On the way to work the other day, I was musing over the mission of the Jobing Foundation which includes the idea of helping individuals find a passion for their work. I’ve read a number of studies that say that any where from 50% to 65% of individuals that are working today would like to leave their current positions, but have stayed because of the current economic climate. And as soon as they feel comfortable, they’ll start looking for work elsewhere. I also know that many studies have verified that people leave their employer, not the job. Hmmmm… Is it that people just don’t know why they’ve chosen the career path they’re in?

So I thought I’d have a bit of fun with it and conduct my own totally non-scientific survey for a day. For one 24 hour period, I vowed to ask everyone I spoke with “Why this job for you?” And then I’d tweet about their answers… in of course, 140 characters or less. Yes, I cheated a bit. I didn’t put down all of my coworkers because I thought that might skew the results a bit. In general, I did my best to ask everyone. Here’s the twitter chatter from that day. Of course, this is reverse chronological… kind of like a resume because Twitter updates have the most recent at the top.

@tracehillman I love your “Why this #job!”
about 21 hours ago from web in reply to tracehillman
Why this job Emily hostess I like the people I work with … Not really the job … But its okay its a job
7:45 AM Jul 8th from txt
Why this #job robin software developer .. I really fell into it … I had a company willing to take a chance and train
8:16 PM Jul 7th from txt
Why this #job Jeff construction sales its in my blood
5:43 PM Jul 7th from txt
Decided I didn’t need to ask the guy on the corner “Why this job” His cardboard sign told me “Wife 2 Kids No Job”
3:57 PM Jul 7th from web
Why this #job – Brandon Exec Director @therbcc “I utilize all my talents & skills. I wake up every morning & get to make something happen!”
2:06 PM Jul 7th from web
why this #job-mary-CR/recruiter “It’s the PERFECT storm! Brings all my background-education, training, community, healthcare, HR, recruiting
1:28 PM Jul 7th from web
@tracehillman My #Corporate Social Responsibility #CSR ppt is on its way! Thanks for attending!
1:06 PM Jul 7th from web in reply to tracehillman
why this #job – Happy (yes that’s his name) security guard – “i’m retired military, looking for something easy. Essentially i was born lazy”
12:59 PM Jul 7th from web
Why this #job juniper / restaurant server “cuz I needed a #job
12:45 PM Jul 7th from txt
Why this #job bob steel erector “I’ve been doing it for 10 years … Its what I do”
12:34 PM Jul 7th from txt
why this #job for you? Rohit Health Communications @rkverma — It’s what I trained for! It’s what I love to do!
12:27 PM Jul 7th from web
Why this #job for you @Jobingdenver Andrea we change lives / dean it was made for me!
11:16 AM Jul 7th from txt
Jimmy why this #job … Really? Cuz its a perfect fit! I make a difference
10:24 AM Jul 7th from txt
Paula print #sales why this job #marketing in college PT print #job … If I lost my gift of words I don’t know what I’d do
9:57 AM Jul 7th from txt
Barista why this job? Its a job … Its a job
9:45 AM Jul 7th from txt
Amee dental hygenist why this job? It combines everything I wanted .. Medical, teaching, time for family
9:32 AM Jul 7th from txt
For the next 24 hrs asking everyone I see “why this job?”
8:33 AM Jul 7th from txt

What did I learn? My observations just generally were that those that seemed the most engaged and had a long extended answer (most over 140 characters) were the ones that were living their life on purpose. They didn’t necessarily have it all planned out. They were open to and accepted opportunities when they showed themselves and fit the job to their personal strenghs. Others took a job because it paid. Don’t get me wrong. I believe we need to work to live, not the other way around. Yet might as well enjoy the ride!

You can follow me on Twitter@JobingFndation. And please, yes, I’d love to know from you “Why this job?”