Looking for something?

In 2006, the U.S. Department of Labor and Statistics reported on a study conducted over a twenty-five year span. The study followed almost ten thousand workers who were 14 to 22 when first interviewed and 39 to 48 at the conclusion of the study. The younger segment of the focus group held 10.5 jobs throughout the twenty-five year span. That works out to a job change about every 27 months.

Why is there so much turnover in the job market? Many people are looking for a job that blends their skills and abilities with their passion. In other words, people are looking for their “whys.” There seems to be a deep inner connection between our ultimate purpose in life and our satisfaction with life.

Our personal purpose—why—is a big deal because it provides the pathway to the best possible life. Everyone wants to devote their lives in something significant. The search for significant ways to invest their personal resources—time, talent, skills, creativity—drives many people to try different jobs. It takes about eighteen months to evaluate the potential in a situation. That’s the point at which employees start looking for new opportunities. It’s also the point when volunteers and non-employees begin stepping away from their commitments.

When people know their whys, they are more likely to stick with an employer or organization. When their personal values and desires coincide with those of the organization, people become passionate about the cause for which they work. Employees become ambassadors. If you don’t believe it, stop by your nearest Apple store and spend a few moments talking to one of the employees. You’ll find people who relate to Apple’s why, therefore they are pumped up about its products.

Life begins to make sense as you discover your why. What’s yours?

Terry Hadaway is an author and educator. He has written for a lot of other people and finally is writing stuff of his own! When he's not writing, he is roasting coffee, drinking coffee, or thinking about coffee! You can read his blog at www.liveyourwhy.net. If you want to know more about his coffee, visit www.beanhousesoffee.com.