Work it!

The other day, someone said to me “I’m not like you Micah. You work because it’s what you love to do. I view work as a means to an end. I work to make money.” I have to say, I was a little shocked when I heard this. Although I love my job, I wouldn’t say that retail-buying is my life passion. I find my job/industry interesting and I think buying is a great match for me and I’m very grateful to do what I do. I can see myself working in this industry for a long time. But, it’s not like I grew up dreaming of being a buyer. My situation is very different than someone who’s always dreamed of being an artist or an athlete or an astronaut. I think that some people are born with a passion or talent and they just know that that’s what they’re meant to do. Most people however (like me), simply try to find something that they like to do or that they’re good at.

Even though work may not be my passion, I don’t think of work as simply a means to an end. I think that far too often people have this attitude about work that they’re being ripped off. They think “what’s in it for me?” They want to make more money, period. My advice is that if you want to make more money, consider ways that you can contribute more value. (Note: this does not always mean “working harder.”) This is true for corporations or entrepreneurs. If you want to make money, you have to offer something that is of value. Of course, some people get lucky; the world is certainly not always 100% “fair.” BUT, more often than not, if you can figure out a way to produce something of value to your company or to your customers- you’ll stand out and move forward.

I’m continually saying that you can accomplish anything if you just stay positive and focus on what you want. But it’s not magic. You have to take action. And if you want to advance your career, you have to bring something to the table that people want. You have to contribute value. This is my attitude and I think maybe that’s why people perceive me to be so invested in what I do. Work is not my passion, but I do think that work can be a mutually advantageous opportunity.