About half of the IAS/IPS officers who reach out to me ask me about career opportunities outside the Services. Of course, there is an obvious self-selection here (why else would they reach out to an ex-Civil Servant).
Yet, the number of dissatisfied people in highly coveted jobs (including in the private sector) is quite high.
Why is that?
Here is a part of the answer: Think of the glamour and external trappings as the beautiful wrapping of your birthday gift. The package looks quite charming but only until you open it. After that, all that matters is the stuff inside.
Similarly, once you are in a job, the only thing that matters whether your work resonates with you? Does it feel meaningful? Would you still do it happily, even if there was no money, prestige or any external wrapper around it?
Sadly, quite often, the answer to that question is ‘no.’ And it could happen even if your job is to be the King of England. 😊
If your job is unworthy of the limited time you have on Earth, it won’t make you happy. This answer is dumb obvious. Yet, it is also something we most overlook.
I am not saying there is perfect job out there waiting to be snapped up by its Prince Charming. Quite likely, some of that love is cultivated. But regardless, it has to be there.
If you were to ask me how to find this, I have no idea — other than experimentation. Which is probably why I have done so many about-turns in my career.
I hope you are more successful than me. But don’t give up on this — if there is anything worth your time, this is it.
– Rajan