Human Resources 101

A couple of years ago, Curt Rosengren posted this Career Passion meme at The Occupational Adventure. I bookmarked the post thinking I might add my two-cents worth to the meme and promptly forgot about it. While doing a little electronic housekeeping, I came across the link and thought I’d better give it a go before it vanished from my radar again.

Here’s my belated answers to Curt’s questions:

What kind of work would you do if you got paid in the juice you get from your job, rather than money? (i.e., what jobs would light your fire in a big way?)

Not to take the easy way out, but my current job as a Human Resources Director. There’s three parts to this:

• I’ve reached a point in my life where I’m not going to take (or stay in) any job unless it “lights my fire” is some way.
• I’ve come to the awareness that there is no such thing as the “perfect job”. Much of what makes the job great is the attitude I bring to it.
• Human Resources is a great career! Helping managers connect with their people in meaningful ways is hugely rewarding.

If you had to choose a career that had nothing to do with any of the work you’ve done thus far in your career, what would would it be?

A lawyer. I’d love to be practicing in an inner-city store front, providing representation to those who are marganalized. Sort of like Superman, but without the tights.

What did you want to be when you were a kid?

• Doctor
• Police (Detective)
• Baseball Player
• Musician

List five things you love doing, work or play.

• Musician
• Photography
• Reading
• Blogging
• Cooking

Pick one of those things. Why is that so much fun?

Cooking. I like being able to create something that has an immediate and tangible payback. I like that food can create community; having friends share together at a meal.

What do you like most about your current job?

The opportunity to help managers develop great employee communities/teams in their workplaces.

What do you like the least about your current job?

The bang-your-head-against-the-wall frustration that comes from an employment relationship messed up through careless mistakes.