And Should You Switch to Something Else?
Some of you are thinking about leaving your profession because of the hardships that it's currently imposing on you with COVID, and some of these problems have pre-dated COVID, such as being undervalued and underpaid. But should you leave?
It depends on why you chose your profession in the first place. Think back to your early childhood because that's where your choice is rooted.
How Do We Choose Our Profession?
Each of us has had a unique environment in which to grow. Even siblings have had different life experiences. Being the oldest is very different from being the youngest, or the middle child. And because our innate sensitivity levels vary, our parents have responded differently to us. A parent may find one child high-strung and may respond with anxiety or frustration, while a mellow child may elicit a calm, loving response. On the other hand, a parent may prefer a vigorous, assertive child to a quiet one. And a child’s sensitivity level also influences her responses to life’s stimuli. A very sensitive child will more fully perceive the patterns she sees in her surroundings and will enjoy experiencing beautiful things. A very assertive child will enjoy responding to challenges and will take pleasure in competitive sports. As we develop, the combination of our sensitivity levels and our positive experiences, as well as our innate talents, shape our interests and our capabilities. If nothing interferes, a passion will evolve.
But There are Many Potential Interferences
Some are External
They come from cultural expectations or from the opinions of people who are important to us. A boy may be hassled if he loves interior design or ballet. A girl may be discouraged from becoming a mathematician or a pole vaulter. A poor child may be laughed at if he aspires to be an astronaut. A child from an affluent family may be discouraged from becoming a farmer. Whenever a child’s passion is criticized, an emotional disturbance occurs.
Some children acquiesce to these pressures and choose work that is deemed more acceptable, but they suffer because they aren't doing what they really love. They may not even remember what they loved. On the other hand, a child who has persevered and followed her dream despite criticism has suffered from that disapproval. And that pain will interfere, at least partially, with her effectiveness.
Some are Internal
A person may choose a line of work in an attempt to solve a problem. Perhaps she has been undervalued and wants to show everyone that she is worthy by performing well at an occupation that others approve of, but for which she doesn't have an innate talent. Or a poorly coordinated child may aspire to be a star athlete because, missing a father at home, he has idealized and identified with a professional athlete.
And there are unfortunate habits that may interfere with pursuing or doing well at an occupation that one would desire. Someone who becomes frightened of his aggression may develop an inhibition that impedes healthy assertiveness. One who has experienced painful losses may become chronically depressed. Past traumas may result in ongoing anxiety. Habits such as procrastination, distractibility, or chronic irritation also interfere.
If you have chosen your occupation because you love it and are good at it, you're lucky. But if current conditions seem to be ruining your experience, you are undoubtedly thinking carefully about what to do.
Try the Emotional Comfort® Tool
Using the Tool will bring periods of peacefulness and calm. But as you use it, wishing for help in making a decision, a new mental pathway will be created that will be dedicated to helping you think very clearly about the problem and about the best choice you can make.
GET THE EMOTIONAL COMFORT® Tool
