Do What You Love

By Nancy Anderson; career consultant and author of Work with Passion in Midlife and Beyond

“Is it realistic to think I can make money doing what I love, especially in a down economy?” Carol asked, when she called to talk about her career goals.

“It is realistic,” I replied. “But employers, customers or clients have to see the value in what you do, and the work has to be what you do naturally and well, otherwise you won’t survive.”

Carol had tried several career options before we met, but none had lived up to her expectations. Her personal life was just as frustrating. She was involved with a younger man who wanted her to be like him, an extrovert who enjoyed socializing all the time. Carol did her best to keep up with his hectic pace and then felt drained and exhausted.

Carol’s autobiography (my client’s first assignment) revealed why she was out of sync with her natural rhythms. Her mother was a pretty, outgoing woman who had dreamed of being a model, but fear of rejection caused her to marry young and have children. Carol was the oldest of the three children and the only girl, so she was first in line to absorb the mother’s disappointment and thwarted ambition.

In addition to being attractive Carol was intelligent, but she downplayed this strength because she thought men would reject her. She made this illogical decision while growing up with an insecure father who made fun of smart women. Not surprisingly, Carol attracted men who admired her and at the same time felt competitive with her.

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Mel M.

10:53AM PST on Jan 19, 2012

Thanks!

send a green star

Emma S.

1:21PM PDT on Oct 18, 2011

I love my work almost all the time.

Susan W.

10:46AM PST on Feb 21, 2011

thanks!

Diane W.

12:16AM PST on Dec 19, 2010

I pray for the time that school's will take the time to help a child find out what they truly love, and support each and every child in their goals.

perlette a.

9:12AM PST on Nov 26, 2010

thanks.

will w.

12:38AM PST on Nov 26, 2010

who love me baby . no one

Margaret M.

3:11PM PST on Nov 21, 2010

Thank-you for such an informative & insightful article. It is amazing how sometimes we can be our own worst enemy.

jane r.

4:11PM PST on Nov 20, 2010

Never go to work! Always go to fun! If yuo love what you do you look forward to it with joy not dread.

dve d.

1:11AM PST on Nov 18, 2010

i love care2.com and clicking on saving this world and all living beings

Charles W.

6:56AM PST on Nov 16, 2010

Do what you hate, that makes a lot of money, live cheap and save a nice big nest egg. Then retire early and do whatever the hell you want whether you make money or not.