When I was an associate at a large law firm, one of the partners would end social discussions by saying “back to the salt mine.” That was hardly the most inspiring way to get his associates back to billing hours and, while certainly hyperbolic as I’m sure working in comfy offices beats working in sweltering mines, regardless of how unenjoyable our work was, he did capture the “work is miserable” vibe.
So, I’ve been there! I mention because I recently had an inquiry from a potential career counseling client – a parent . of a twentysomething – wonder if I could relate to her semi-depressed, highly anxious son. “You are so upbeat and cheerful – which is great – but maybe you won’t understand his struggles?”
While I’m delighted that the last 15 years of work have shaped my general disposition, I assured her that part of my happiness from my career stemmed from going through the struggle.
Some of Career Counseling Connecticut’s clients are eager to know my story, perhaps to validate my expertise but I also know to give them hope. I walked many miles, literally and figuratively, lost in the career wilderness. During my lunch breaks, I would sometimes walk aimlessly around the city wondering what I was doing with my career, with my life… .
I certainly did not think that my work should be compared to working in a salt mine. Neither should yours.