The Perfect Job
Dear Girlfriends,
Just the idea of perfect work makes me laugh out loud. Yes, I enjoy running my own marketing company, but let me tell you - it ain't perfect.
As a young professional, my Pushmi-Pullyu of Perfection required that my work be exhilarating in every way. I thought my daily labor should be intelligent and interesting; the people I work with should enthusiastically accept my direction and input; the customers I served would appreciate the daily investment I would make to ensure their success; my superiors would recognize and congratulate me on a job well done by promoting me to a role with more authority; oh, and the job would pay mega bucks as I make a difference for mankind. Ha. Ha. Ha.
As it does with most high-achievers, my Pushmi-Pullyu of Perfection was stalking me in my profession. The epiphany would not come for several years, until I finally realized that it was not the work itself but my expectations that were warped. So, just like I accepted that Mr. Perfect didn't walk the face of the earth, I came to the conclusion that perfect work doesn't exist, either. But by rethinking how I looked at my work, I achieved much greater satisfaction without having to change my career. Let me show you and maybe it can help you tame your beast, too.
The Pushmi-Pullyu Thought:
My work must be purposeful and, in the grand scheme of life, make a difference.
Taming the Pushmi-Pullyu:
It's not likely that marketing technology products will change the course of anyone's life - but my profession allows me to fulfill my purpose, which is to encourage my girlfriends. My hobby, not my work, fulfills my passion that allows me to contribute to something greater than myself.
The Pushmi-Pullyu Thought:
I am not fairly compensated for my contributions to the organization.
Taming the Pushmi-Pullyu:
Compared to people who really do make a difference - teachers, clergy, social workers, police officers - I'm grossly overpaid for what I contribute. Rethinking this ... now I'm embarrassed by what I earn compared to these who have given their lives to careers that I wouldn't do for all the tea in China.
The Pushmi-Pullyu Thought:
I am bored with this work - I think I have outgrown the organization.
Taming the Pushmi-Pullyu:
Since I can complete my tasks more efficiently than others, I can further contribute by helping my co-workers with their workload. Aha, maybe I can contribute to mankind and work here after all!
The Pushmi-Pullyu Thought:
I'm sick of our customers' unappreciative attitude; they're so high-maintenance!
Taming the Pushmi-Pullyu:
No high-maintenance customers, no job. I am thankful for every one of our customers - regardless of their ability or desire to express appreciation. My role is to be gracious, regardless of their apathy for the sacrifices I make. Besides, what goes around, comes around.
The Pushmi-Pullyu Thought:
I'm sick of my peers and their terrible attitude.
Taming the Pushmi-Pullyu:
I love my iPod and these new headphones are great! Praise God for those engineers at Apple!
If you work in a job that you have chosen, if you serve in a role where you're competent, if you provide a service to others - either employees or customers, and if you feel good because you've done an honest day's work for an honest day's pay - that's about as perfect as it gets.
Congratulations,
Ellen
Posted by Ellen on June 26, 2007 2:28 PM
| Category: The Pushmi-Pullyu of Perfection
|
