Published on 07/23/2006

Do you look to your work to define meaning and joy or just to collect a paycheck? Each carries a different result. Those who seek meaning and joy in their work tend to choose carefully what they do; they know what they do helps determine who they are. For others who work just for the money, there is little expectation of meaning or joyjust as long as the paycheck rolls in.

Over 40? Is your work full of purpose?

Over 40? Is your work full of purpose?
By Craig Nathanson
The Vocational Coach

How do you define your work?

Do you look to your work to define meaning and joy or just to collect a paycheck? Each carries a different result. Those who seek meaning and joy in their work tend to choose carefully what they do; they know what they do helps determine who they are. For others who work just for the money, there is little expectation of meaning or joyjust as long as the paycheck rolls in.

Career vs. vocational passion

In my work, I am often asked, What is the difference between Career and Vocational Passion?
Jobs are just an exchange of services for money.
Careers are the same but with a better title.

Sadly, for many people, jobs=careers=retirement=death.

Can you avoid death?

Probably not, but you can get more enjoyment and happiness out of each and every day before you get there.
Vocational passion means having a lifes work that you can do for your whole lifetime without the need to ever retire.

Retirement is only for people who dont like what they do!

Want a quick path to death? Retire and wait.
Sure, theres much to do including travel, relaxing and visiting friends, but this doesnt last long. For most of us, our later years will also bring tension and anxiety about how to spend our days and in many cases, how to make a contribution.

Get going before your crisis hits!

Claire Hegarty of Ireland wanted in mid-life to pursue her love of animals and start a pet sitting business. But it wasnt until she read about someone who became ill suddenly at the age of 41 and dropped dead in the middle of a stressful presentation did she decide to take action.

Jennifer Clare of Australia was middle aged and overweight. She had little energy and little hope. One day, she decided to help herself and others by turning her challenges into a business that helps other people lose weight quickly through new creative strategies.

Are you on a path to just retire, too?

The French word for retire means to retreat, take out of circulation, move away from, withdraw from and rest. Is this what you want for the second half of your life?

Heres the best way to retire and then die.

Worry about what others will think if you start to do what you love
Look for approval from others
Be afraid of change
Wait for a crisis to occur

What happens in mid-life?

We re-evaluate everything from our relationships, our work, our health, our finances and our emotional state. We need to recognize that this is healthy and important to do.

How to gain purpose in your life now!

Realize that what you do determines who you are.
Is your work a reflection of who you are and/or want to be?
Mid-life is a great time to:

Align your abilities and your interests
Reflect deeply about what you are passionate about
Ensure your work is maximally expressive of your passions
Ensure your work meets your personal needs
Ensure that the work you do feels just right for you

Is your purpose worth it to you?

Only you can be the judge.

Mid-life adults with purpose can experience:

A greater sense of integrity and authenticity
An experience of being more alive
An increased feeling of contribution
Stronger health and psychological well-being
A life thats more congruent
An acceptance of your own mortality and as a result, less fear of death and a greater sense of your life plans and their meaning
An increased sense of self-esteem and happiness

Choose a purpose

This is what Claire and Jennifer did and so can you.
The more important question is

When will you start?

Craig Nathanson is the author of P Is For Perfect: Your Perfect Vocational Day and a coaching expert who works with people over forty. Craigs new E-book, Discover and live your passion 365 days a year is a workshop in a box designed to help busy adults go insane with their work. Craigs systematic approach, the trademark "Ten P" process, helps people break free and move toward the work they love. Visit Craigs online community at http://www.thevocationalcoach.com where you can take a class, get more ideas through Craig Nathansons books and CDs, get some private coaching over the phone or read other stories of mid-life change and renewal.

Craig lives in San Anselmo, California. You can reach him at 415-457-0550 or at craig@thevocationalcoach.com