Are you doing the work you love? I am at a crossroads…a dramatic, mid-life career crossroads. And as I stand here, confused, tired, overwhelmed, and looking for my next snack, I sometimes think I know more about what I don’t want than what I do want. But one thing I know for sure- I want to love my work. It might sound impossible or like I’m asking for too much, but that’s what I want. And I do think it’s possible. That conviction isn’t solving any problems over here, though! I’m still searching and confused…so the title of this book, 48 Days to the Work You Love, lured me in.
It’s been more than 48 days. And I’m not quite there yet. But I do feel closer, so…
Skip it, Buy it, Borrow it? Definitely borrow it, maybe buy it. But read it for sure.
48 Days to the Work You Love by Dan Miller was recommended in a Facebook group and I was intrigued by the title. 48 days or not, it was a great resource, an easy read, and I’m glad I read it.
It is obviously geared toward people who are “searching” in the job department. The book includes examples of people of all ages; I think it would be very helpful for young people as well as older people who are led or forced to figure things out for one reason or another.
It includes tons of practical information on interviewing, resumes, cover letters, job search etiquette.
Dan Miller also gets more philosophical about work- why we work, the role of work in our lives, finding happiness in the work we do.
Miller addresses the importance of having a well-rounded life, with a look at 7 areas of achievement: financial, physical, personal development, family, spiritual, social, career. I loved this part; it reminded me of Zig Ziglar’s Wheel of Life. (read this post where I touch on that!)
My post-it parts (those places in the book I took a picture or stuck a post-it):
People are increasingly saying, “I still don’t know what I want to do when I grow up.” And this is coming not only from the twenty-year-olds but from those in their forties and fifties as well. People often say this with embarassment, but the search for clear meaning should be a continued one for each of us. It’s healthy to ask, “Who am I?” and “Why am I here?” If you are still living out your life based on decisions made when you were eightenn, you may have reason to be concerned. Things have changed. You have changed.
I love that part because it was a lot easier (or at least felt more comfortable) to be figuring this stuff out when I was 18 or 25 when everyone around me was pretty much doing the same thing. Figuring it out at 45 when everyone around me is planning for their kids’ college funds and retirement makes it a little more isolating…and a little scarier.
On goal-setting…
Are you a goal setter? Do you typically set goals at the first of the year? If not, why not? Goals give you a starting point and a destination. It is the easiest way to give meaningful direction to your life, which releases you to effectively use your talents.
I need to write my goals down again! I’ve gotten away from this. While I think there’s something to be said for going with the flow, I also believe there’s value in putting to paper what you really want in life.
A quote I love from the book:
It is quite common and healthy at any point in life, to draw a line in the sand and take a fresh look at who you are, what you are doing, and where you want to go.
As I’m getting ready to return this book to the library (overdue, by a lot) I’m wishing I didn’t have to…if you choose to buy it you can find it here on Amazon.
But Dan Miller has a 48 Days website that is full of free resources! I love that…I have already checked out his recommended reading and some other things on there.
How is the “career” part of your life? I love hearing about this stuff…please reach out!
You can comment here (I love comments!), email me (I love emails!) at mary@stayathomefit.com, or find me on Facebook or Instagram.
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