Expertise: The Career Path to Happiness And Success

Jiro Dreams of Sushi is worth watching if you want to see a master at his craft. I had no interest in watching the movie. Strange title and I don’t eat sushi. But, I saw the Netflix reviews as I was scrolling through documentaries. I soon found myself mesmerized because of the career lessons imparted.

Jiro has dedicated his life to his craft. His restaurant was awarded the highest Michelin rating. The minimal charge for a single diner is $300. He is widely known as the world’s greatest sushi chef. Jiro is a big success.

But I want to focus on Jiro’s career happiness.

Jiro derives great internal satisfaction from his work. He “dreams of sushi” because he is immersed in honing his craft. He feels purposeful at work. He derives meaning from providing the highest quality dining experience to his customers. Work makes him so happy that he prefers work to national holidays when he can’t work. (Ok, he might be a bit unbalanced!)

Expertise in a marketable skill makes one invincible. Watch Jiro and you’ll understand why.