The most unemployable person I know is me.

Jon has a kind face. He puts even the most neurotic folks like me at ease. A crackerjack conversationalist, chatting with Jon feels smooth like hot butter on breakfast toast.

Unexpectedly, I found myself opening my soul to him and confessed my anxiety about my work ‘situation’. Jon placed a firm hand on my shoulder and said, “Jonas, you’re the most unemployable person I know.” Looking back, this declaration didn’t help my self-confidence one iota — I was petrified.

This was ten years ago. That day, I awoke from my slumber and began to turn my career, and life, around. I left a taxing business partnership that was crushing my spirit and embarked on a journey to find meaningful work. Today, I dedicate myself to helping others along the path to find work that energises.

I developed a healthy obsession with the changing nature of work and my explorations since have been nothing short of illuminating. I saw that my busyness was a disguise for my fear of being idle. I understood that my vitality came when I indulged my curiosity and creativity. Instead of conforming to what work wanted me to be, I realised that it’s possible for me to shape my work based on who I am. My idiosyncrasies have become my currency and each day I’m challenged to give everything I ‘ve got.

I never decided what I wanted to be when I grew up and I think I’m better off for it.

My existential opening provided me with the opportunity to cosy up to the unknown. Transitions have become a strategic pathway to my colourful life. I now train and coach people to do the same. Helping others make their best contributions oftentimes feels like a dream.

I know that I’m no exception — because every day I see people flourish using these strategies for transformation and alternative ways of finding meaning. There is a new way of thinking and approaching how we work. Producing over posturing. Empowering over embittering. Asking over telling. Giving over taking. Each day we’re given a chance to serve and an opportunity to lead with heart.

I see clearly now that Jon’s ‘unemployable’ wisecrack was really a heartfelt compliment. Like many, I thrive outside of the constraints of the organisation. I’ve been forced to face the reality that to make my best contribution, I must find freedom in work. And I’ve learned that flourishing in the future depends on extending an open invitation to constantly evolve.

Now is the time to stoke the spirit and experience what the world of work has on offer. It’s our chance to ignite this fervor in our working lives and by effect, fire others up too.

Every Monday I publish a short (and random) story like this.

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