How Well Does Your Current Job Define You?

What’s in a Name?

Recently, my mother-in-law, Mag, and I were discussing the history of my husband’s surname and how that many last names originated from whatever occupation the head of the family held. Mag mentioned that part of our family is named “Cooper” which comes from the Middle English “couper” and means “tub.” Long story short, at some point the Coopers made barrels. Much the same as how “Smith” originated from someone was a blacksmith. (Smithery must have been a REALLY popular trade.)  In those days, people were defined by what they did and therefore “Bob the Cooper” couldn’t be confused with “Bob the Smith.”

There must have come a time though when a “Cooper” just didn’t want to make barrels. What could he do?  Go and learn a new trade like milling wheat perhaps? And if he did, did he change his name change to “Miller”?

Bob only knew he wasn’t happy making barrels every day. He may even have tried to reinvest in it in order to make his father happy and support his family. But the constant feeling of frustration just kept nagging at him and fear paralyzed him until he reached a point where he could no longer postpone the inevitable. CHANGE.

Cooper eventually became the owner of a successful flourmill because he was brave enough to consider other work that could really make him happy and gave him a sense of accomplishment and purpose.

Like Bob, we get to freely explore new careers and interests AND we can take our good name with us.

My job is to guide individuals who are ready to leave a job that no longer thrills them and are feeling understandably lost and fearful in the process.

I’m happy with my last name. I think it suits my occupation perfectly.

Vikki “Loving”