The Importance of Finding Meaning in Your Career
The Importance of Having a Job
Having a job is a crucial aspect of our lives as it allows us to make a living and sustain ourselves. In a world where no one else is responsible for our well-being, it becomes essential to have a means of supporting ourselves financially. While it is within one's rights to choose not to have a job, it is important to recognize the consequences of such a decision.
Choosing a Career Path
When deciding on a career path, it is essential to consider our interests, aptitudes, and passions. Finding a line of work that aligns with our natural abilities and brings us joy is key to leading a fulfilling life. By pursuing a career that we enjoy, our existence becomes meaningful and purposeful.
The Joy of Doing What You Love
Existentialist thinkers, such as Albert Camus, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Karl Jaspers, argue that finding fulfillment in our chosen work can bring a sense of joy to our lives. When we engage in activities that we are passionate about, our existence becomes more than just a mundane routine. It becomes an opportunity to express ourselves and find meaning in what we do.
By pursuing a career that resonates with our interests, we can find a sense of purpose and satisfaction. Whether it is in the arts, sciences, business, or any other field, the key is to find what truly inspires and motivates us.
However, it is important to acknowledge that finding the perfect career may not always be easy. It may require exploration, trial and error, and continuous learning. It is a journey that involves self-discovery and growth. But the rewards of doing what we love can far outweigh the challenges we may encounter along the way.
In conclusion, having a job is essential for our survival and well-being. While it is our right to choose not to have a job, it is crucial to recognize the consequences of such a decision. By finding a career that aligns with our interests and brings us joy, we can transform our existence into a meaningful and fulfilling journey.
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.