We've all had a point in our careers where we've wondered "Is it really worth it? Am I actually making a difference? Does anyone care?" It's a sad truth that our society is more likely to criticize than offer positive feedback. Make a little mistake and people complain. Do your job right and no one says anything.
I used to feel that way all the time. You see, up until the fall of 2002, I was a corporate lawyer. I'm sure you can all imagine the kind of work environment that was. High pressure, high stakes and constant deadlines made for a very stressful, often negative work place. At the end of the day, no one ever said thank you for your hard work. They just piled on more and expected it to be done yesterday. I questioned my career choice practically every day back then.
I am very fortunate that for the past 12 years, I haven't had to ask myself these questions a single time. Seeing smiles on the faces of children and parents is a daily reminder that I'm having a positive impact on their lives. I made a choice to become a full time entertainer and have never regretted it. Whether I'm doing magic, balloons, stilt walking or any other fun thing, I'm always surrounded by smiles and laughter. That's thanks enough for me.
In my line of work, people often take the time to say "thank you" out loud. It always makes me feel great inside. Every now and then, some people go that extra mile and offer unsolicited messages such as this one: "Hi, Ian! Our son enjoyed your balloon show so much, he could not stop talking about it until he went to bed tonight. It was our first time hiring an entertainer for a party, and, you made it such a rewarding experience. Thank you so much for the professionalism, care, and all the laughter and fun you brought with you. Please accept our deepest gratitude, and a great Big Thank you."
A message like that is the greatest feeling in the world. It makes me feel like I'm on top of the world and I'm already feeling great to begin with. So next time someone does something for you, whether it's a co-worker doing his job well, or even the barrista at your local coffee house making you your half-sweet, low-fat, vanilla latte, take the time to truly express your gratitude. Not only will it make their day a little brighter, it might do the same for you!
I used to feel that way all the time. You see, up until the fall of 2002, I was a corporate lawyer. I'm sure you can all imagine the kind of work environment that was. High pressure, high stakes and constant deadlines made for a very stressful, often negative work place. At the end of the day, no one ever said thank you for your hard work. They just piled on more and expected it to be done yesterday. I questioned my career choice practically every day back then.
I am very fortunate that for the past 12 years, I haven't had to ask myself these questions a single time. Seeing smiles on the faces of children and parents is a daily reminder that I'm having a positive impact on their lives. I made a choice to become a full time entertainer and have never regretted it. Whether I'm doing magic, balloons, stilt walking or any other fun thing, I'm always surrounded by smiles and laughter. That's thanks enough for me.
In my line of work, people often take the time to say "thank you" out loud. It always makes me feel great inside. Every now and then, some people go that extra mile and offer unsolicited messages such as this one: "Hi, Ian! Our son enjoyed your balloon show so much, he could not stop talking about it until he went to bed tonight. It was our first time hiring an entertainer for a party, and, you made it such a rewarding experience. Thank you so much for the professionalism, care, and all the laughter and fun you brought with you. Please accept our deepest gratitude, and a great Big Thank you."
A message like that is the greatest feeling in the world. It makes me feel like I'm on top of the world and I'm already feeling great to begin with. So next time someone does something for you, whether it's a co-worker doing his job well, or even the barrista at your local coffee house making you your half-sweet, low-fat, vanilla latte, take the time to truly express your gratitude. Not only will it make their day a little brighter, it might do the same for you!