Have you seen that commercial about the guy who talks about the different kinds of bosses he has had? At the end, he says Now I'm the boss. I like the commercial in a way because it's funny and the actor is dressed nicely in a warm, comfy sweater and he's pouring award-winning wine in what seems to be his own winery. Nice picture.
The commercial disturbs me, though, because I think Why did he waste so many years doing something he didn't like? Did he work 35 or more years to fund the last ten years? That really bothers me. Maybe I am having a mid-life crisis or something but time seems to move a lot faster than it used to. I work with people every day who are unhappy in their work for one reason or another. Some have stuck it out for very good, responsible reasons while others seem to have just been stuck for lack of a better option. In working with clients for over twelve years, I have come to realize that everyone should find something they enjoy and brings them fulfillment. Not to do so is to waste too much time.
Job fulfillment is something different to everyone. Simply providing for your family and making sure the kids have a good education is considered fulfillment by some. Other people are fulfilled only if they are living at the top of the income scale while others shun responsibility and enjoy the lack of stress in their lives. There is not one-size-fits-all definition of job fulfillment but you will know it when you find it.
If you are thinking of making a career or a job change, now is a great time. The market is good and the economy is chugging along. Define fulfillment and map out a plan to go after it.