Turn Work You Love Into Work That Matters

Are certain lines of work more admirable than others?

At first blush, the answer is an easy yes.  Feeding the hungry, healing the sick, teaching our children; all of these are examples of work that make a meaningful difference in our society.  We use descriptors like "selfless" "noble" and "caring" to describe people in these occupations.

There are few people who would dispute the value of these careers.  But, if we restrict our view of "good" professions to the obvious choices, and fail to see the subtle but important opportunities to make a difference that are possible in every vocational choice, we do ourselves a big injustice. 

Let me explain what I mean.

Last week I worked with a client who has a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, a woman who has spent her career helping both children and adults to overcome their challenges in order to lead more effective lives.  She has worked with the elderly in nursing homes, alcoholics and children trying to overcome serious learning issues.  

By any measure, her contributions have been valuable and important.  

But as much as she has enjoyed her work, she is ready for a change.  And you know what she likes to do more than anything?

Shop.

In fact, she loves to shop so much that she is seriously considering going back to school to get a masters degree in a field related to fashion.  She found a program that really, really thrills her.  When she described the courses to me, the excitement in her voice was palpable.

But, one question keeps bugging her.  What will people think?  

After all, if you ask someone which field is more important, fashion or psychiatry, 99% of folks would probably answer the latter.  And, in many ways, they are probably right.  It is hard to argue that a great looking pair of shoes is more valuable than the ability to cure a new mom of severe post-partum depression.

On the other hand, if fashion is all fluff and no substance, why do we care so much about the way we dress?  Why do we pay such close attention to stars on the red carpet or critique the latest outfit sported by Michelle Obama?  Why do we pay millions of dollars each year to read about the up-and-coming trends in magazines?

Because it matters. 

• The teen who trades in her jeans for a prom dress that makes her feel like a princess, knows it matters.
• The new college-grad who stands up taller after trying on a great interview suit, knows it matters.
• The battered woman in the domestic violence shelter, who is reminded of her inner beauty after putting on a special new dress, knows it matters.

Any therapist will tell you that sometimes change needs to start from the outside in.  The right outfit can be as powerful as a good therapy session.

No field has a lock on making a difference in our world.  Every career choice has the potential to make the world a better place: 

• The event planner who organizes a family reunion that connects grandparents to their grandchildren, makes a difference.  
• The make-up artist who helps a shy teen feel beautiful by teaching her how to apply make-up, makes a difference .  
• The cake decorator who bakes a spectacular cake to thank a teacher for ten years of service, makes a difference.  

Each of these professionals makes a significant and transformative contribution through their respective endeavors.  

So if you've been hesitating to pursue your love of fashion or make-up or food or jewelry, because someone told you it's "not serious enough", get over it.  

Find a way to make your contribution count.  The world needs your talent and the time to start sharing it is now.