Follow Your Bliss — or, the Real Reason Dr. Kutner Killed Himself

Someone once asked me a question that really bothered me. Basically, I was asked if whatever I had done that particular day was worth the cost of an entire day of my life. Would I trade a day of my life on Earth for whatever experiences I had or accomplishments I made that day?

Because of course, that is what we do every day. Whatever you did yesterday, you spent a day of your life doing it. Since we’re all going to die one day, each 24 hours we’re alive has a lot of value. But are we spending it well?

If you have a job that isn’t fulfilling and meaningful, then probably not. We can’t all be so lucky as to work as astronauts, emergency room surgeons, rock stars or the Prince of Wales. But anyone can have a job that is worth spending your precious life on, if you really want it.

I was reminded of all this today. On this week’s episode of House MD, one of the title character’s staff doctors, Dr. Lawrence Cutler, killed himself. If you haven’t watched the episode yet, that was a spoiler — so don’t read it.

Anyway, the characters spent the episode trying to make sense of his death, which no one had foreseen. Those of us watching the show tried to figure it out too.

But today we learn that actor Kal Penn, who portrayed Dr. Cutler for two seasons, voluntarily left one of the highest rated programs on television. Why would an actor, who has starred in a handful of popular movies and whose career is just now breaking through to stardom, quit the show that was making his career as an actor?

Because the 31-year-old Indian-American from New Jersey has accepted a position as the associate director of the White House’s Office of Public Liaison and Intergovernmental Affairs. No, really. Not on some TV show — it’s the real White House.

A man who already has what many would consider a dream career is giving it up, at least temporarily, to pursue something he finds more meaningful and important. Good for him.

If this man can leave a great career for a greater one, why can’t you give up the job you hate for something that might make you happy?

Of course, Kal Penn has money. He can afford to make major changes to his life. You may feel you don’t have the financial freedom to switch careers.

But you’ll never know what opportunities may be available to you until you start looking. A great new career track isn’t going to come looking for you — you have to go out and find it.

Tags: Advice, Barack Obama, career challenges, career choices, career path, House MD, Kal Penn, television

Getting Over the Hump: Answering the Big Question

In honor of ‘Hump Day’, each Wednesday we’re going to single out a ‘hump’ you might have to roll over on your way to sweet career success. The answers aren’t always simple and easy, but hopefully we’ll give you something to marinate on.

So, do you guys remember the “When I Grow Up” segments from Saturday morning cartoons? These were fun little stories that helped kids know what the heck they were saying when they answered The Big Question: ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’ They always featured a cute little ginger who seemed 100% certain that he wanted to be a veterinarian.

If you’re one of those people who’ve known your career path since you were eight years old (yes, Mr. Redheaded Animal Doctor, I’m talking to you), then congrats. If not, you’re not alone. Lots of people still don’t know what they want they want to be. Or do. Sometimes the best way to figure things out is to learn as much as you can about the industries that interest you. You’re probably a wee bit past the guidance counselor days–so be your own guidance counselor and figure out where you want to go.

At EmploymentCrossing.com, there are over 90 industry-specific websites that allow you to explore all types of jobs. Some of these jobs aren’t really the ‘cool’ jobs that you may have rattled off when answering The Big Question–no one says they want to be an actuary (ActuarialCrossing.com) or a class action attorney (LawCrossing.com) unless they’re Alex P. Keaton. (‘Family Ties’ not ‘Family Guy’). But one of them might be the perfect job for you.

It’s worth a look at our free trial.

Okay, we started off with a big hump for our Hump Day posts. But if you work really hard to refine your answer to The Big Question, a lot of the other career challenges will be a little less daunting.

Tags: career challenges, career path, Employment, Job Search