All my adult life, I’ve been searching for the “perfect” job. I think most of us look for it, even if most settle for a job that deviates from that ideal, to varying degrees. I’ve had some jobs that I enjoyed more than others, but all in all, I don’t think I ever really found one that was “perfect” for me.

To me, that entails doing something I love, so that it doesn’t feel like work. I also need to feel appreciated for what I do; to be treated as if my contributions are valued. Last, it has to be about more than just money—I don’t need to get rich, but I also don’t want to waste my life making someone else rich.

Since I lost my “steady” job back in October of 2009, I have thought a lot more about what I really want to do with the rest of my working life, and I’ve made some discoveries.

1. I’ve discovered that working with words is my love; my talent; my “calling,” if you like. Writing and editing were always my
   hobbies, and I’ve found that I enjoy them just as much if I’m getting paid.
2. I want to do something that makes me proud. When I worked for TI in the Defense group, I had the small comfort of knowing that at least the projects I worked on weren’t bombs, but who’s to say whether they were used by people who dropped bombs? When I worked for Solomon, if I did a good job, either a consultant or an oil company made money—and I haven’t seen many of either who really need any more money.
3. I want to do something that changes someone’s world, even if it’s only in some small way. The older I get, the more I question the difference I’ve made, and the more I find it important to me that I have a positive impact on those around me and the world at large.
4. I want a job that gives back to me as much as I put in. I will give my absolute best to every job I do, because that’s the way I was raised, and it’s what I believe God expects from me. Whether that’s working for an employer or raising my son—even if I make mistakes along the way—I don’t want anyone to be able to say that I didn’t do my best. I would appreciate a  company that believes it’s important to support me as an employee and as a person.

Too good to be true? Maybe not—if you believe.

I interviewed this week with a company that seems to fit all those expectations. And as a bonus, it’s close to home. It’s a company I’d be honored to work for, and they are making a difference in the lives of their employees as well as their clients. There would be opportunities every day to make a real and lasting difference in people’s lives. I believe it’s a place I need to be.

Who could ask for more?

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