My mother says she plans to never retire because she loves what she does. I wish I could say the same about my career.

"My mother has always loved her work. As a business owner of several companies in our hometown, she knows just about everyone - from neighbors to local officials to fellow entrepreneurs. Since she has worked in construction and HVAC for decades, my sister and I would often go to job sites with her as kids. I was always in awe of my mom in action."

"I've got to see what it means to love what you do, and it has shaped my work ethic from a young age. While it didn't make much sense as a child, now as an adult, I can see the importance of finding one's work fulfilling."

"I'm lucky to be able to work alongside my family at those businesses my mother vowed to run forever, but I know it's not what I want to do for the rest of my life. I don't know yet what would make me happy in a lifelong career."

The author's mother built a successful career in construction and HVAC, starting as a real estate agent at 19 and expanding into multiple businesses by her 30s. She has consistently expressed her intention never to retire, demonstrating unwavering passion for her work. Growing up witnessing her mother's confidence and dedication at job sites shaped the author's understanding of work fulfillment and instilled a strong work ethic. Now in their late 20s and working full-time at the family company, the author appreciates this foundation but hasn't yet discovered their own long-term career passion, hoping to eventually find work they can envision doing for decades.

Read at Business Insider