There are days when I wonder why I’m still sticking around in this field.  There, I said it.  I know this is a “shiny, happy student affairs community” but I have to be honest in saying that every now and then there are points where I raise the important “is it worth it” question.

I know you’re expecting me to write about my wonderful students next…and that’s probably the right direction to take this in.  The students here at my campus are truly special and never cease to amaze me with their resilience, their humility, and their willingness to seize every opportunity possible.  BUT, that’s not where I’m headed at the moment even though they do make this job really worthwhile.

“Is it worth it?” I hope that all of you have taken the time to ask this question about your life’s pursuits at one point or another.  If you’re someone who never challenges yourself to consider whether even the best job on earth is right for you…then it might be time to give it some thought.  It keeps you honest and keeps you motivated to pursue the quest for excellence.

I don’t know what’s up on your campuses, but things at mine are a little lacking in the holiday spirit.  People are tired, stressed, and frustrated.  Some of you are even out there wondering if you have the resolve to keep “fighting the good fight” for yet another semester…so it’s time to chat.

Do me a favor and ask yourself some questions…

• When I’m at my happiest, what am I experiencing? Does this job bring that out in me or are those happy moments reserved for outside of work alone?
• When I’m at my saddest, what is going on? Do I deal with these issues at work or are they mostly outside of work?

If work life is getting you down, I hope you’ll take some time to think about what makes you tick?  In the name of balance, give some thought to your core values and how you can be sure your work life and personal life are both connected.  It’s what will make you YOU.

If you’re coming home from work each night and you are miserable, are there common elements to what gets you down? What things need to be in place for you to be at your best?  Is your current place of employment helping you do that?

If so, then here’s to you and I hope you are planning new ways to take 2010 by storm!

If not, then we’ll have some more blog posts to share together in the coming year about taking stock of how things are going.  With the economy in the state it’s in… you may still be sticking around or you may have the chance to try something new. I’m hoping to write a few upcoming posts about ways to make the most of where you are. (I’ve been at my current job 11 years and I swear it was only supposed to be for 3!)

In the meantime, can anyone else out there offer advice to people wondering if it’s time to start a job search next semester? What factors need to be considered?

Hang in there SA friends… we’re almost done!