thing that invigorates me the most about Kula for Karma is not just understanding, but experiencing our organization’s end product: getting yoga and meditation to people in need, free of cost. A few weeks ago I subbed one of Kula’s weekly yoga for cancer classes at John Theurer Cancer Center. First, I huffed and puffed about having to teach because it put some stress on my already busy schedule. But then I remembered how important it is to experience what is happening at the very end of all the work I do behind the scenes. As always, it was a heart stirring experience. These people at the cancer center (and at many other facilities) are so committed to their practice, their little yoga community, and their healthcare. They are so, so grateful for our volunteer services, and they show it to you with hugs, smiles and the admiration in their eyes. So when I got back to the computer I had a refreshed feeling and appreciation for the “work” I have to do for those people to continue to have that experience. Which leads me to my next point…
#3. Appreciating the end product
If I had gone to that yoga class and realized that it in no way, shape or form resonated with me… then #joblove wouldn’t be possible for me at Kula for Karma. I encourage you to take a moment and look your job and career. Is it hard sometimes? Does it feel like work? Remember, thats a part of the process. But what is the end product of the work you do? Have you experience experienced it, or at the very least, attempted to understand it? Do you believe in it?
All of these questions will tell you if #joblove is possible for you right now. Sure, #joblove can be slapped onto a picture of a person traveling for work, or associated with the excitement when someone receives a sweet bonus. But the true essence of this idea is being connected to what you do. #Joblove emerges when work becomes super rewarding, to the point that it doesn’t feel like… work. But that only becomes possible when you can mindfully create appreciation for the work that you do. If you can’t find or create that connection, then perhaps #joblove exists for you elsewhere.
