by Broc Edwards, Personal Effectiveness Coach

There are thousands upon thousands of job and business choices out in the world. So many, in fact, that it brings up questions that few ever think about: How did you decide to take your current job? What were the key decision factors? If you were to take another job, what factors would be most important to you?

The most successful, fulfilled, and interesting people I know have one key thing in common: they all pursued jobs that really interested them and are really excited about what they do. They all continually strive to learn more and improve and invest heavily in themselves and their learning. A few knew what they wanted early in life and others discovered it long after settling in to a steady job or career. But, no matter where they were at in life when they decided, they all took a chance and made a leap of faith.

It's important to note that they were NOT motivated by avoidance or trying to escape an unpleasant situation. They weren't job hopping, using get rich quick schemes, or the following their whim of the day. They were not running away from a bad situation; they were moving toward a great situation. All of them had "good" jobs and comfortable situations that they left behind to pursue what they thought were great jobs. These weren't people who had nothing to lose and everything to gain. On the contrary, they had quite a bit to lose - money, status, job security, the respect and understanding of friends and family. Admittedly some failed initially and things did not go as planned. But, they saw this failure only as a temporary setback and learned what they could and kept trying until they did succeed.

Now, not all of these people became financially rich. Some will likely never even equal the income that they received from their previous job. Yet, they would be appalled at even the idea of returning to their former life. For them, the money or benefits or security never adequately compensated them for the stress, working conditions/environment, damage to self-esteem, or suppression of who they really are. Now they are relieved to be happy, healthy, and looking forward to each day all while making a decent living. That's no small achievement.

But don't think that fulfillment and money are mutually exclusive either. Some discovered that moving into a job they loved inspired them to rise above their peers. In the process, their excitement and excellence brought financial reward. So often, we overlook the hugely significant detail that it's nearly impossible to excel when we are unhappy, dissatisfied, bored, disinterested, burned out, frustrated, bitter, stagnant, and uninspired. The people at the top of any field almost always have a burning love for what they do.

However, so often when people look for work they look to fulfill today's needs. It seems as though their key decision factors are: 1) Job requirements and hours; 2) pay/benefits; and 3) location. This approach typically sees work as a burden and emphasizes job security and survival. After all, if all work is only a necessary evil, then the work itself is not as important as a very steady paycheck. The defensive strategy is often motivated by a fear of loss. I think of this as a defensive strategy (aka playing to not lose).

But, from my observation, those who are most successful, fulfilled, and excited about their lives, the above three key decision factors seem to be either at the bottom of their list or are relevant to them only after other factors were met. This group seems to be more interested in: the future opportunities a job will create, the people with whom they'd work, learning and growth opportunities, opportunities to contribute, the chance to excel, how fun/interesting the work is, how well the company's culture and values are in sync with their own values, etc. This approach typically sees work as a source of joy and emphasizes opportunity and long-term fulfillment. It is typically motivated by the excitement for gain. This is an offensive strategy where efforts are concentrated on playing to win.

So What?

In other words, it almost seems as though the defensive group views work as separate from their lives. When they leave for work they step out of their life and when they come home they return to their life. In contrast, those that are most successful and fulfilled appear to view work as an integral part of their life - they have chosen work that is so exciting and so interesting to them that they would do it even if there weren't a financial need. It's because that their work is such a critical component of their life and happiness that their decision factors center on growth, opportunity, and satisfaction.

If we were to use relationships as an analogy, the defensive strategy is seeking someone whom would make a great date tonight while the second group is willing to take a chance and find someone who will make a great partner for life. (Interestingly, the majority - but not all - of those people whom I know have an offensive strategy not only have jobs they love, but they also have really great relationships with their spouses.)

What's the Big Picture?

It can easily be argued that a defensive strategy can produce the most gain by minimizing losses. And the counter argument is the old adage that: The best defense is a good offense. With either approach there are always tradeoffs and opportunity costs. Only you can decide which costs and benefits make the most sense to you.

Also, I'm not suggesting that you rush out and find a new job or start a business, but it may be valuable to step back, take inventory of your current situation, and ask yourself:

1. Do I typically use a defensive or offensive strategy when making career decisions? How does this strategy benefit me? What would be the benefits of using the other strategy?

2. If I were to look for a new job or career what decision factors would be most important to ME?

3. How well does my current situation meet those factors?

4. What is really great about my job or business?

5. What are two things I can do that would make it even more enjoyable and fulfilling? What actions could I take that would align my current business or job with these factors that are important to me (e.g., transfer positions, take new/different training, new responsibilities, seek out mentors, etc.)?

© 2004 Broc Edwards. All rights reserved.