While out walking my dog a few days ago, one neighbor — speaking to another — raised his voice as I walked by.  I was his target and was clearly intended to hear what he had to say…

“And the people that walk their dogs let them cr*p all over in our yards!”

I ignored his outburst, as Ben’s only crime was sniffing and marking along the edge of the street.  No need to defend something that wasn’t happening.

It did, however, make me hope this ‘gentleman’ did not own a pet, or work in a career that required him to work with animals.  Thankfully, he’s retired.

I grew up in a family of animal lovers, so to me it’s unfathomable that people can actually dislike, or even fear, our little creatures.

If you’ve ever worked outside your home, chances are you’ve crossed paths with employees doing work that doesn’t suit them.  Have you ever visited a nursing home — or visited someone in the hospital?  You may have discovered caretakers or staff without a single ounce of compassion for the patient or resident they are paid to take care of.

Some are there for the paycheck, but are neglectful in their duties — and because of that, your loved one can find themselves in the Intensive Care Unit.  (I just had this happen to a loved one over the past week, and it was due to medical neglect.)  It’s sad to say, but this happens all the time.

And yet, other staff there clearly love being around people, they do a great job, and they’re happy to be there.  They seem to have found work they can love.

You can find the ’mismatches’ close to home while simply out doing your business.  Take the grocery store, for example.  Have you had a cashier ring you up at the register – and you’ve left the store, knowing that you were just another number in their line?  I’ve had that happen, many many times.  No eye contact, no smile, nothing except ‘That’ll be $99.27, please.’

By the same token, I’ve had cashiers who were delighted to be there, even smiling at me as they took my hard-earned money (smile).

The thing is, there are so many free resources out there today to help us move into work we can enjoy.  Or, even give us an idea of what’s possible.  The possibilities are endless.

After all, who wouldn’t want to enjoy the work they’re trading their time and energy for?

What examples have you seen of staff or employees who very clearly should not be doing what they’re doing for a living?  What made you realize it was a very poor fit?