Why I Love my Job

April 25, 2018

“Do what you love, the money will follow.” Decades ago, I read this. I read Marsha Sinetar’s book by that name and thought, “Sure, for me it would be do what I love and the money will follow waaay behind, far far behind. Do what I love and the money will follow my own investments in doing what I love.”

Well, I’m now wrapping up my fourth season of doing what I love at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park with money in the bank and in my retirement fund. And, if I also count the seven seasons I worked as a Ridgerunner on the Appalachian Trail, that would add up to eleven seasons earning money doing what I love. It can happen – even to a doubter like me!

Did I contribute to this happening? Am I just lucky? Both? I do not know! I can say that if getting clear on “what I love doing” and doing it, even when it wasn’t “a real job” and even when it was short term or voluntary meant that my resume for these positions landed me the jobs. Maybe this is what Marsha Sinetar meant by her declaration.

At this moment, I am content with feeling immensely grateful to have the testimonials of visitors, campers, parents, clients, and hikers assuring me that doing what I love has contributed to their lives. The money AND the testimonials add together.

“You’ve changed my life!” from a Waldorf parent’s group mom.

“This is the first time I’ve told anyone my story!” from a Journey to YOUR Heartland participant.

“I didn’t want to come, but I’m so glad I did. This touched me to tears.” from a participant in an experimental program at the visitor center.

“I’ve been to a hundred campfires, and this was the best!” from a campfire participant.

And my favorite, “Thanks, Ranger Regina. I’ll be sure to come to your last three Junior Ranger Saturdays” from the local boy who has come almost every Saturday for the past four winters and inspired me to do what I’m pretty sure no one else will do with him, namely, run up ‘Junior Ranger’ Mountain.

This is what I love about my job and what encourages me to take a stand for others giving voice and description to “what you love doing”. I believe it matters and I believe it’s possible.

What do YOU love doing? Are you doing it?

Scott, I know you love dancing, and that you are doing it!

Claudia, I know you love nuzzling horses, and that you are doing it.

Cheryl, I know you love walking, and that you are doing it and helping others do it.

Please reply to this email and let me know what you love and if you’re doing it.

I stand for you in fulfilling that if you want!

In joy,

Regina