The Work That Has Chosen Me to Do It

There was a long time when I believed that I chose the work I did.

One of my deepest, lifelong values is justice. I went to school, deciding what to study to move in the direction I had set for myself.

After school, I submitted resumes and interviewed for positions. Each job was a revelation. Each one taught me significant truths. Some were delightful, some were difficult, some were jobs I loved doing even within dysfunctional organizations.

I gained experience. I gained insight.

I thought work was like driving. Some people drove on a two-lane country road, and risked getting stuck behind a truck or a tractor. Some people sped down a six-lane freeway. Some people were pulled over on the shoulder with a flat tire or an engine breakdown, waiting for help.

I thought I could choose where and how I drove.

There were times when what I did was not what I had chosen. I began to recognize that I could not control everything I would like to have controlled. I could appreciate that some of my most rewarding work experiences did not fit into my careful plans.

Some of the places that were drawing me to visit them were not on my intentionally chosen itinerary.

I realized that my work actually chose me. I learned that some work I thought I had chosen was not what I wanted to do. I was on a different road than I had expected to take.

Then I had a remarkable opportunity. I was able to take time to reflect on what I would do next.

I pulled together the work that had chosen me. Now I am exploring whether it is a real job.

Where is your road taking you?

What work has chosen you to do it?

[Image by Simon Blackley]