If you choose a job you love...

Will it truly not feel like work - and is that the goal to pursue?

"Choose a job you love, and you'll never have to work a day in your life. Do you believe in this saying?" I was on a career panel where the moderator posed this question.

My short answer is no. I find this quote problematic, in part, because no job is without its issues. But more importantly, because it connotes that work is a bad thing. It perpetuates the belief that work is to be avoided when possible.

I must disagree. If you love something, you work at it. That is, you put time and effort into making it successful.

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If you value a relationship, you work at it. You're not content with a shallow connection. You don't let the relationship grow cold. You take initiative to strengthen your bond. You make sacrifices and let go of putting yourself first. That's work.

If you care about a cause, you work at it. You don't assume that your good intentions are enough. You don't just post "thoughts and prayers." You go and do what needs to be done, even when those activities are not glamorous or easy. That's work.

Likewise, if you are passionate about your job - if you care about the mission and the people you serve - you work at it. You may enjoy what you do. You may find it personally fulfilling. But make no mistake, that's still work. It's good work but work nonetheless. It's the type of work I hope you can find - work that is meaningful, impactful, and suited to your skills, interests, and personality.

So to answer the opening question: No, you don't choose a job you love to escape from work. You choose a job you love to engage in work that is undeniably worth doing.