A Return to Meaningful Work

By Michael Knight

Tuesday 13 July 2010

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After family, children and the shock horror of a difficult separation throwing any form of order you had out the window, seeking a new job or line of work integrating yourself back into society may present its fair share of problems for you.

In fact you may find it hard to just do anything, contrary to much advice from well meaning associates and friends saying "just do anything". As much as you may have half wanted to, a real resistance with increased levels of stress may have inhibited you from proceeding down that path.

Alternatively, the stress of not knowing what to do, with it's accompanying boredom, frustration and lump of anxiety, may have equally plagued you impairing your cognitive capacity and keeping you stuck between a rock and a hard place.

What you are possibly craving for is to do work that has real meaning and purpose, similar to your role in the family as a primary carer or provider, giving you an identity that was enjoyable and in alignment with your nature. It was a glove that fit. Purpose, meaning and fulfillment — family had it all.

But now, faced with an often arduous and frustrating task of finding a new vocation, a new glove to try on and wear, can almost send you silly and cause you to be admitted to the nut farm, if you know what I mean.

However, getting your life back on track and a return to meaningful employment maybe easier than you think once you understand the problem that dwells within you and the relevant strategies open to you.

Firstly, the fear that cripples you must be sent a packin'. Eradicating fear with knowledge and in turn confidence, this power will set you free. Reinforced with a sense of purpose powered by faith will also be vital to you breaking out of the shackles of convict mentality that has kept you a prisoner for longer than you care to admit, or remember.

Understanding one's nature may just be the key to uncovering what type of work you are best suited for, gaining the satisfaction and enjoyment you have been craving, not to mention some financial benefits to help with life's daily necessities.

By doing each day, activities based on your inherent nature that please you, that preferably excite and stimulate, you can put an end to that repetitive loop of not being able to pinpoint that job solely based on a title or previously acquired skill set.

A love of something must come before any skills are truly learnt, for without love there is often no desire and furthermore no willingness for action, causing your train to come to a dead stop or more aptly, not pull out of the station!

A love of yourself and a good understanding of your nature may not be easy and totally apparent to you, and can take some time to discover or rediscover, either way it is necessary for you to get back up on that horse after your fall.

To help you with this exploration people can also assist. Not by them necessarily helping or giving to you, but rather by you observing in the many people you come in contact with, certain character traits that you may identify with, both desirable and qualities you despise or make you feel uncomfortable. Keep in mind that whilst you may wish to downplay these negative traits initially, in time, you may wish to adopt some element of these so called negative reflections to help with building your new character allowing you to function at a higher level.

In reality, there is no right or wrong, simply what you like and makes you feel good. Hopefully, it will be in alignment with a generous and righteous spirit, but hey, it is your life and journey.

So through your interaction with people and being aware, you will see in others a reflection of yourself, both good and bad. Remember, we are all fundamentally the same. An analogy of us humans might be compared to that of an audio equalizer, where we all have the same frequencies, however everyone has their own individual frequencies adjusted to what suits them, at any given time. The point is though, all your character attributes are adjustable. You have been designed for change so be sure to capitalize on this fact to broaden you experiences and fine tune yourself for optimum performance.

Over time you will piece together what fits for you, what you love about yourself, what you like doing which will ultimately determine what you will be good at. Hopefully with this insight you will point yourself into work that has both meaning for you and a daily calling that you will truly come alive in.

Do not fear flipping in and out of jobs and roles for awhile, as you get a feel for various environments. See this process as fun and exciting, until you cement a strong desire and interest for a particular vocation.

With love, kindness and peace
Michael