Get paid to bring joy.

Do you get paid to do what you love? What?! That badge is reserved for those who have worked for years and earned that privilege! I have to build up my resume, get hired by “that” company, pass the test, and on it goes. Is it possible that you’re getting paid to do what you love now and you just don’t know it? But I work at McDonald’s! How can that be?

What if we’re asking the wrong question? What if the question we pose is…What are you doing that brings you joy? This question opens the door to discovering who you are in the context of the doing. Let’s ask the question, “Who are you when you’re getting paid? When you work in the service industry (ie. fast food), you’re serving people. For that moment you’re taking a food order or exchanging money for a product, you’re creating an experience for the patron. You’re bringing them an opportunity for pleasure. (ie. the first bite of that juicy Big Mac!). Does the pleasure have to be delayed until the first bite? Surprise them by giving them the pleasure of your generous service. Look them in the eyes with a smile and a genuine “thank you.” Chances are you’ll discover that you are doing what you love now by bringing smiles to people’s faces through your generosity. Look beyond the meager task to give generously and you may discover that you’re doing what brings you joy. Don’t let the context steal that from you.