It’s not unusual for people in large cities to juggle multiple jobs.

They brave the demands; the pressure; the hectic, mind-numbing drudgery; the abuse and disrespect; and the excruciatingly long work days… for what?

In pursuit of their holy grail – their dream career. Their true calling. Their passion.

When you’re doing what you like, you’ll never work a day in your life, right?

Or, wait… was that when you like what you do, you can find true contentment?

What’s the difference anyways? Won’t both lead to happiness?

Maybe…

Doing What You Like

Many people believe that if a person doesn’t want to change the world in some dramatic way it’s simply because they’re too afraid to follow their passion.

To find something they love doing, these same people take a lot of time coming up with a plan. They put all their energy into thinking what their passion is and how to get to their goal. They even invest money and time to get some form of professional training. All in an effort to gauge their talents and find their dream career… and happiness.

The reality, though, is that doing what you like often means you’ll be chasing after some perfect job, state-of-mind, or accomplishment, only to realize that it always stays one step ahead of you. Or you may succeed in reaching your dream, only to find out it isn’t what you thought at all.

If you’re always looking for the ideal career, you won’t be satisfied with limiting yourself to a mundane job. You most likely only use it as a means to make money, while you wait to discover your true passion.

The constant search for your passion, though, can actually distract you from living in the present. Hence, your mind will always be in the future, not on what you’re doing.

And all too often, you end up chasing happiness ahead of yourself.

Liking What You Do

Liking what you do, on the other hand, means you enjoy what you have and find happiness in relishing the moment, even if it’s not perfect.

Being mindful helps you to enjoy each experience without trying to hold on when it changes. It helps you to be present with every step, to do your best, and learn something along the way. And it helps you to be grateful for what you have – not taking things for granted.

And not chasing after the wind!

Rather, be mindful of all your blessings. Of course, your work may not be perfect or what you want to do for the rest of your life. However, by focusing on the present moment, you can learn to like what you do.

Remind yourself to be positive with everything you do, including your job. Get involved with others. Talk about things that make you happy. It’s contagious. And stop complaining, but rather show an attitude of problem-solving instead. Do more than what is required of you.

Liking what you do, no matter what job you have, is actually easier when your workspace becomes an extension of your personality. Being kind, polite, and respectful to others will make you and them happier. So, make connections with your boss and co-workers. Let them inspire you to improve.

Contemplate this: Could the secret to happiness actually lie in mindfully keeping aware of what is happening in the present without wishing it would be different?

The fact is, your world is what you think, what you see, and what you become. So think hard. Gather and choose your thoughts wisely and consider how you want to live. – Chasing the dream of doing what you like and perhaps finding happiness in the future? Or liking what you do and enjoying your life to the full right now?