The Million Dollar Question
“Whatever you are by nature, keep to it. Never desert your line of talent. Be what nature intended you for, and you will most definitely succeed.” – SoulNeeds.com
So, the big question: What are you by nature?
What am I by nature? What IS my line of talent?
That question coupled with this thought:
“The pain isn’t being unable to finish. The pain is figuring out which project is worthy of being finished.” – Jonathan Fields
has been the bane of my existence.
Yes ladies and gentlemen, I’m back to square one – AGAIN.
But truth be told, I made the move to Arizona without actually researching the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism’s New Media program. I moved down as quickly as I did so that I could give myself the ASU opportunity, should I choose it. My job in Eau Claire was pathetic and I knew if I didn’t move in May, I wouldn’t be able to afford to move later. So now I’m down in Arizona working at a job I like that pays the bills, and have no idea which direction I want to move in career-wise.
Once again the Miami Ad School looks mighty tempting, and of course interior design came up as well. I’ve even checked out doing a community college programming degree so I could build and manipulate websites. I’ve thought about doing something in nutrition, fitness, and health – again. Where do I fit in? And WHY is this so hard for me?
Am I putting too much value on my career? Is that wrong? So many people just go into work for a paycheck. Are they happy? How can they be happy? I know that route’s not for me, but right now part of me wishes that it was.
What I want is to be a creative part of something bigger than myself. To be part of something that helps other people. And I immediately think of TOMS and One Day’s Wages. So, how do I add value, contribute, be remarkable? How do I live my dream career? What IS my dream career? Again, what IS my line of talent?
“Whatever you are by nature, keep to it. Never desert your line of talent. Be what nature intended you for, and you will most definitely succeed.” – SoulNeeds.com
By nature I am nice person. I am a person who likes to work with highly-competent people. I am a person who does best when her job gives back to the community and helps people improve their quality of life. I am a person who appreciates being recognized and rewarded for working diligently. Now, how do I translate that into a career that I love?
Oy. The million dollar question.
About Sara
Sara Hefty (B.B.A. and H.H.C.) teaches workaholic women how to have it all and flourish without burning out, binging or being spiteful. As an expert in transformational health coaching, she holds women accountable for letting go of unwanted weight, being brilliantly nourished, grounded in truth and feeling confident, happy and playful every single day.
As a woman with her own weight loss story, wide-ranging family heritage of cancer, and a graduate of the Institute of Integrative Nutrition, Sara’s appreciation for convenient nutrient-dense food, personal growth, inspiring design, financial responsibility, and social entrepreneurship led to her “Pursuit of Ownership: Health, Home, and Legacy” model of heart-on-fire-hot empowered living.
Sara is the founder of PROJECT LUX and SaraHefty.com. She currently lives in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, with her husband Brian and hound-dog Raja.
Since I’ve signed up for your blog I have read every one. Knowing you, I think you nailed the head on journalism Sara. Even my husband accidentally ran into your blog last week not knowing it was yours and said you have real raw talent here. You are doing what you are amazingly talented at. I actually sat down specifically to read your blog just now and ironically it is as if you were in my head, writing down the words that I had in my mind…after another successful interview I left today thinking, “I’m exactly what they are looking for, but they are not what I am looking for…” keep writing my twin, we need you. Love and hugs…
In my experience one very important question to ask is whether you prefer working for someone or having others work for you. Do you like managing other people? Do you want to be part of a team? Or do you want to work as an independent? This helps in figuring out your work style and from there you narrow it down to what your skill set is within that parameter. Obviously you’ve done the pros and cons already of different professions; on the list of those that appeal, which ones have aspects that you would not tolerate well. One of my best friends was a music teacher and a good one at that; however when she did not find a full time position, she took one as a volunteer director in a large hospital. It was a perfect fit–her husband knew she’d be good at it and encouraged her to interview. Her daughter got her major in hospitality using it as a hospitality director for Hyatt, planning weddings, conventions, etc. Both of these careers are niche areas that many are not aware of. This may all be old news to you, but if not, I wanted to be sure you explored other areas using the things you enjoy doing and where you shine.
@Lisa ~ Crazy that your husband ran across my blog! And congrats on the successful interview lady!!! (Even if only to realize the opportunity isn’t what you’re looking for at this time.) Tonight I spent a several hours reading through the Cronkite School of Journalism’s website, and they are THE. BEST. I’d been surprised to learn that the new media aspect of the program is, at most, three courses, and I let that new piece of information throw all my thoughts off kilter. Well, that combined with recovering from surgery and questioning whether or not it’s best for me to be 2,000 miles away from home. But, life happens regardless of where I’m located. Yes, this would be an easier decision if ASU was located in Eau Claire. But it’s not. So right now I have the opportunity to do everything I set out to do, and I’ve decided to not let my fear of…………..of being alone short-change what could be the beginnings of an amazing career. A real career. With depth and purpose and meaning and recognition. All the best my twin! And THANK YOU for the insight. I will keep writing!
@Karen ~ Funny you should bring up hospitality! I was a wedding planner for a few years and created a local bridal association to help consolidate marketing efforts of small wedding-based businesses in the Chippewa Valley. And to answer your questions: More often than not, I do like managing other people – and I’m really very good at it. I looooooove being part of an amazing team of people. I also like working independently, but do best when I have someone to report to like a president or board or the public. (Hence the blog. It provides a level of accountability!)