I used Zoom at least monthly for coaching before the coronavirus pandemic. Since the pandemic I have been saying that I am “Zoomed Out” – which includes Google Meet and Microsoft Teams. Video conferences wear me out. Quite often I don’t even turn on my camera. Enough already!
Before my vacation last month, I recorded two lectures on Zoom for my students to attend class asynchronously. Although I was technically talking to myself, I was excited to be talking to my students. I gave them the same energy that I give when I stand in class before them each week.
On Wednesday evening I participated as a Social Work panelist for an Introduction to Social Work class on Zoom. I was placed in a breakout room with 3 students who interviewed me about my social work career. Of course, I had my camera on. One student initially had his camera off, but soon turned his camera on and joined the chat. We had a great discussion – they were curious and engaged. I loved every minute of it. I was energized after the class because I was doing something that I love.
After an event or field trip when working with program participants in my previous role, I would often find myself saying “my body is tired, but my heart is full”. I got up early, went to bed late, stood for hours, managed multiple priorities, and handled teenage crisis on the regular, but I loved every minute of it.
Have you been called lazy because you don’t have energy when working?
You’re not lazy! You just don’t love the work that you do!
Too many of us have had or are still having this same experience.
You can be doing good work for a great company yet it’s still not in alignment with your career goals or personal mission. Just because it’s not a hostile or toxic work environment doesn’t mean you should stay there. Just because you’re good at it doesn’t mean you should remain there. Just because you earn a good salary doesn’t mean you have to stay there. Just people your colleagues like you doesn’t mean you should work there. If you’re drained and unmotivated it’s time to develop that exit strategy. If you want to feel energized and fulfilled, do work that you love. The job that makes you light up is waiting for you.
Life is too short to work that doesn’t inspire you!
So, what are you going to do about it?!
Nicki Sanders, MSW, CEO, is a Career and Empowerment Strategist who helps high-performing women of color in management go from overworked, underpaid, and unappreciated to energized, well paid, and appreciated. Through Nicki Sanders Leadership Consulting, she also helps businesses recruit, hire, train, and retain great employees. Nicki has an extensive background in developing and managing successful programs and leading high-functioning multi-disciplinary teams. She is an accomplished professor, coach, trainer, and group facilitator who has combined her gift for authentic relationships, Master of Social Work degree, and over 20 years of diverse work experience to create a life she loves. Nicki is a lover of cupcakes, travel, and 80’s hip hop and R&B music.
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