Another Valentine’s Day ‒ that one glossy, heart-shaped moment on the calendar when love is officially in the air and we’re encouraged (nudged, really) to say out loud what we adore most.
Since this is a career-focused note, you might be thinking: What’s love got to do with it?
See what I did there? A little Tina Turner. I couldn’t resist.
For me, the answer is simple: I love my career.
I love the mission that gives my work meaning. I love the purpose that gets me out of bed each morning. I love the people I work with ‒ especially knowing that so many of them have chosen to stay for the long haul. And I love making a real difference in the lives of ExecuNet members, helping them navigate pivotal moments in their professional journeys.
So sure, Valentine’s Day can feel a little cheesy. But if you look past the candy wrappers and card aisle clichés, the spirit of the day is actually worth celebrating. Taking a moment to reflect on what you truly love ‒ what energizes you, challenges you, and makes your work feel meaningful ‒ is a healthy and powerful exercise. Careers, after all, are long-term relationships. And like any relationship, the good ones are built on purpose, trust, and passion.
That brings me to you.
What kind of work do you love doing? What drew you to it and what keeps you committed when things get difficult?
And since no reflection on love is complete without a soundtrack, I’ll go first. My top five love-related classics:
- Diana Ross & Lionel Richie – “Endless Love”
- Whitney Houston – “Saving All My Love for You”
- The Righteous Brothers – “Unchained Melody”
- Ed Sheeran – “Thinking Out Loud”
- Stevie Wonder – “I Just Called to Say I Love You”
Because when you find a career you truly love, it’s not just a job…it’s a lifelong playlist on repeat. And if you’re lucky, you never skip the track.
