In Love With My Work

I might complain about certain things in my life.

I don’t have enough time.

I’m always tired.

I don’t have enough money.

I don’t feel like taking the dogs out.

But I know that I’m lucky in a lot of ways.

For instance, I really love what I do.

Working in morning radio definitely has it’s downside. I wake up while it’s still basically nighttime.  I share much of my personal life to strangers. I get feedback from strangers that doesn’t always make me happy. Between being on air and producer duties, I have a lot to do in a short amount of time. It can be stressful.

And let’s be honest, radio is constantly changing and I don’t always feel like I have a lot of job security.

That being said, I wake up every day excited to go into work not knowing what is going to happen in the next four hours. My coworkers are pros and even though some mornings are really tough, I know we’re putting out quality entertainment.

I get frustrated that I don’t always portray myself in the ways that I want to be seen. But every day I get support and affirmation from listeners who can relate to my experiences. It completely validates the shame and embarrassment that I sometimes feel.

I get the opportunity to meet a lot of cool people and celebrities. I get to be involved in really fun and interesting events in Austin. I have a built in audience for projects and art. I get to seek out interesting people in our community and help them spread their cause. (Today I ate a cricket!!)

I work on a team of people who have pushed me to be a better person. Sure, they point out my faults-but it is (almost) always with the intent of making me strive to change for the better. They’ve taught me not to take myself so seriously and to laugh at my mistakes. I’ve learned the importance of honesty, and that I would much rather work in an environment where truth is spoken out in the open rather than behind my back, even if out in the open means in front of thousands of strangers.

Each cast member on the show has their own insecurities and quirks, but they’ve each taught me to embrace those things and to learn from them. In most workplaces, you see only the best of your coworkers. In my workplace you see that everyone is human. Emotions can change from minute to minute. Feelings can get hurt. Shame can be felt. Laughs are always had. It’s really beautiful.

It’s easy to forget these things. No matter how much I love my job, I am guilty at getting caught up in the “jobness” of it all. I get in a routine and I forget what an amazing opportunity it is that I have.

As I’ve been devoting the last few months to really trying to find and do the things that make me happy, I keep hearing advice on finding ways to enjoy the things you have to do in life. I am so lucky that I don’t have to find a way to enjoy my work.

I love it. I have no idea how long it will last or what will come next, but I’m confident that my current job will help me in the future.

As for the rest of my complaints? I’m trying to just be be grateful for the good things in my life, and will keep doing my best to remember the positives of everything.

Like… Not having money is a great excuse to eat cheese and crackers for every meal.

Do you love your work?

Related posts:

1. T.G.I.F. (Truth, Gratitude, “I am”, and “Fuck it”)
2. Love my life! But a little bit of FML (Because it IS Friday!)
3. I Love Myself and What Self Help Book Worked For You?
4. Shame: Beef Jerky and My Ugly Face
5. A Fan Letter to My Greatest Love (Not who you’re thinking)