Why are many humans on an endless quest for greener grass? Rather than enjoying the here and now, we convince ourselves that retirement, a different job, a bigger house, or a new relationship, will be the key to our happiness. But is the grass really greener? And even if it is, will the sight of that lush green grass satisfy us, or will we continue to yearn for even greener pastures?
As the news of my upcoming retirement is getting out at work, I’m having lots of conversations with co-workers about my career. Many have asked me why I’ve stayed in the same business for 34 years, and at the same company for 23 years. In a world where people change jobs constantly, it’s a fair question.
I just finished reading Live Life in Crescendo, the final book by 7 Habits of Highly Effective People author Stephen R. Covey. (Steven’s daughter, Cynthia Covey Haller, worked on the book with him and completed it after his death.)
The book is full of inspirational stories of people who have made amazing lemonade when life handed them the sourest of lemons. One of the quotes I wrote down as I read the book is:
The grass is rarely greener; maybe you just need to water your side instead.
Live Life in Crescendo, Steven R. Covey and Cynthia Covey Haller
This quote is powerful. It’s a reminder not to neglect the lawn we already have in our quest for greener grass. It’s also a reminder that, no matter what situation we find ourselves in, we can make things better with a little care and attention.
So why did I stay in the same business for 34 years? I thought about leaving many times over the years. But when I did, I’d ask myself if the grass really would be greener on the other side. And then I’d weigh up the reasons to stay. And when I decided to stay, I looked for ways to make the grass greener on my side of the fence.
Ways to Keep Your Grass Watered
Here are some of the ways I kept my side of the grass watered over the years.
- Building up my knowledge and expertise, so I could be the “go to” person to help my colleagues learn and grow.
- Approaching every assignment as a learning opportunity. Even after 34 years in the same business, there are still many things to learn.
- Taking the time to get to know my co-workers as people and learn about their lives outside of work. As I look back on my career, people made all the difference. We’ve supported each other through births, adoptions, marriages, divorces, deaths and illnesses.
- Volunteering for workplace committees, task forces and professional organizations. These things go a long way toward making the workplace better.
- Recognizing that work is only one aspect of life and that it’s okay to take time to look after me and my family.
I’m not suggesting we reject every opportunity and stay in the same place forever. However, I think it’s important to understand our values and motivations so the moves we make, or don’t make, are done for the right reasons.
As I prepare to move on to my next chapter, I look forward to enjoying grass that will be a different shade of green—and finding new ways to keep it watered.
I’ll close with the wise words of the late Erma Bombeck, from The Grass is Always Greener Over the Septic Tank.
In a world full of septic tanks, be the green oasis that brings joy to weary wanderers.
Erma Bombeck
How do you keep your grass watered? Drop me a comment below with your ideas.
Learn more about me in my bio and on my personal blog at BoomerEcoCrusader.com. You can also find me on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.