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Q and A with the Vocational Coach
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Archive of last month's shared stories (Stories from February-2003)It was funny. I spent 15 years in accounting in a big 8 firm. Although I had countless performance reviews, no one ever bothered to ask me what I was actually interested in , never mind passionate about! I guess since I was interesting in opening up a art museum probably wouldn't have interested them or their bottom line. My boss and HR one day after one of my reviews asked me what I wanted to work on during the next review period. I blurted out the first thing that came to mind. I told them I wanted to work on my business plan to open up in the evening a small local neighborhood museum. You should have seen their reaction. It was like I started talking a foreign language. It was hard for them to imagine that I had other interests then balancing the books for my department. Worse yet, I felt like I was branded for life there. Looking back, who cares but at the time it seemed tragic. From that point I heard from HR that the perception was that I was not motivated! Well, that was a few years ago and now looking back, it was the most honest thing I ever did Sam, East coast buyer of art I really appreciate a site like this. It's difficult to share these feelings elsewhere, even with my spouse. I have been in my job around 15 years. Now they are going through layoffs and the funny thing is everyone is worried except me. I am secretly looking forward to being free. Not sure what I'll do but I know it will something I enjoy. I am 42 years now and I think it's my time now. George, west coast manufacturing manager My husband says I am a type A personality. He is probably right. I have been in high tech over 20 years and the thrill of projects and stock options is a real rush. Now that the projects and stock options have slowed down, I am feeling a little empty. My HR rep sent me to a personality class! Now I know I am a ENFJ or something like from the Myers-Briggs test. Boy, that was a waste of time. I knew before what I know now and that is I am just bored. Inside my heart, I have always wanted to sell real estate and that's what has always interested me. I realize the corporate world could care less about my passions so I figure it's time for once to look out for me! Sophia, West Coast project manager I think if I go to one more meeting to figure out the company's mission statement, I am going to get ill. I mean how many people over all these years ever spent time worrying about my mission statement! What gives these companies rights to just assume we don't have lives outside of work. I am not exactly sure what my passion is these days but I know I intend to find it! Sarah, Mid-west sales rep Our company gave us a career development course and assessment last week. The funny thing is the skills and jobs had to align to what was available internally at the time. Another words, the things I wanted to do didn't show up on the HR competences list so I was told to pick something else. Hmmn, I wonder if I did that with my kids who I also love, what would happen? I know one thing, I am pursing my vocational passion these days. Thanks for giving me this space to share Ryan, East coast engineer This is a great site...I just wish I found sooner! I need all the support I can get. After 20 years in the school district, I have had it with administration. I want to go into gardening. Not sure where to start but I know I can do it because this is what I love. No more days of driving to work, feeling jealous seeing the school gardener working outside all day! Tim, School administrator East Coast Not sure as you define it what my vocational passion is. I do know it's not what my parents think. They pushed me into medical school and I hate it. I want to work with emotionally disturbed children. My dad says that's crazy due to low pay. I know in my heart, I don't care because it's what I love to do. I haven't told my parents but for 3 months, I have been volunteering at a local school and loving every minute of it! Sammy, East Coast Medical student I found my vocational passion many years ago- cooking bread......That's what I do! I love it when people ask what I do and I tell them......I usually add that this is what I love to do...That seems to usually make them uncomfortable, and I don't know why. Ann, Bread maker West Coast I have a big family and I am currently working at a place I hate. I am doing it to keep some income coming in while I pursue my passion on the side. I love fixing old cars. As soon as I can figure out a way to make this my primary source of income, I am out of here! Bill, Accountant in the south I never used to believe in this stuff. Then one day, my dad died and and one of the last things he said to me was to always do what do you love. Until then I could never understand why all his life he worked on boats at the dock when so many of his friends said he could make so much more money doing other things. This last lesson from dad hit home. I have been working as an engineer for many years but always felt like it was just a job. Now I think I am going to search inside for what I love to do and maybe with a little help from dad, I'll find it! Kyle, west coast engineer |
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