Finding Passion, Finding Happiness

If I should mention one book that changed my life, I would definitely refer to the book written by Rene Suhardono, a career coach in Jakarta, which titled "Your Job is Not Your Career." The first thing I remembered written in the book is the very basic question: Are you happy with your life?

It was about a year ago when I found the book and I stumbled on that question. I knew I had a great job and I actually love the job and the challenges. What I was not happy with is the overloaded work and the insane working hours. That made me realized I didn't enjoy doing it anymore, I lost the excitement and passion. And at the end, it made me unhappy and unsatisfied with my life as I have very limited time for other things I love doing.

The book basically encourages people to find the passion of your life, something that you enjoy the most. It says that you're supposed to be passionate about your own job in order to be happy and have a meaningful life. That's when my searching of passion was begun because I do want to be happy with my life.

There are many ways you could do to find your passion. One of them is follow what your heart tells you, and that's what I do when I chose to quit my job. It was not easy at first, especially trying to conceive my parents that this is what I need to do to pursue my happiness, as I didn't use to take such unusual action. Being unemployed after all the years spent in that "big" company, also a really big change for me. I still felt awkward when people asked where I work, as before I could answer the question with pride and while it might be strange for most people if I explained why I chose not to work for a while.

Meanwhile, during my reflection period, I tried to maximize my time doing all the things I always want to do but never had enough time, one of them was taking a photography lesson. I've always wanted to join after graduation, but then I was accepted in that company and haven't had the time to fulfill it. I realized I really enjoy my time during photo session, especially when we have to be creative and think out of the box to create outstanding photos.

The book also suggests us to try as many new things as possible to find passion, as you might have more than one passion in your life. I do know that I have passion to help people, and in order to help others, I have to use the ability that I am good at, which according to my background, is dealing with numbers. That's why I decided to join a financial plan training, even though the training fee is quite costly, I believe it would give me a comprehensive knowledge how to make a financial plan, so I could share it to others in need. It really is a joy when I could enlighten my friends and relatives after a consultation or discussion, so they could be more aware with their future financial plan.

Up till now, I'm still on the search of finding my other passions. Who knows if one of them someday turns into a real career? The important thing is if you ask me now, am I happy with my life? I could confidently answer, yes! Having a freedom to do things you enjoy doing surely change people feelings and attitude towards life.

I don't encourage you to quit your job recklessly, but if you are not happy with your life because you are not satisfied with your job. Take a time to think what are the things you love to do, the things you enjoy the most. Since when you love what you're doing, you'll pour your heart 100% to it and surely a good result will be achieved. And if you haven't figured out what your passion is, do things unusual, try things you've never tried before, as it will open you to new excitements and perhaps one of them might be your passion.

Cheers,
Indispensable Lady