2-11-2018
Before I answer this question, you need to know my story a little. I have worked since past 15 years in a corporate job. I started at the lowest rung of the greasy corporate ladder and climbed it really fast cutting down the competition with hard work, dedication and long hours of work. Within a couple of years, I had reached a level of respect, authority and a big pay check. Money gave me the high to keep going and increase the number of digits on my salary. I reached the heights that I knew I could achieve and yet there was a longing, a sort of craving.
Since past few years, I had this nagging feeling that I was way too comfortable in my job and yet not at peace. I was addicted to it and had become a workaholic. I also had no idea what I would do without it. As I was wondering this, I had a brain fade, I could not think anything beyond my regular job. That was the point I realised I am nothing but my job. I am my job.
This made me reflect on my life and to figure out my real calling. Whether a job that gave me a lot of money is my purpose of life or something more than that. My calling was certainly much more than just money. While money is vital to sustain a healthy lifestyle, it is definitely not the purpose of my life. I had this epiphany and the urge to help people, to give back to the society in a meaningful way.
Once I had this craving ignited within me, I started to explore my options. The biggest question was how I could help others and what resources I had that will help others. My experience and my learnings in life were my resources. So, I conceived the idea of a Startup where I would nurture university and college students and guide them in finding their dream jobs. I also decided to help entrepreneurs to be successful in their start-up projects. I am not naïve and understand the challenges my way. Regardless, I found it a respectful way to utilize my time for a bigger cause.
I started delivering guest lectures in universities and colleges to interact with students and impart some knowledge. The bigger concern I noticed during my lectures was that the students had less or no questions at times. This meant either they were not excited about their choice of educational stream or they lacked self-worth.
Both being my niche areas of talk.
Now my workshops focus on building self-worth and confidence in students and make them happy humans who look forward to build a career for themselves. I conduct activities to improve English communication and increase self-belief and confidence to express. Specialised courses for public speaking among students is high on my agenda and this brings me happiness for being effective and helpful.
My workshops are crafted to help students understand their challenges and answer their questions. I talk about various functions and hierarchies in an organisation. This helps students to make an informed decision about their future career. I drafted strong Orientation Programs for freshmen..
Finally, to answer the question in my title, I took the leap from comfort to happiness :). It’s only when we leave our comfort zone, we realise how much scope we have to grow and expand our horizon.
You are more than your job…..
Are you measuring your happiness with success at work?
