Do what you love, and love what you do.

I photographed this lady in Astoria, Oregon.  She was working on a loom, making a fabric at the time.

There are those who begrudgingly go to work, who hate it, but are stuck because it pays the bills and they are not likely to find anything better.  Then there are those who love it because it is what they love to do; going to work is exciting and soulful work.  The difference between the first group and the second often relates to planning and opportunity working in tandem.

The planning part has to occur when you actually have some idea of who you are - what defines you in terms of your interests and capabilities.  Many people don't know this until either late high school or, more likely, until sometime in their twenties.  For me, I graduated from high school with a passion for animals of all kinds.  My passion was "critters."  I went to the University of Calgary to get a BSc in Zoology.  I didn't know what would happen after that, but it was certainly in the right direction.

The opportunity part involves a few things.  Whatever you put your hand to, do your best.  People notice others that really make an effort.  Doing your best will also put you ahead of competitors that don't.  Most employment fields have limited opportunities; you want to be noticed, not just another average resume.

Even though it may not feel like it, time is on your side.  Young people may feel that things aren't happening fast enough and that they may "never" get where they want to be.  You have to figure out what you want and what you need to do to get there.  It may mean putting in time as an apprentice, taking courses or perhaps even getting diplomas or degrees.  But every step forward is better than not moving at all, and every step shows initiative, drive, and goal orientation.  Employers love this.

Maybe you are not the sharpest tool in the shed, but you may be the hardest worker.  Work ethic trumps brains frequently.  Opportunity comes sometimes because of luck, being at the right place at the right time, but often it comes because you deserve it.  And if not today, maybe tomorrow.

You are young.  Work hard.  Know your goals.  Obtain the education and experience you need.  And bide your time.  It will come.

Do what you love, and love what you do.  The wait is worth it.

Thanks for reading.

Eric Svendsen     www.ericspix.com

Movie - Rudy  Link:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YKYFz-0a1E

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