Success Tweet: Figure out what you really want to do. Work you love will make it easier to create the life and career success you want and deserve.
In this article, I’d like to tell you a story about a young woman who has figured out what she wants to do and is really going after it.
Morgan O’Reilly is my niece. I love her dearly. Ever since I can remember, Morgan has been interested in houses and decorating. I remember her visiting Cathy and me when she was about 12. She wanted to explore Denver’s neighborhoods; she was very interested in the different types of houses and how prices varied from neighborhood to neighborhood. I remember telling her she should get into real estate.
Morgan graduated from high school and enrolled at Florida State where she studied fashion merchandising. After graduation she got a job as an assistant buyer with a large and profitable retailing chain. She got a couple of promotions and was doing quite well. She was moving up the ladder there.
But she wasn’t happy. Not only did she not love her work, she came to dislike it.
She decided she needed to change careers. She thought about what she really loves, and it turned out to be houses and decorating. She concluded real estate was a good fit for her. Unfortunately, real estate is a tough 100% commission business. That’s the reason why Morgan didn’t get into it right out of college.
But this time, she decided real estate was the right career for her. She discussed it with her husband Aaron, and together they decided they could forgo her salary for several months. She interviewed and got a job with Keller Williams, a large national real estate firm. She took a certification exam prep course and nailed the practice exam. In fact, she got a hundred – excuse this uncle’s bragging. She passed the Florida state licensing exam – they don’t give scores to people who pass, so she doesn’t know how well she did. I’m sure she passed by a wide margin.
When Morgan resigned her job with the retailer, they offered her a promotion. She didn’t even think twice about turning it down. She was starting her career in real estate. She wasn’t looking back.
As a career success coach – and her uncle - I say, “Good for you, Morgan. You’ve found a career you love, and you’re putting all of your heart and soul into it. I’m proud of you.”
Morgan is working in the Jacksonville Beach, FL area. If you, or anyone you know if interested in buying property there, get in touch with her moreilly@comcast.net. Tell her I sent you.
The common sense career success coach point is simple. Remember Tweet 7 in Success Tweets when you are thinking about your life’s purpose and work, “Figure out what you really want to do. Work you love will make it easier to create the life and career success you want and deserve.” Work you love doesn’t see like work.
It is enjoyable and fun. Morgan O’Reilly, my niece, recently made a career change. She went from being a buyer with a large national retailer to a career in real estate. She didn’t like retailing. She loves real estate – especially matching buyers and houses. Since she has just made this move, it’s too early to tell how well she’ll do. However, from her enthusiasm, and perfect score on the licensing exam practice test, I’m sure she’s going to kick some serious butt.
Photo credit: Shutterstock
Bigstock
There you are: sitting on the beach, covered in sunscreen, reading your favorite book, drinking your favorite drink under the cool shade of an umbrella. Life doesn't get any better than this. Suddenly, a door slams, a phone rings, a printer turns on. You jolt back into consciousness. You're at work, sitting in your cubicle, without even a hint of sunshine streaming in from outside.
When you're working a full-time job, finding time to enjoy the warm, bright summer weather can be a challenge. This is especially true for young professionals, as many of them are used to having summers off (or, at the very least, having a flexible summer schedule). But there's no need to feel trapped behind your cubicle walls. Go out and enjoy summer!
Here are a few tips for making the most of your summer while working full time.
1. Grab Some Foldable Chairs
Bigstock
Keep a couple of foldable camping chairs at the office so you and a co-worker can catch some rays during lunch—whether it's in the park or the parking lot.
2. Keep A Beach Bag In Your Car
Bigstock
Keep a bag full of summer supplies for your favorite summer activities. Having a bag (or, in my case, a backseat) full of towels, sunscreen, and swimwear keeps you prepared for anything. Friends hitting up the pool after work? You're covered. Once the clock strikes five, you can head to your destination of choice immediately.
3. Plan An Office Outing
Bigstock
Plan an office field trip to the beach, the park, or the pool. Just do something fun so your brain can recharge and refresh!
4. Organize Group Walks
Bigstock
Get a bunch of co-workers together and go on regular walks around town during lunch. (Or you could suggest a quick jaunt over to the ice cream shop.) This is a great way to get some fresh air, sunshine, and exercise.
5. Eat Lunch At The Park
Bigstock
When you find yourself eating out, hit up places with a deck, porch, or patio of some sort. Obviously, eating out every day isn't really a feasible option for most of us, so look into alternative ideas as well. Pack a lunch and hit the park for your own little picnic.
6. Organize Office Sports
Bigstock
Whether it's setting up an official office sports team or just hanging out with your colleagues a few times a week, playing sports is a great way to get out and enjoy the weather. Have a field nearby? Try setting up some slow-pitch softball games. Or see if you can get a basketball hoop for the office so you and a few co-workers can shoot some hoops at lunch.
7. Join A Professional Group
Bigstock
During the summer, professional networking groups often have fun events like harbor cruises, pub crawls, and outdoor mixers. Find a professional group in your area and make networking fun this summer.
8. Have An Office BBQ
Bigstock
Get your grill on! Talk to your boss about setting up an office BBQ. Ask everyone to contribute their favorite dish, side, or drink. Fire up the grill and relax! Hey, it's summer after all.
9. Wake Up Early
Bigstock
Yes, yes, I know...waking up early is an incredibly painful and unbearable experience for some of us, but waking up even an hour earlier has its benefits—especially in the summer. Go for a morning run, putter around in the garden, or watch the sunrise with a loved one. Talk about starting the day off right!
10. Strategically Use Your Time Off
Bigstock
Strategically use your vacation days around holidays. This way, you can make a potentially long weekend longer without having to use too much of your precious vacation time. Half days are also pretty awesome. It's amazing how much you can do with four extra hours! If you want an early weekend but don't want to burn up your vacation days too quickly, try taking a half day on a Friday instead of using a full day off.
11. Bike To Work
Bigstock
If you're one of the lucky few who live within walking or biking distance of work, take advantage of it! Not only will you get plenty of fresh air, but you'll also save money on gas, which is always a plus!
There are plenty of easy ways to enjoy summer when you work a full-time job. So this summer, try out a few of these ideas and make the most of the sunshine and warm weather—while they're still around!
Need more help with your career?
Become a member to learn how to UNLEASH your true potential to get what you want from work!
Read moreShow less