People often ask me clarify what I do for a living.
That’s true, especially after I write a saucy post.
I say, “It’s none of your business. Aren’t you happy just to read my blog?”
No. Everybody wants a little something extra.
Well, regular readers know that I do a few things to keep myself occupied. I write anywhere and everywhere that feels worthwhile. I speak to HR audiences and executives. I consult on marketing projects and HR-related projects. Oh, I forgot that I advise companies as both a strategic coach and an appointed board member, too.
The most ambiguous part of my company is my HR consulting model. While the bulk of my work is doing HR for human resources professionals, it’s not like I am putting together total rewards statements or processing new hire paperwork. I sit in meetings with people who try to make their HR departments better.
Yes, that’s as boring as it sounds.
But optimizing HR is a booming business. I have begun asking colleagues to help me with my work load because, let’s get real, I can only stomach so much cheerleading before I feel uneasy with myself.
People ask — Does this bring you joy? Are you happy?
I’m not joking. One of my dearest blogging colleagues just asked me this. And I was like, “Listen, if we’re going to be friends, you have to stop asking stupid questions.”
What brings me joy is inner peace. Quiet time at home with a good book. Great conversations with dear friends.
And baby goats.
Some jobs are aligned with passion and happiness (e.g., being a monk). Some jobs trick you into thinking it’s all about passion (nursing, teaching) and then hit you with rules and nonsense. And some jobs are just jobs that facilitate greater dreams.
That’s what it means to be a human resources consultant.
What would I do if I didn’t have to be a HR consultant? Nothing. I chose this line of work because the money is easy and I am good at it. I like my friends, too. I’m headed to London in two weeks, and I am working on improving my writing skills in my personal time. I got it all figured out.
And I get to snuggle with baby goats.
Maybe the world of HR consulting looks different at Bain, Deloitte or Mercer. From where I sit, it’s a great job with a lot of flexibility and variety. It keeps my mind challenged.
And then I get to make my own schedule, have fun and spend time with baby goats.
Do you see a theme here?
I wonder if you have baby goats in your life. Do you have kids? A passion project? Do you volunteer? Are you involved in something bigger than yourself?
I hope you have an answer because everybody needs some baby goats!
“Some jobs trick you into thinking it’s all about passion (nursing, teaching) and then hit you with rules and nonsense” (And of course, HR.) Those industries are primarily seen as women’s work. Something to chew on.
Laurie
If you’re coming to the UK in a couple of weeks you should remember that “saucy” means “sexually suggestive (in a humorous way)” over here! Otherwise you may get some unexpected traffic for your saucy posts