The Work Toad is often a four-lettered word; sometimes it’s actually a happy word but most often it is not. Instead it is just a means to an end. That end is food on the table, a roof over our heads, a vehicle to take us where we want to go, clothes, our children’s well-being, and the chance for a rare vacation. In today’s world of employers demanding ever increasing levels of productivity with fewer and fewer resources, it frequently means 80+ hour work weeks, time spent in airports and on airplanes, missed birthdays, anniversaries, and children’s programs, and a general lack of anything resembling a life. It is commonly referred to as “the daily grind” for a reason. It grinds us down, making us old before our time, and dissatisfied with life.

For some, the Work Toad brings satisfaction, a sense of purpose, and is their life’s calling. They actually love their chosen job. Some of these fortunate few actually achieve some semblance of a work-life balance. Others, do not. However, it is a conscious choice on their part, their job consumes them and they love it. Personally, I think these people need help, but I respect the choice they have made.

For others like me, my job is just that – a job. It is a means to earn money to support my family. I am very competent at my job but it is not a job that I love. I have had a couple of jobs that I truly loved and enjoyed going to work every day. And sometimes I even let it take over my life. But alas, jobs in the IT world change based on market and government conditions. My current job is one of those where no matter how many projects I complete; more is always expected. The work days are long and more often that not, spill into precious weekends and holidays. We are told to take vacations and spend time with family, but only so long as it does not impact the company’s profit margins. On the positive side I earn a very good salary which allows me to provide for my family – not extravagantly, but well above the poverty line.

I will continue this job and the life it provides for another 6.5 years and then I will retire. On that day, I will leave IT and Project Management behind but I will not stop working. You see, in the day of 401K’s being your only retirement and a late entry into the work force, I will have to continue to work to supplement my retirement income. The next job will be for love! Something I truly enjoy. It may not pay much but I will be rich in the satisfaction achieved by doing a job I truly enjoy. I will have finally reached the point that eastern philosophy says “Find what you love and you will never work a day in your life” or something like that. My next job will also be a four-lettered word – LOVE!