In a recent conversation with a friend whose opinion I hold in high regard, something was said that really threw me for a loop. Essentially, the statement was this:
“I believe work is a curse, and my job is to make it as painless as possible for myself and my team.”
For those of you who know me well, you can image the level of my WTF!? reaction. For those that don’t, allow me to clarify. As a business advisor and coach, I work exclusively with artist-run businesses, like professional photographers.
One of the main reasons I do this is because I enjoy that most (all?) of the peeps who have chosen this line of work do it because they are passionate about doing it, in some way. I’ve yet to meet anyone who chose this industry because it was an better “curse” than others… though, my view is admittedly subjective. (My career has afforded me the ability to choose my work – or not.)
As a result, my entire work energy goes into helping others find a path to success in their business that “fits” them. Simply said, I want my clients to get clarity on who they are, what kind of peeps that would love to spend their professional life being with, and then matching those up in a business plan so they have the freedom to enjoy every day they practice their craft. I believe this is the only way to a sustainable personal services business practice. Again, that’s just me…
My question for you is… Do You Feel Work is a Curse? If so, what are you doing to un-curse yourself?
jeff
P.S. BONUS question: Not disclosing whether my friend is a man or woman was intentional… Do you also think this is a gender-connected thing?
P.P.S. (pimpage ahead) I still have open seats for my 1-day Biz Clarity workshops in Nashville, Jacksonville & Orange County, CA. Click HERE for info. (And, HUGE Thanks to SmugMug for “buying down” the class fees and letting me offer them for you for a lot less than normal.)
i think the quote was a man. and work you hate is a curse.
I think that many people go into the creative fields for the right reasons, but they easily get sidetracked and discouraged because there is more business and less creative then they thought. Artists need to be good business people just like anyone else. We need to be more realistic and find that balance between running a business and doing what we are passionate about. That is where people need clarity and focus.
I love what I do and would do it for free if I didn’t have mortgage payments. It has never occurred to me that I don’t want to be doing this, let alone that it’s a curse. I’m still amazed, from time to time, someone is paying me to do my job. I get to work with people all day long, playing, just making pictures.
Interesting comment. I have come to believe that a combination of nature and experience shape someone’s personality making them view the world either half-full or half-empty. That was a half-empty comment and tells you quite a bit about that individuals outlook in life or at least at this moment in their life. I can relate to the comment, but, would not want to have that person as my supervisor for very long.