In a class I am teaching this semester we are using selections from the book (and television series) Roadtrip Nation. The series revolves around interviews conducted by a group recent college grads who set out on a cross-country trip interviewing folks about their career paths along the way.
One particular concept sticks out for me each time I watch the pilot episode (though I can never remember the name of the person who offers it). The question that sparks the comment has something to do with job satisfaction and “right fit” within a chosen profession. The executive being interviewed acknowledges that one isn’t always going to love every single task in their chosen vocation. Every day isn’t going to be the best day. Every project isn’t going to fall together like choirs of angels singing. There will be undesirable tasks, unpleasant days and unorganized projects. He stresses the importance of watching the trends and acknowledging the inevitable “dips” but determining if the overall arc is up or down. If it’s trending up, all is well. If the trend is sloped more downward, it’s probably time for a change.
I love this concept because it gives permission for the little dips. Those not as great days when you feel a bit itchy in your own skin. I love it because it acknowledges that movement in a positive direction isn’t always in a straight line, but it’s all good just the same.
So here’s hoping that things are trending up in your life today. Not perfect, just in the direction of.
