Our Labors of Love: Finding Meaningful Work
By Marsha Lazarus
Two t-shirts that I’ve kept—way beyond their public respectability—explain a lot about my life choices. The oldest has the famous Emma Goldman quote, “If I can’t dance to it, it’s not my revolution!” It’s pretty badly torn. The other, “People come in all flavors,” has been worn so often that it is stained and stretched. But for me, it acknowledges that we each bring our own unique flavor to the world.
Uncovering my voice—my unique flavor, learning to appreciate it, and then figuring out how to use it to make a contribution in the world has taken me on some interesting twists and turns and has probably been the driving force for many of my life choices.
So what do I mean by “our labors of love” or “meaningful work”? It’s work that we’re excited about; it gives us joy and stimulates ideas, curiosity, and creativity. It can be our paid employment, a side gig, or even our chosen activity in retirement. It can be family-related, building new skills, or using skills we've enjoyed using over the years.
It doesn’t mean that there aren't plenty of frustrations and challenges along the way. Rather, it's about the clarity we bring to this work and why it matters that motivates us to keep going through those frustrations.
A very early entrée into my meaningful work happened almost 35 years ago, when I took a position as a job developer at the East Harlem Job Tap Center. No doubt, for many folks in my position, it would have felt tedious and uncomfortable. For me, it was really quite effortless as I walked up and down 2nd Ave, knocking on business doors, introducing myself to strangers, and engaging in conversations. I felt impassioned and clear about why I was doing it, and I am sure that this is what energized me.
Over these past 35 years, I have learned a lot. Probably most importantly, it is this: all of us, no matter our education level, skills, or life experience, have strengths and talents and also challenges and limitations. And these strengths, talents, and limitations match certain opportunities better than others.
On June 3rd and September the 2nd, from 10 am and 12 pm, I’m available in-person or on Zoom to sit with you individually and explore different possibilities that match your interests and values. On Wednesday, November 4, from 1:00 – 3:00pm, I’ll be hosting a group session. Whether you've attended a previous career coaching session or not, you’re welcome to sign up under the Class heading “What's Next?! Career & Next Chapter Guidance with Marsha” on the HWFC Classes, Events & Services page.
So if you are feeling stuck, at a crossroads, or looking to brainstorm next steps, consider signing up. My approach is to offer feedback and pose clarifying questions that ultimately put you in the driver’s seat.
I look forward to meeting you at a coaching session or just crossing paths while shopping!
-Marsha
To register, go to the Classes, Events & Services page on our website and scroll to the month and day of the event you're choosing. Click on the class title for registration instructions.
View all the Coop Scoop Blog posts here.