Anyone that reads this blog or my personal blog Kazoofus probably knows that my pet peeves change with dang near every breath I take. Just browse through the Who Stole My Stapler archives for proof of some of my workplace and career pet peeves.

I just read an article on Women’s Health Magazine that reminded me of something that I have a hard time comprehending:

Why do women chase men more than they chase the career of their dreams?

Leslie Bennetts has written her story far more eloquently than I ever could. Of course the difference between Leslie and I is the fact that my career has always been exceptionally important to me. I never felt I had to choose between it or a man. So I guess the reality is I could never write Leslie’s story.

Leslie writes:

“The unexpected truth is that my career has given me far more enduring gifts than my lovers ever did. Even a loving marriage, which nurtures me in innumerable ways, is not the focus of my existence. My husband, an editor and culture critic, is engrossed in his professional life; thank heavens I have mine. My children have been my priority for nearly two decades, but they are leaving the nest. What would I do with myself if I didn’t have my own agenda to pursue?”

I can tell you that without a doubt I am a better person for having a career that I love. I have worked in jobs that didn’t challenge me and I have worked in environments that were stressful and cruel. Over the years I have realized that a job I really love is made up of many components:

1. The work is challenging but not maddening. There is a difference between struggling to achieve the impossible and being inspired to achieve something new.
2. My co-workers are fun and entertaining, can handle stressful situations with style and grace, and are dedicated to doing what is right for the company as a whole. They are timely, reliable, courteous and complete smart asses when appropriate.
3. My manager can make me laugh so hard I snort. I can trust my manager with important work topics and when appropriate, private matters as well. My manager is someone I have faith in and know I can go to anytime for feedback and advice.
4. The atmosphere is upbeat and fun. Playful banter is not discouraged, office parties and games are the norm and treats like popcorn are provided on schedule.

Here on Work It, Mom! we all have at least one thing in common: motherhood. What we don’t have in common is our marital status. Maybe it is easy for me to claim that my career is and has been important to me because I am joyfully unattached. I do not feel like I need a significant other to make me happy because as crazy as this may seem:

I  AM  happy.

I also don’t have to divide my time and attention between career and spouse. It is most definitely divided between kids, pets, friends, extended family and household responsibilities. But their isn’t another adult in this house that I have to take into consideration when I decide to make changes (big or small) to my career. Maybe having one less person to be accountable to on a daily basis makes it easier for me, as a single woman, be more passionate about doing work that fulfills me.

I’ve been in a bad relationship and thank the heavens I am out of that. I have also been in bad work situations and thank the heavens I am out of that too. What I don’t understand is why, when it comes to our careers, women would choose to ignore their career dreams?

We fiercely shop for the best deals on shoes and school supplies and we insist on getting good medical care for our families. We demand that our teachers teach our kids but when it comes to our worklife, the place we typically spend the majority of our time, we lose our fire. Is it that we spend all of our energy serving others and at the end of the day have nothing left to give ourselves?

Why is it OK for women to sacrifice what is important to THEM for the sake of supporting what is important to their significant other? Why would you pursue finding Mr. Right with more energy and passion than you would your career?

If we are going to spend 40 hours a week doing something, shouldn’t it be a top priority that we ENJOY it!?!?

If you are ready to begin a love affair with your career I STRONGLY encourage you to follow this link to Susan M. Heathfield’s article Love Your Work. She has put a lot of time into writing a really informative article on the subject and providing links to resources to help you get started.

So tell me.  What are you waiting for?