Love and Work: The Pleasures of Our Lives

by Flo Schell

Long ago I read a book that featured one of Dr. Sigmund Freud’s most famous theories. Freud said that man has two basic needs: love and work. As a young woman, I had already figured out the universal need for love, but the idea that ‘work’ was equally as important was a big ‘aha’.

For me, my work became a meaningful part of my life. Today, it’s even better that my work involves helping others to find meaningful work, too.

If you already have meaningful love relationships in your life…and enjoy work that feels like the perfect fit for you…you are a lucky one!

If you’re not yet in that place, may I share some thoughts with you?

The perfect love that we grew up expecting may not be exactly what we got. In fact, we may still be looking for a partner to share our life with. But in the meantime, if we have a good friend here and there, a family member or two that we share a special affinity with, a pet that sings us awake or snuggles us to sleep, a parent still in the world that loves us no matter what, a sister, brother, aunt, or cousin that we can laugh with and share food with…then we are lucky, lucky people.

On a day that we’re feeling unloved, for whatever reason, remember this: Love is as much about giving as it is about receiving. So if we send out wishes, light candles with intention, pray for special ones, or let those in need know that we are there….we are loving in the highest sense of the word.

If work feels ready to be redefined for you, simplify the search by writing down just three values that matter most to you right now. Then, as you research and investigate the myriad opportunities, use those values as a guideline for coming to your best choice. And on those days when you just can’t seem to make the search happen…do just one small thing to move the action forward…just one.

Sometimes the best choice for meaningful work means working for ourselves…at least you’ll like your boss! If entrepreneurship is calling to you, take a close look at it. And don’t feel the need to look at it alone. Call in those who care for you to lighten the journey. The help is there if you ask for it….and the result is well worth the figuring out!

© Franchise Coaching Systems 2008

About the Author: Flo Schell, EdM, is Founder of Franchise Coaching Systems and author of Stop Selling Start Clicking (MP Press, 2006). Ms. Schell has been featured in Success magazine and The Wall Street Journal. She is the former Vice President of Franchise Development for Sylvan Learning Systems. Sign up for free newsletters geared toward latest trends in sales and franchising at www.FloSchell.com. Learn more about her new book at www.stopsellingstartclicking.com

User Comments

blog comments powered by Disqus

Sponsor