Does it ever make sense to pay attention to the things you love (like TV shows, books, video games, favorite characters, clothing brands, travel destinations, home decor) when you’re trying to make decisions about your career? I (a wizened career counselor in the CMC) contend that YES, it does. And here’s why:
I’m unabashedly obsessed with the Lord of the Rings (LOTR). My family has always loved the books and [extended] movies. At holidays, we play LOTR Trivial Pursuit…and we’re really good at it. When my brother turned 30, we threw a LOTR-themed murder mystery party for him. When I was in 8th grade, my best friend and I tried to learn Elvish…Fortunately, I still managed to have friends and a social life despite that. But the point is: the Lord of the Rings represents some beautiful themes and values that have shaped my life whether or not I was aware of it at the time. And if I had stopped to learn from my love of the stories along the way, perhaps I would have had less trouble finding direction in the midst of indecision and fear of an unknown future.
I have always built my life around a love for deep community and connection with others, something that the LOTR books hold in high regard. The stories are of men and women who commit deeply to one another, sacrifice for each other, experience suffering and joy together, and ultimately kick evil’s butt. I am also in a job that pays less than many I could have pursued but that allows me to have a visible positive impact on others. In my own small way, I’m kicking evil where the sun don’t shine simply by supporting my students, helping them to navigate the challenges of career development and say no to crippling career anxiety, encouraging them to take brave steps forward and discover work that fills their cup (as much as work is able to do that).
I think if I had looked at my love for LOTR and recognized that it pointed to a desire to become a professional warrior for deep human connection and for the wellbeing of the people around me, I might have felt more confident taking low-paying jobs with nonprofits and moving across the country multiple times. If I’d recognized that my love for Jesus means that there will be meaning in ANY job I take (because I can honor Him in just about ANY context), maybe I wouldn’t have panicked in the middle of my last major career decision, worrying I would screw everything up. If I’d seen that my devotion to Chaco sandals indicates Colorado as a good home state, maybe I wouldn’t have questioned the decision to move back here so wildly.
🗼 Do you love Emily in Paris? Maybe it would make sense for you to work for an international company that might allow you to transfer to a location in another country at some point.
🏃🏽♀️➡️ Do you love Lululemon? Maybe you could take your aptitude for math, organization, and problem-solving to become an accountant for an athletic clothing company.
☂️ Do you love Oxford, England for all of its stormy weather and famed authors-in-residence? Maybe you look for a human resources role in Seattle where there’s a comparable amount of broody skies, poetry slams, and literary legends afloat.
🧀 Do you love cheese? Maybe you could become the operations manager at the Tillamook factory in Oregon.
🎥 Do you love Severance? Maybe you intentionally choose a job that allows you to integrate who you are as an individual into your professional role…so as to not become some dual-human without crossover between their life spheres.
🤺 Does your favorite character in Assassin’s Creed have a bent toward direct confrontation? Maybe you look for a sales job that requires you to reach out to people and bluntly state your goal (to sell them a great product).
Pay attention to the things you love! What might they say about your possible future career/s?
