A lot of people say, "Well, somebody has to do it." Or- "It's not the greatest job in the world, but it pays the bills." I totally understand these feelings. Mainly because I once had them myself. But I came to a place where I began to explore what is really important.
If someone TRULY wishes to work as a fast-food cashier, a hotel clerk, or a department store salesman, that is absolutely okay and wonderful. If it fulfills their deepest longings, and satisfies their innermost needs, then fantastic! But the bottom line (and purpose of this site) is that many of these people do long for more in their lives. Oftentimes these
types of jobs are designed and meant to be transitional. Most owners and managers of these types of businesses plan for turnover on their staffs. They realize that most people wish, at some point, to "move on" to some other calling on their lives. Most folks don't feel a huge compulsion to sell burgers or shoes for the rest of their lives. If they do, more power to them. I totally respect that decision. But.. if you're like me, then keep on reading. We'll explore many other possibilities and horizons for our careers and lives.One of the things that drove me crazy about various jobs was the lack of control and freedom that it gave to me. I was ALWAYS finding conflicts in what I wanted or needed to do.. and my job.. which paid the bills.. and so, therefore had to come first and before any other need or desire in my life. It was somewhat understandable when a friend invited me to a party, concert, or to the beach, and I couldn't "get off work" to go, but whenever things begin to happen like wishing to attend a graduation, a funeral, or a best friend's wedding, and you cannot attend because you are forced to work your schedule, then it became not only confusing, but intolerable at times.
Like I say, some people are aware of these conflicts and seem to be okay with them. They will spend 30, 40, even 50 years at their job, working for an hourly pay, and being understanding of the demands that are placed upon them by their managers and work schedules. It is rarely flexible. When you find a job where a boss works around your schedule, then you have either found a wonderful situation, or else whenever you are not asking off for a special event, you are working yourself to death for them.
There is no real "black and white" when it comes to career moves. What I mean by that is that most of the time, when we make a decision to change our lifestyle or career, it is not a question of working one job one day, and then the next morning, moving on to something different. Even with a typical ordinary job, there is a process.. of answering an ad, setting up and having an interview, being accepted for the job, and then quitting your other job, working a notice, and then going to new job orientation.
This is even more true with finding a career of your own. When a person decides to change their career and lifestyle, it involves some thinking and planning. Sometimes not a lot of it, but nevertheless some advance forethought. It is great when you can find a career move which is meaningful and also does not conflict with your current job. Then you can continue to work and draw a paycheck, while at the same time working on an alternative career until it becomes viable and affords you the opportunity to leave your other position.
This may sound like a lot of work. Sometimes it is, but the benefits usually far outweigh the obstacles or struggles. The most rewarding part of it all is not income. Far from it. If you can become financially wealthy or independent, that is great. But the biggest value or benefit lies in the fact of you controlling your own time and schedule. When an opportunity comes up, whether it be business or personal, public or private, you are able to make a decision whether to participate or not based upon your own values and interests, rather than upon someone else's.
You begin to "own your own life." Isn't that REALLY the way it is meant to be ? Think about it. Should someone else dictate how you are to spend the majority of your time ? Whether or not you will be able to watch your child grow up, or attend to your elderly parent or grandparent ? Or just.. whether or not you are able to go to the beach or mountains or some other place.. whenever you wish to go.
Total Freedom and Control.. sounds good, doesn't it ? Let's explore this concept in future days and weeks.. please feel free to use the "comments" box to make suggestions and offer your own advice or expertise in this area. We'd love to hear from you !
