Passion For Work

A Few Good Men, Liar Liar, Devils Advocate and even Legally Blonde....what do they have in common? They romanticize the role of an attorney. But what is it really like?

Jon breaks it down for us and explains that there are different types of attorneys in the world, both in the public and private sector. Jon works for the public sector working for the state as an Assistant District Attorney. To be honest, I didn't know exactly what the job looked like until this inteview set me straight.

You wont want to miss this one!

Ever wish you had a job that makes a difference in the world. Something noble and interesting that lets you travel and explore the globe, all while helping people build homes for their families and communities in much less fortunate places in the world than the US? That sounds all too great...doesn't it?

Well guess what....that's right, James does exactly that!

James and his co-founder started United Earth Builders, a company the specialized in building homes and structures using cutting edge technology, eco-friendly materials all while being environmentally conscious. He has travelled all over the world building these structures and even teaching others simply how to build when they have never build anything before. In fact, he just got back to the states after doing just that, in Africa.

That's Right....AFRICA!!

James had a "safe job" behind a desk that gave him a steady paycheck, but that wasn't enough. He clearly has a calling, and he has stopped at nothing to follow it including picking up and moving to California and then eventually mustering up the "intestinal fortitude" (thanks for that one James) to co-create his own company.

He now lives a minimalist lifestlye, but still is ablel to do the things that he loves like travel and even take snowboarding trips.

Want to explore more? Check out the Show Notes Below:

United Earth Builders

Follow on Facebook Help James Spread The Word

How to get started?

Start by "WWOOFing"

World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms

The NOMAD Organization

Also Check out Archecticture Magazine

Our New Favorite Success Quote:

"There can be no growth without adversity."

Thanks again James!!

Being a teacher is easy, right? You get summers off, great benefits, snow days, a pension, you even get out early...so what's not to like, right?!?!

If these are the only reasons that you think being a teahcer would be the perfect career, then you are in the right place. It is a career just like any other and it comes with its own sets of challenges including the following:

You need to be on top of your game at all times. Don't you remember when you were still in grade school? You always knew when your teachers were a bit off their game and we all know the kids who would exploit it. On top of that, not all children are as excited thas you might be about the subject you are teaching. Trying to inspire them to want to learn is a challenge.

Want to plan a mid year vacation? You better rethink that one. Most public school teachers don't have the luxury of being able to take prolonged vacation time during the year. Week Long Skiing trips in mid January, probably not.

Ian Teaches 5 classes with only 80 minutes in between to prep, grade, stretch and try to eat lunch. On top of that, he takes on extra curricular activites which makes for longer days.

Maybe that doesn't sound as great as I thought it would be. So why does he do it? HE LOVES IT!! Talk about "Passion For Work" (great time to plug the show name). Ian finds satisfaction in helping his students learn, which is not always easy. Especially when after getting to know a class of children for 9-10 months and watching them grow, you then have to start all over. But for him it is worth it. This is Ian's outlet to express his creativity, which makes it a great fit on top of loving a lot of the subject matter.

Must have qualities include:

• Creativity

• Patience

• Love of most of the material as well as the students that you teach

• Finding value and fullfilment from helping others grow

What do to if you want to explore becoming a teacher:

• Substitute teach to get some experience

◦ You only need 60 college credits to substitue teach

• Ask a friend who is a teacher

• Explore Alternate Route program in your state for those who may have a degree and already be in a field other than teaching

• If Compensation is important to you, public school teachers salaries (at least in NJ) are public knowledge and you will be able to gain access to that information.

Ian closed with a great quote:

"Education is not the filling of a pail, but the igniting of a fire." ~ William Buttler Yeats

Just when you think you know someone, then you hear their story. One thing is for sure, everyone has one, and Becca's is particularly inspring. Becca worked a job because "that's what you do". She went to school and got a job that would help her advance her career, which she didn't even like. Coming in late, barely being able to be engaged at work, some would probably consider her lazy....but ask her employer now, she is always early and excited to go to work.

What is she doing now? Becca is an incredible hair stylist! That's right!! She got a degree in Human Resources Management and then decided she was going to start all over! Talk about looking fear in the face, Becca overcame the worry of what her family and friends would say. As it turns out.... they all suported her and some even knew that this was what she was meant for.

Becca's story should be a lesson to us all to pursue your passion, and its NEVER too late!

What is it like to work for a small start up? I asked myself that for a long time an I have always admired the startup culture.

Dan works for Synduit, the owner of which we interviewed in episode 2. Dan not only is the lead marketing strategist but he was the number 2 hire for the company so he has been there from the begining to watch it grow.

You wanted to hear about an unconventional career, WELL I'VE GOT ONE FOR YOU. Grant Baldwin is a Youth Speaker and Coach who has reached thousands and is going to reach many more. He shares some of the coolest parts of being a speaker.. I don't know, like a STANDING OVATTION, as well as the not so glamorous side of sleeping in a hotel and driving all night to get to your next event. You won't want to miss this one.

If you think you know what a career in HR is like....you may be wrong. Steve is an HR Business Partner and he LOVES IT!! I never knew there were so many different avenues of Human Resources but Steve explains them and give great advice for someone who might be interested in a career in the industry.

Do you have a very nurturing personality? Have you always wanted to help other people, but in more than just a "you can call me if you need to talk" kind of way? Kelly is a nurse, specifically a Pediatric Nurse. She works with the smallest of children from Days old until young adulthood. I know you are going to love learning more about this career. Kelly gives some great advice to anyone looking to pursue an degree in nursing as well!

Lauren is not only an all-around incredible person, for a living she help so many people find their way back to normal lives. There are so many ways that a Speech Pathologist can help others!

Get Ready for Part 2 opf Kara's Interview