Why Do You Do This? - Check Your Ego At The Door

Check Your Ego At The Door

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Check Your Ego At The Door

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Bart Berkey

Why Do You Do This?
August 28, 2008

You just completed working a back-to-back shift entailing 18 hours. When you finally arrive home, you'll literally be too exhausted to sleep and you might muster enough energy to fill a cereal bowl with milk and cheerios. Why do you do this?

There are many other industries that you could be in and make more money and work less hours. Why do you do this?

I've seen many sacrifice relationships by moving six times in seven years and traveling home to family only once every other weekend. Why do you do this?

Some of my greatest mentors have chosen to be away from family for months at a time to pursue their careers. Weeks ago, my family and I went to a county fair in our area. A traveling carnival was part of the entertainment. While my kids were busy trying to break balloons for $2 a dart to win a Sponge Bob poster (valued at approximately $0.50), I struck up conversation with one of the "carnies." I asked where he was from and he politely answered, "whereever my RV is parked." The evening prior he treated his wife to a night's stay at the local Comfort Inn so he could take a real shower. Yes, he complained a bit about the price of fuel, but overall was incredibly enthusiastic about his life. He loved his job and traveling the country. This was his passion.

Personally, my family is the most important thing in my life. Even as a recruiter, the advice I give candidates is that they need to make decisions that will make them happy. Perhaps I initially chose the sales discipline so that I would only be required to work when clients were around (typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.). If I'm away from home for more than one week, I almost cry when I see other children similar to the ages of my kids (and I love my job!).

I recently uncovered a blog by Steve Pavlina that challenges you to discover your purpose in life by writing down whatever answer enters your mind. If your response makes you cry, this is your purpose. OK, so mine is my family and helping others… Since becoming a recruiter, I am consumed by learning more about "what makes people tick" and what motivates them to be successful in our industry. My challenge is to find the best of the best. So my question for you, and I expect hundreds of comments, "Why Do YOU Do This?"

Posted by Bart Berkey on August 28, 2008 | Comments (10)

August 28, 2008
In response to: Why Do You Do This?
GAUTHAMAN commented:

I love what I do the best in this complex hospitality industry, i work long hours,but am not close to my family, i try to get a job closer it doesnot work well, I do not know why,

August 28, 2008
In response to: Why Do You Do This?
Peter Capell commented:

The key words are "passion" and career. That's a long bridge from "a job". If committed as a career, you ARE the position, dedicated and available not just when expected but whenever the opportunity exists to create, build and enhance relationships. Not just "clients", they become friends and partners...and true relationships are not governed by set hours. All involve commitment, but the difference is one's degree of that commitment. If not, it truly is "just a job."

August 28, 2008
In response to: Why Do You Do This?
Stelios commented:

There are few jobs in the world that can be as interesting as running 5 restaurants (Fusion, Thai, Japanese, Italian, Steakhouse) 3 bars, huge C&B and a very succesful outside catering business, though a Leading Hotel of the World standards......it is the knowledge that you need to have in order to perfect all these, it is acquiring this knowledge through hard work that keeps you so excited about what you do.

August 28, 2008
In response to: Why Do You Do This?
Marcus commented:

At the end of the day, I love my Family, but my Career is my Mistress! Both are better for it!

August 28, 2008
In response to: Why Do You Do This?
cariblady commented:

When a recruiter reads my resume and comments on what a fabulous career I've had - and they are right - I know that any sacrifices I've made have been worthwhile. My job keeps me on the road a lot, but I make an effort to visit family and friends around business commitments. In some cases, I see certain people more because I am on the road than I would if I had a desk job.

August 28, 2008
In response to: Why Do You Do This?
Robert commented:

I couldn't agree with you more! When you have a sense of purpose and love what you do, it is no longer a job. Family comes first, and there is nothing more important. ever.

August 28, 2008
In response to: Why Do You Do This?
juergen oswald commented:

It's the gypsy mentality in me. I'm curious, I'm anxious to find out what's next, change is exciting and the action at a busy hotel is exhilarating. I'm fortunate that my wife has the same attitude and we are always looking forward to the next adventure around the corner. The biggest responsibility is to the team and by ensuring better occupancies so your housekeepers get a full time schedule-they need the job and I enjoy it.

August 29, 2008
In response to: Why Do You Do This?
Marsha commented:

Iam happy with what I do in sales. I keep the numbers up so the owners are happy. Standards are met at the hotel to keep the guests happy and our staff is well trained and respected, which keeps them happy. Always up for a challenging hotel.

August 29, 2008
In response to: Why Do You Do This?
Chris Young commented:

I do this becasue there's no other career out there that lets you meet as many people in such a short amount of time.

September 2, 2008
In response to: Why Do You Do This?
ian commented:

I enjoy my job, but my family always comes first. I may not be the next president of the hotel company, but I am happy and doing a job I enjoy. I agree balance is important and you need to know what your purpose in life is!