Do you know the difference between your job and your work?
Many men think their “job” and their “work” are the same thing. But there’s a stark difference between the two… and if you don’t know what that difference is, it might be the reason behind the dissatisfaction, frustration, and emptiness you’re feeling in life.
But when you DO know the difference between your “job” and your “work,” great things start to happen:
• You become a happier man
• You become more effective at what you do
• You wake up much more excited to get to work
• Money will flow into your life more easily
• You get a sense of fulfillment, satisfaction, and peace of mind you can’t get anywhere else
So what IS the difference between your job and your work? Let’s find out.
The Differences Between Your Job and Your Work
1. Your job is what you do for other people. Your work is what you primarily do for yourself.
2. Your job is what you do for compensation. Your work is what you do for fulfillment.
3. Your job is given to you by someone else. Your work is something you give to yourself.
4. Your job is something you’re trained to do. Your work is what you’re born to do.
5. Your job relies on your skill. Your work relies on your core gift(s).
6. Your job will eventually let you retire. With you work, you wouldn’t WANT to retire, because you love it so much and it blesses the world so much.
Do you see the difference right now?
So what’s your “job” right now? And what are the things in your life you would happily call “work?”
You actually have a choice between pursuing your “job” and pursuing your “work.” You have this choice RIGHT NOW – in fact, you’ve had it all your life. Unfortunately, most men feel “trapped” in their jobs, and unable to pursue what will make them truly happy, healthy, and wealthy. The reasons are various:
• They’re raising a family and need money fast
• They can’t afford to quit their jobs for any period of time
• Times are so bad they need two jobs or more
• And so on . . .
So what’s the solution? Is there any way to pursue your “work” without compromising your ability to provide for yourself and the people counting on you?
The answer is “Absolutely.” That’s up next.
Your Work and the Business World
I’m an entrepreneur, and one of my businesses revolves around teaching ordinary, harworking American homeowners to become entrepreneurs themselves. I believe anyone can become an entrepreneur… simply because anyone can solve problems.
After all, every business out there solves problems. And the best, most profitable businesses out there are the ones that solve the most problems (and meet the most needs) for the most people.
And that’s where your core gift – your “work” – comes into play. If your “work” solves a big problem or meets a big need for the people around the world… then that’s a GREAT business idea!
The unfortunate reality of the matter is that too many men today are trained to do jobs, and not to pursue the work that truly makes them (and the world) better. Too many men are stuck in jobs that pay the bills and put food on the table… but not much else.
If you’re stuck in that place right now… if feel “trapped” in your job and your reality, and want to find something that gives you fulfillment AND the abundance you desperately need… then it’s time to get to “work!”
What Happens When You Focus on Your Work
So right now, take a sheet of paper and write down your core gifts. These are the things that others find hard to do, but are ridiculously easy for you. These are also the activities that make you feel happy and fulfilled, and you’d gladly do them even if no one paid you.
Once you’re done, take a good look at the list you’ve come up with. Which of your core gifts solve problems and meet needs? Mark them, and brainstorm business ideas around them. That’s where it all starts – that’s when you turn your core gifts into your life’s “work.”
Of course, don’t quit your job just yet. Keep your day job, but nurture your life’s work on the side. Keep at it, and in a few years (or even a few months, with the right guidance), you can find yourself the proud owner of a business that earns more than your best day job ever did.
And that’s when you can finally step back, look around, and proudly say: “I love my work!”
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Photo: Getty Images
What if your “work” doesn’t solve any problem, large or small, or meet even a tiny need for anyone other than you…Does that make it a LOUSY business idea?
The Chimp,
Thank you for reading and commenting! Your question sounds like it needs a conversation. You can either explain your unique situation or connect with me via my bio.
Cheers,
Kevin
OK, by example: the thing I love is building model aeroplanes. It solves no problems, and meets no needs, beyond keeping me entertained. The market is dominated by a number of huge, international players, below which are a stratum of large providers of niche products. At the bottom is a huge, over-populated “cottage industry” layer, where people barely make beer money. Take other alternatives: backyard ornithology, making wargame scenery… I can tell you for a fact that the number of people who make anything beyond pocket money can be counted on the fingers of one hand with fingers left over.… Read more »