I Hate My Job…But I’m Getting a Paycheck!

Posted on January 17, 2012 by Brad Moore 458

Is bringing home a paycheck enough reason to remain in a job you hate? Dan Miller, in his book 48 Days to the Work You Love, tells the story of a young, Harvard-educated surgeon. As is the case with many young folks, he had unwittingly followed the career path of both his father and grandfather. Although he accumulated wealth and  was able to obtain and experience most anything, there was one slight problem. He was MISERABLE! He was miserable because he hated his job. In fact, he was miserable to the degree that he entered a psychiatric hospital to treat a heroin addiction!

Next is David – a guy I happen to know personally. Here is what he wrote shortly before he quit his last job.

I am miserable with my job. I repeat the same speech 5x a day while sitting in the same chair in the same office. I have been depressed during this time but have not been able to find any other job. At times, I have stopped searching because it has seemed like it was a waste of time and I would be stuck in this job ’til the end of time.

I suppose I could be missing something here…but it seems that this guy was NOT very happy either. Was a paycheck enough to keep David in his job? NO!!! In fact, the story has a happy ending.  David visited with a life coach for several weeks, became reacquainted with what he could uniquely contribute to this world, and was empowered to make BIG CHANGES in his life. Money just wasn’t enough to keep David chained to a desk ’til the end of time. (By the way…my middle name is David!)

OK..Brad…I get it that you and Mr. Harvard-educated surgeon were not happy with your jobs..but what in the world does that have to do with finances?

Great question and I’m glad you asked! Dr. Thomas J. Stanley, in his book The Millionaire Mind, studied how millionaires think, along with their defining characteristics.  Interestingly enough, factors such as GPA and IQ had NOTHING TO DO with financial success. Rather, the single characteristic that all the millionaires had in common was that they were all DOING WORK THEY LOVED! Could it be that part of being successful financially is finding work that you love doing?

What have you found to be true in your own experience? Are the wealthy people you know doing work they love? On the flip side, are folks who are living paycheck to paycheck more likely to be in jobs they hate? (Click on the COMMENTS bubble next to the title)

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