Work the Verb vs. Work the Noun

Piggybacking on GF's nice piece below, I have to say I agree with him. At some point, reality is what it it is. You are what you think, you are (thanks Denny Green) and the man isn't going to let you off the hook (I could go all day with quotes like that). But, yes, the harsh reality of life is that at some point all of the people lined up to separate you from your cash become the masters of your universe.

I am one of the fortunate people (especially in this economy) to have a job I still love to come to every day. Now, don't get carried away thinking I wake up every day and say "Yippeee, I get to go to work!" No, I am still very much the person that given the choice would never work again. But that choice is overtaken by the hierarchy of my needs. Food, clothing, beer, shelter...probably even in that order. I also have a Mrs. Host, a Mr. Host the Dog, and a young Master Host Junior. Quite simply, you have to do what you have to do to make it all come together.

My job for the most part is to keep people happy and to offer events and programming that make our members feel their annual dues are worth it. My staff and I do a very good job of it. At this time of year, my job involves weekly tailgate parties and watching football games, often from a suite. Not bad as far as work goes...but, it is still work. Is it fun? You bet. Compared to working an assembly line or mowing lawns or changing transmissions it's a dream. Is it better than drinking with friends and doing whatever? Nope...not even close.

You see, work is work to me. I don't work because I love it. I work because I love what I do when I am not here and I need the money to make that happen. From that departure point, finding something you like to do is a big bonus and makes the day go by that much easier.

At times in my life, I have had jobs where Work as a noun was more fitting than Work as a verb. At other times that cycle has been reversed. Currently, I think I am striking a very harmonious balance. Sure, I haven't changed the world the way I, or many others, predicted I might. But, I am still young and for now I am still happy to have the time to have those random beers in the middle of the week with friends. One day when one of us is ruling the world (or maybe just Polk County) we may not have as much time for that. So, I am good getting it while the getting is good. The rest will work itself out when I am old.