I came across several blog posts and tweets on why it’s not a good idea to love one’s job. It made me think of how I approach what I do in student affairs. I’ve concluded that to do what I do; I need to care and love the purpose of my contributions and the folks that impact them for me to put the effort and thoughts all these years. By no means am I suggesting other folks who don’t share the same level of care/love can’t/don’t do their job as well or better than I do? Nor am I suggesting that my job is all fun and games. I share my stories not to suggest other folks approach their jobs like me but because I genuinely feel blessed to work for an organization that provides me personal and professional satisfaction.

The bureaucracy, the lack of resources to do what needs to be done, and sometimes difficult personalities are challenges that make my job hard at times. At times, I feel I’ve been treated lesser than others because of my skin color or background. But, they are all worth the effort to deal with them, given the reasons why I’m in student affairs. To me, it’s about helping first-generation students who don’t have parents and family members who can help them navigate college, struggling financially to attend school, and trying to find themselves in a society that is not fair at times. The satisfaction in my job is just seeing these students succeed. They may not even know I exist. That’s okay. I’m not asking for anything in return from these students personally. I’ve been fortunate to have built relationships with some students that have lasted beyond their years at UCSB.

If I view my job in student affairs IT as just about computers, I’m missing the bigger picture. Ultimately, it’s about helping students succeed through technology and my roles as a discussion leader, organizational advisor, mentor, and facilitator. My role as the director/leader in my IT organization is about helping my staff and my colleagues grow, creating an environment where they feel personally satisfied with what they do and contribute. Ultimately, my job is about helping people and helping build communities. I am also part of the UCSB community.

As I reflect on why one should not love their job, I came across these blog posts I’ve written in the past that remind me of why I love my job.

Nowhere I’d Rather Be Than in Student Affairs:
https://joesabado.com/2015/02/the-blessings-of-my-job-in-student-affairs/

The Significance of Possibility/Role Models:
https://joesabado.com/2015/01/the-significance-of-possibilityrole-models/

UCSB STEP Program – Nourishment For My Soul
https://joesabado.com/2014/08/ucsb-step-program-nourishment-for-my-soul/

Why I Love My Job in Student Affairs
https://joesabado.com/2014/06/reminders-of-why-i-love-my-job-in-student-affairs-at-ucsb/

UCSB Community – We’re All In This Together
https://joesabado.com/2014/05/ucsb-community-were-all-in-this-together/

Pilipino Graduation and What My Job Really Means
https://joesabado.com/2012/06/pilipino-graduation-ceremony-and-what-my-job-really-means/