What’s a Job?

Do you ever think about your job?  Most of us do – at least from time to time.  Sometimes we think about how good the job is . . . or isn’t.  We think about whether it’s the right place and time for our abilities.  We think in terms of levels of satisfaction, or whether the ‘boss’ is fair or the working conditions are the best.  Almost always there is something good about the job and something we don’t like.  At various stages one outweighs the other causing overall satisfaction or dissatisfaction.  So, the original question bears repeating – do you ever think about your job? 

 I often think about my job – whatever it may be in that moment.  And I often say my job does not define who I am . . .  and yet . . .   Think about it.   If a person is good at what he/she does – if a person invests time, energy, efforts, skill, knowledge in a job can he/she still remain independent and detached from it?  I don’t think so.  At least, I cannot detach myself from my jobs.  I’m a “hundred-percenter” type person. Therefore, to some degree, the job does define who I am.  In turn, I define the job.  If I invest my knowledge, my skills, my time, my efforts, I cannot do so in a detached manner.  When I invest “me” I invest my core being.  And yet, I have learned (often times the hard way) that I am not the job.  The job is not me.  There is a line of demarcation.  Although my personality is such that I invest “all of me” in my job I try to remain committed to a core set of values – not always an easy task.  My job demands that I invest and engage my mind, my body, and my heart.  To do less than this would be troublesome to my soul.  Perhaps having the experiences I have had in my career causes me to often contemplate my current job – that of school principal in a private, national school in the Middle East.  And the big question: what have I learned?  What have I gained during these experiences?  What have I accomplished?  Where would I be if I did not have this job?

 The easiest question to answer is the latter one – where would I be if I didn’t have this job?  The answer is, “I don’t know.”  But that’s an okay answer with me.  I don’t have to know what my tomorrows may bring.    It would be easy to tick off accomplishments – not because I have accomplished them.  Forward progress does not take place in a vacuum.  True progress is the result of team efforts.  The most difficult questions to answer would be what I have learned and what I have gained thus far.

 I would dare say I have learned from every job.  Sometimes I have garnered insights to other people.  Sometimes I have learned more about me . . . . but I would surmise that these are facts about every job unless it is possible to totally detach from the job.  What have you learned from your job experiences?  Perhaps it has been skills for that particular job.  Perhaps it has been insights into how to advance ‘through the ranks’ in a company.  Perhaps it has been a better understanding of how people act and react in various situations, but especially under stress.  Perhaps it has been a better understanding of how you grow and become – what nurtures you in a forward manner.  Probably you have witnessed yourself at your best and your worst.

 Personally, through the years I have learned a lot about how to appreciate ‘good’ bosses and how to ‘tolerate’ and work with or around those who were not effective.  I have learned new skills and improved others.  I have been afforded wonderful opportunities to meet new people around the world and to learn from them.  I have learned the hard way that I am not my job even though it is an integral part of who I am.

 If my current job were to end today what would I most remember?  If my job were to end today what would I most treasure?  What could I say I have learned?  I would revel in the experiences – good and bad – that I have experienced.  I would treasure the knowledge that I discovered I am bolder than I ever thought I was previously.  I have learned more about how to take a stand – sometimes very visible and loud stands – sometimes very quiet, peaceful stands.  I would appreciate that I have learned to listen better, faster – in the moment.  That it is the only way to hear and weigh and decide.  Many decisions must be made quickly!  I have learned that some decisions can wait – even though those around you don’t think so.  In the current role as principal of a large school (2,500 students) I am responsible – that’s my job.  Therefore, I have to have a vision for what must happen and when it must happen.  For years I thought I had to please everyone in the moment.  I have realized this type of thinking is not realistic – nor is it what I am called to do or be.  I cannot keep a vision and simultaneously please everyone.

 I have learned that no matter where you find yourself in this world there are people who are wonderful and there are people who are not.  I currently reside in a Muslim country.  Islam is the national religion; it is mandatory study in the schools.  It is practiced and honored by the majority of people living here.  Being a Muslim (or not) does not define whether a person is good or not (nor does any other religion).  How a person defines him/herself before God is a better definition.  I have learned we can talk of God and our religion in deep and personal ways that open the minds and hearts without being offensive to the other. I have learned we can touch each other’s heart in these discussions.  Yes, there are tenets from each religion that are brought into the discussion, but not as an arguing point.  They are simply a part of wonderful conversations.

 If my job were to end today – regardless of why – my “take-aways” would be a deeper love of God and of his children from all over the world.  I now have new skills and new friends from all parts of the world embedded in my heart.   I am learning that as long as I desire to learn and keep myself open to life around me I can grow.