Mystory@Reshma: How I found what gave me joy at work

"What do you want to become?" is a question that is bound to follow you right after you start to speak as a toddler. Ironically, the answers keep changing as you grow and sometimes it’s never the same to the question "What are you doing now?"

Interests and priorities keep changing. But I would say, it is during college life that you get a clear idea or at least try to get an idea about who you are and what your passion really is. Some may be fortunate enough to get their answers before they graduate while few may still be in the process of finding out and others yet to start exploring. Always Remember it's "Better late than never".

If you have not questioned yourself the below questions, then give yourself some time now to ask these:

First, if you had a chance to choose your hobby as your profession, what would you choose?

Second, will you derive a sense of satisfaction and joy while doing that job?

Third, Are you willing to learn and extend your horizon in that particular field?

If you answered the above questions you would have surely got some clarity around what and how your career choice should be made.

For few, there may be some criteria like finances, eligibility, etc. holding them back from pursuing the answers they got. For such people, my suggestion is Yes, you can go ahead with whatever job you get for now but at some point you will find a lack of drive in your work life. In the long run, you may either find it difficult to survive and feel like a fish out of water or start hating your job.

Let’s take my example. I am currently a software developer from Electronics background. You may wonder how I ended up as a techie. I chose this career just because I had the interest in learning programing and moreover, I wanted to quash my comfort zone. Now after achieving the target I began to feel monotonous as my answers to the first two questions (above) were different! I found that my real passion was tutoring and my strength was in communicating with and reaching out to people. I was not able to talk with a machine for 9 hours. When I realised this, I started to figure out ways to give myself the satisfaction and joy of meaningful work. I took the first step by doing social service where I taught and got a chance to meet young minds. Right now I'm confident that the first step I took will pave way for a bright career ahead for me.

A doubtless and convincing rule of life is "Take the first step, Nature will reveal itself showing light to your path"! Good Luck!

About the Author:

I graduated from PSNA College of Engineering and Technology, and currently am a software professional working for a renowned firm in Chennai. I’m interested in enlightening people with motivational and self-help talks.