An extremely important point you make.

First how can you expect a young person of 21 with a new college degree to know how to know what they like let alone how to find it?

I was lucky to have spent four years in the military and a couple of more years working between high school and college. I was also married and had a family. By the time I went to college I knew a lot of things I did not want to do, having tried many of them.

A year back packing in Europe. A year or two as a volunteer. Two years in the military. A year or two doing something either after high school or after a sophomore year of college would do wonders in helping young people have a better idea of the real world.

But beyond that they need to know that there is someone willing to pay them for their passion, or they can start a company with their passion and make a good living. One of the things that make this country great is that. No one is pigeon holed forever. You start the rest of your life every morning. Sure there is risk. But with the risk comes the chances for a life time of fun and good living.

Charles

Unfortunately, many of us – no, most of us cannot say that. Most of us have to take jobs that we don’t like, that most certainly feels like ‘work’, to pay the bills.

There are a lot of factors that are attributed to this – economic strains (national or personal) not withstanding – but I would argue a significant portion of this can be attributed to most people not receiving adequate education. Schools today do not focus on students as much as they do standards.

That is to say, we expect our workforce to enter high school at the age of (on average) 14, graduate in just four-years’ time with the expectations that these young-adults know, or at least have a clue as to what it is they want to do (what they’re passionate about) with the rest of their lives – and enter college to pursuit it. Its no wonder something like 70% of undergraduates change their major at least once. Clearly this isn’t enough time to develop mature passions.

Though, not just to be a contrarian, I would question the values you deem desirable, Charles. Well, maybe not question, but perhaps suggest that there is something more than some of the qualities you say you like. I mean, no one likes losing, for example… Though the other enjoyments you receive make my point – education is a long process, not something you can package in 4-year stretches.

I find your articles interesting, alliteration not withstanding.

But the best mindset to bring to the job is that is not work.

Find something you like to do, and then you never work a day in your life. Not original I know. But or so true.

I love running my companies. I like being in charge. I thrive on problem solving and decision making. It is like playing poker. The point is not to win. It is to make correct decisions. If you make correct decisions you win ultimately.

Is it perfect, no. But I enjoy getting up every morning and going to work.

I am originally a CPA by trade. I love doing complex bank reconciliations. I get a thrill out of spending a week creating the perfect balance sheet.

I am never bored with my work. I never stop learning and striving to do it better. I go to school every year and usually every day. I get better at my job. It is good for me, my employees and my company.

That is the mindset to have. If you don’t have it where you are find it someplace else. Life is way to short to spend 2000 hours a year doing things you don’t want to do.

Charles