The Importance of Aligning Your Career with Your Education and Intelligence
For almost thirty years now, I have not paid attention to making a living that is congruent with my level of education and intelligence. Money simply was not that important to me. However, that does not mean that I was not aware of the utility of money.
Money serves as a means of exchange in our society. Instead of bartering goods and services with each other, we use money to facilitate transactions. We exchange money for the goods and services we need, and those who receive the money use it to acquire the goods and services they desire. In this way, money plays a vital role in our exchange economy, making it impossible to live well without it.
While money is essential for meeting our basic needs and achieving a certain level of comfort, it should not be the sole driving force behind our career choices. It is crucial to align our careers with our education and intelligence to find fulfillment and success.
1. The Value of Education
Education is an investment in ourselves. It equips us with knowledge and skills that can be applied in various aspects of life, including our careers. When we pursue higher education, we are demonstrating a commitment to personal growth and intellectual development.
By choosing a career that aligns with our education, we are able to fully utilize the knowledge and skills we have acquired. This not only enhances our job performance but also allows us to contribute meaningfully to our chosen field.
2. Leveraging Intelligence
Intelligence is a valuable asset that should not be underestimated. Each individual possesses unique intellectual capabilities that can be harnessed to excel in specific areas. When we align our career with our intelligence, we are capitalizing on our strengths and maximizing our potential.
Working in a field that utilizes our intelligence allows us to thrive and achieve success. It enables us to solve complex problems, think critically, and make informed decisions. By leveraging our intelligence, we can make significant contributions to our profession and make a positive impact on the world around us.
3. Finding Fulfillment
Choosing a career solely based on financial considerations may lead to a lack of fulfillment and satisfaction in the long run. While money is important for meeting our material needs, it does not guarantee happiness or a sense of purpose.
When we align our career with our education and intelligence, we are more likely to find fulfillment in our work. We are able to engage in tasks that challenge us and provide a sense of accomplishment. This fulfillment extends beyond monetary rewards and contributes to our overall well-being.
4. Achieving Success
Success is not solely measured by financial wealth. True success encompasses personal growth, professional achievements, and a sense of fulfillment. When we align our career with our education and intelligence, we are setting ourselves up for success on multiple levels.
By utilizing our education and intelligence in our chosen field, we are more likely to excel and achieve recognition for our work. This recognition can lead to career advancement opportunities, increased job satisfaction, and a higher level of personal and professional success.
5. Making a Difference
Aligning our career with our education and intelligence allows us to make a difference in the world. When we are passionate about our work and have the necessary knowledge and skills, we can contribute to positive change and impact the lives of others.
Whether it is through research, innovation, or providing valuable services, our aligned career enables us to leave a lasting legacy. We have the power to make a difference in our chosen field and contribute to the betterment of society.
In conclusion, it is essential to align our career with our education and intelligence to find fulfillment, success, and make a meaningful impact. While money is important, it should not be the sole determining factor in our career choices. By leveraging our education and intelligence, we can create a career that is congruent with our abilities and passions, leading to a more fulfilling and rewarding life.
After UCLA College of Letters where I obtained PhD is Philosophy, Psychology and Religion I got a teaching job at the University. I felt uneasy teaching. I applied for a job in the mental health field; I got many offers and within two years was running the mental health center where I worked, supervising psychologists and psychiatrists who have been in that field for many decades.
Eventually, I felt bored by the job (of been executive director...I was barely thirty two years old when I was the executive director of the largest mental health agency in the city where I lived) and quit and tried doing other things.
Nothing I tried worked out for me. So, I did other executive director jobs but eventually wound up quitting and returning to college teaching until I felt that teaching is too easy for me; I felt unchallenged being a college professor (I filled my time writing on assorted subjects that interested me).
Eventually, I realized that I have a destiny and fate. My normal routine is to read until I go to sleep (although there is a huge TV in the house, I seldom watch it) and get up around 5 AM, think for a while, and then go to my computer and type the thoughts that I just had in my sleep.