Everyone's got talent!

Fulfilment in Work: A Reflection

This post was written a while ago, but looking back, the thoughts still resonate. The idea for it actually struck after sharing stories with a friend about our jobs and what really makes work fulfilling, one of those classic, winding, late-night conversations that gets under your skin and lingers for days

Why Do So Many of Us Feel Stuck?

It occurred to me that the vast majority of people, myself included until a few years back, don’t actually enjoy their jobs much. Most roles don’t offer real freedom, and even if you love the people you work with (I always did!), that alone might not be enough to truly feel satisfied. In fact, most of my enjoyment in past jobs was 90% down to the people I was working with.  I honestly thought I loved some jobs, but it was probably the sense of camaraderie that hooked me, not the work itself. If there had been a bit more progression or money on the table, maybe I’d have stayed. But why is it that the most fun jobs so often pay the least?

Thats Life I guess!

So many people never question if their work is making them happy or just ticking boxes. My friend had never considered the possibility of loving a job. He just got on with it, accepted a few holidays, fairly little free time, and figured “that’s life.” Maybe for some, that’s fine. Maybe for others, it’s worth asking: am I satisfied? Reflecting on that was a turning point for me

Office Life Isn’t For Everyone (And That’s OK)

Don’t get me wrong, a lot of people are great at office work, enjoy it, and feel fulfilled. I have friends thriving in exactly that world! Sometimes you stumble into a role straight out of school or uni, and it just fits perfectly. I almost wish the jobs I had early in my career had suited me better. The people, the work, all good. But something never quite clicked, and it took ages to finally realise it.

Chasing Talent and Finding Satisfaction

I believe everyone has a talent buried somewhere, and wonder if that’s the key to job satisfaction. Imagine early humans. Some were better hunters, some foraged, some made clothes. Now, with countless job options and skillsets, it’s harder than ever to know what fits. If there are thousands of possible careers out there, it’s mind-blowing to think how many talents go undiscovered simply because we never try something new. I sometimes joke: maybe I was born to be a virtuoso pianist, but unless I give it a proper shot, I’ll never know! (I never have, btw!)

So How Do You Discover Your True Calling?

Simple answer: I don’t know! Wish I could help more. The best advice? Trust your gut. Our instincts can be eerily accurate. What some call coincidence, I see as a chain of mini-decisions steering us where we’re meant to go. controlled chaos! Isn’t it wild that something trivial like grabbing a particular chocolate bar, say - could set off a domino effect sending you down a whole new path?

How do we measure Success?!

I've heard plenty of times that working in music is ridiculously tough, and that I might never ‘make it’. In fact, one of my best mates once told me he’d discussed this with someone who doubted me, and his response was, “How do you define ‘making it’? Jamie’s making a living doing music, enjoys it, and (mostly) doesn’t have to answer to anyone! By my count, that’s ‘making it’ at least on some level.”

What's it all about?

Hearing it put that way meant a lot, and made me realise I’d never really thought about it like that. How we measure success at work, and in life, usually comes down to a few specific things: money, career milestones, and in my industry, sometimes fame. But for me, success is about overall happiness. If you’re happy, that’s success. Whether you earn loads or just enough for a simple life, if you enjoy it and feel fulfilled, you’re there. Of course, most of us wouldn’t say no to more money!! Modern culture wires us to think that way, but happiness is the most clear measure of success I can see. Otherwise, I must be way behind!

If anyone reading has a different view, or anything to add, throw it in the comments! I love a lively debate.

Final Thoughts

When you get an urge to try something, go for it. With technology the way it is, new opportunities spring up all the time. Maybe you’re great at making things, writing, working with people, analysing data, selling. Whatever your skill, if you get a chance to dive in, just do it!

See you on the next one!

JB X