Currently, I am returning to work following maternity leave after having our 3rd child at the end of December (2010). I have just recently received my next placement as Vice-Principal in my district. This is very exciting and I am really looking forward to the opportunity. More on that in future posts… As you can imagine, after not working for the past almost 7 months, my work is on my mind a great deal (in a good way).
When I was at the grocery store the this evening, I was reminded again at how fortunate I am to be going back to work that I love. I had a brief encounter with a gentleman at the grocery store. He was approximately 40 years old (ok, he looked my age and that is probably why what he said stood out for me) and was talking to a friend (?) about his same age.
Standing by the tomatoes, he said, in a frustrated voice, “Man, I wish I never had to go to work again!”
Hmmmmmmm…. I went on picking out my own tomatoes and said, with a gentle smile, “You know, I think the trick is finding something you love to do, and working there. If you love what you do, you may actually like going to work.”
He looked at me, unconvinced, and said, “Yah, well, that’s not going to happen – that doesn’t exist. I’d rather just stay home the rest of my life.”
He walked away with his friend and I kept picking out my tomatoes thinking how fortunate I am.
I have a life I love, family whom I care about and love to be around, and a career that I wouldn’t change. I love working. Even when I am off, I am thinking about work and things I can do there: ways I can impact the learning that takes place – the learning of the students, the teachers, the support staff, the parents, and my own learning. I truly love my work. I love the impact and influence I can have. I love that I can make a difference. I love creating long-lasting, meaningful relationships. I love seeing people learn. I love learning.
Don’t get me wrong, I also love my weekends!
I feel badly for that man at the grocery store. It is sad that he does not enjoy such a large part of his life – his own work. It was clear that he didn’t like his work and didn’t want to go back. Sad. There has to be something better out there for him. He probably still has another 20 years of working ahead of him. That’s a long time to hate what you are doing. A very long time. A very frustrating time. Sad.
I am so fortunate that I love what I do – at home and at work. So very fortunate.
I hope my friends and family find love and satisfaction in what they do. If you do not have this now, I hope it comes to you in the future. Life is just too short to hate what you do each day.
It's All About Learning 
I often think the same thing Tia. We are so lucky to love what we do. I know, from years of working at a job that I didn’t really enjoy, the difference between having a job and having a career you are passionate about. Nicely said!