Christian Billington

When I first started my counseling masters degree roughly three years ago, I remember distinctly being told the importance of “doing your own work.” Quite honestly, I felt perplexed. I was under the impression that I really had my self together – why would I need counseling? I did not feel the need to talk with anybody about my life, my family, my past and especially not how I was feeling. I realize now that my sense of self, while developed, was a long way from how I understand my self now, after almost four years of study and reflection.

“If you love the work you do then you never have to work a day in your life…” This phrase sounds like a multi generational war cry from parents to their children. Almost like a shrouded warning to pick a career that you enjoy and stick with it. Sadly, for most the reality is not quite so simple. The majority of us will have several careers and positions during our lives and too often, loving what you do becomes secondary to getting paid.

Please forgive me, the title is deliberately misleading. I wanted to get your attention and hold it for the five minutes it takes you to read my blog and the ten minutes that (I hope) you spend considering the idea I present. The title, ‘Turn me off…” would have been more apt, but would that have encouraged you to read this?

I am not sure if it’s the innate counselor in me or just the social extrovert I was raised to be, but I seem to get into brief and yet scintillating conversations with complete strangers from all walks of life on a daily basis. And truth be known, I really enjoy it.