I’ve been to many graduations and heard countless commencement speeches, some good, some bad. I’ve even heard one inspired by R. Kelly. The resounding message these speakers were giving young adults who are entering a new phase in their life is to “Love what you do!”, or “It’s not work if it’s fun”. This advice is just wrong. In this economy, there are few jobs available. It took me over a year to find employment post graduation. Opportunities are scarce and competition is fierce. Telling people, to only get a job because they love it is just irrelevant in our times.
A job is an opportunity to make money, learn new skills, make money, and if you’re lucky improve your future with health and pension benefits. Did I mention make money? A job should not be your life. I’m not saying to “leave work problems at work” because at the end of the day, you’ve spent most of your time there and what happens there will osmose into your personal life somehow. But you are more than your work, you have hobbies, pets, friends, charities you support, celebrity gossip websites, reality TV shows, things that define you outside of the nine to five.
Now you also should not hate your job. If you're overwhelmed and your job is affecting your physiological health, you should not stay. Your value shouldn’t be attached to your work. If you’re one of the lucky ones and have a great career you’re passionate about, that’s great and I’m truly happy for you. If your job is spent mostly filing paperwork and getting coffees, that’s okay too. EVERYTHING in life is a learning experience. Try to make meaningful relationships with your co-workers and invest your time outside of work wisely. Hit up that new gym class with your girlfriend, Netflix and chill with your cat or volunteer in your community. Your job is an occupation of your time, not a reflection of yourself.
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