Embracing Time’s Essence: Investing in What Sparks Joy and Fulfillment

This post is for those who dislike their jobs yet find no way out.

We, as people, have little idea of how intricately intertwined our lives are, and yet we spend our entire lives complaining about the things we wish we could do.

Shifting Perspectives

One is often willing to perform tasks they dislike due to societal perceptions. A thought that fits here is one I’ve often heard in Jay Shetty’s podcast, influenced by Charles Horton Cooley, an American sociologist from the early 20th century: “I am not who you think I am; I am not who I think I am; I am who I think you think I am.” This statement captures the complexity of identity.

Ask yourself, how does your mind react when someone inquires about your occupation? It often rushes to find a more impressive answer for them. Let’s illustrate this with an example. If you work at a bank, you quickly respond, “I am a bank customer representative or the bank manager.” You swiftly convey an image of yourself to others. They are impressed not by your personal attributes but by the job title you represent. This is how society functions. We are busy impressing others rather than ourselves.

Navigating Job Dissatisfaction

Often, to satisfy our egos or evade reality, we claim to be content with our jobs. However, the truth may differ. Reflect on how frequently you find yourself saying to your partner with a pouty expression, “I’m already tired, can you handle this?” We complain about not having enough time for our kids, a busy life, missing out on the gym, and various other excuses. To be honest, with these repetitive complaints, many people miss out on the joys of life.

Harnessing Mental Resilience

People are willing to endure a 9-5 job they dislike. Using the previous bank example, they exert their mental energy to fulfill their role in the bank, not to express their individuality. Turning to physical health, one might need to join a gym or focus on their diet to maintain it. In both scenarios, time is limited and often not utilized optimally.

Let’s simplify this. Imagine someone who loves composing music, doing so in their spare time. However, to support their family, they work as a bank manager, engaging their mental faculties extensively. Most of their time is consumed by addressing customer inquiries, paperwork, and the like. They dedicate very little time to their music in order to find solace. Instead of using their mental energy for music, they channel it into banking.

Carving Space for Creativity

You might think they can’t just stay home and compose music; they need to survive. That’s true. But who is compelling them to confine themselves to work that fills their mind with tasks, leaving little room for creativity? This sense of obligation arises from a perceived safety, a reputable image, and uncertainty about succeeding in the music industry. By thinking this way, they remain in their current position. My point is, when faced with a situation where your passion calls, and you can’t leave your job, choose work that engages your body (physical work), such as customer service, the food industry, or transportation, allowing flexibility for your mind to engage where it’s most needed.

Navigating Time and Money Management

Again, it’s subjective. Those lacking personal goals often adopt company goals. This is fine as long as you find happiness in it. However, if you ever feel that it doesn’t reflect who you are, I suggest placing yourself in a situation where the distinction between physical and mental work blurs. Perform mental work in ways that bring you peace, enhance your strengths, and bring you closer to your true self, while physical work, regardless of whether you earn from it or pay for it, brings numerous health benefits. Having said that, instead of spending money on gym memberships or dietitians for physical health, consider seeking out work that involves ample physical movement. The essence of my message is to preserve your mental energy for tasks you are passionate about. Immerse yourself in relevant literature, watch videos on related subjects, and connect with individuals who share your interests. Engaging extensively with those who excel in the same field can be immensely beneficial. This approach not only conserves valuable time but also directs your energy purposefully within the constraints of time available. This post is directed towards individuals who are dissatisfied with their current jobs and struggle to balance their time in a manner that allows them to pursue their passions.

Unveiling Peace and Success in Daily Life

The day you cease to be influenced by others’ opinions and are open to any work while staying close to your passion, you will discover your happiness and find your way out of this predicament.

We have just one life to live. Living isn’t merely about waking up each morning and going through the motions with half-hearted effort or, at times, no effort at all. To truly live means to embrace each day, each minute, and each second with a whole heart. Happiness lurks like a concealed shadow behind every task we undertake. It emerges as an abundance of happiness when we engage in tasks that bring us peace. It’s possible to experience happiness daily, without the necessity of extravagant vacations. The familiar notion of needing a five-day break to recharge could shift if one engages in endeavors that leave them feeling invigorated and vibrant every day.