Written by Sometimes we go through our daily lives with a feeling of contentment; the idea that this is life and it is a means to an end and it is satisfying that in that regard. Your life is functioning as it should. How long this “stage” of your life lasts depends on a lot of things. Your income, your family life, the enjoyment you get from your career, even where you live. For some of us, this place of contentment is long-lasting. But for many others, it’s not. This happens to be the place that I find myself.
A month or so ago, I was told that the small company I was working for was likely to go under. In taking steps to avoid a lack of salary, I began looking for jobs. As many unemployed people could have already told me, there’s nothing out there. So I began to think about a little business idea that I have had for a few years just sitting around in the back of my mind. It occurred to me that this was my opportunity to get out of the 9 to 5 cycle that I often find to be in conflict with my values. Why had I not taken action on my little business before? Simply, because I was content. I could pay my bills, and the working stiff thing left me with just enough energy to do all the “fun” evening stuff (by fun, I mean help with homework, exercise dogs, cook dinner, clean house, etc.). I was too tired to have any desire to go outside of this comfort zone, even though I had many times felt like I was in the wrong place.
So, I quickly went to work on my little business. Website, Check. Business cards, Check. Marketing materials, Check. I even opened up a business account. I wasn’t fooling around. I started putting my fliers out, listed my business online, had friends spread the word. Then, last week, my company laid someone off
… but it wasn’t me. Now, the owner believes we’ll be “okay” and we have work coming in. I can’t help but think this is a test… to see if I’m really ready to jump ship, or if I’ll remain programmed to tolerate a lifestyle that doesn’t suit me.
Through this experience, I have not only realized that we have to do what suits us, both physically and mentally, but also that what holds us back from doing the things that are in alignment with our values is ourselves. I have been the only one holding myself back. If I choose to go back to simply being content with having enough money to pay the bills, I will be choosing to continue to live out of alignment. For me, the trick will be trying to start up this little business which requires my time to perform jobs with the fact that I work Monday through Friday, 40 hours a week. The other struggle is finding time to market my business since the best time to market is during regular business hours. That said, I suppose I am challenging myself to find a way. If I really am ready to make this leap, then I have to find a way.
I challenge everyone to think about what they’re doing with respect to their careers. Are you in a job like me where you feel out of sync with what’s truly important to you? Or are you fulfilled by going to your job everyday? If you didn’t have to make money to pay your bills, what would you be doing with your time each day? Would it be something similar to what you are currently getting paid for? If so, you are lucky and I am jealous! If you’re not, start thinking about what motivates you and what is important to you. Living your life in alignment with your values is quite possibly the most important thing you can do for yourself.
Wow, I really loved this post. I just got laid off from a job I’ve had for ten years this week and I keep feeling like the weight of the world has been lifted off my shoulders. And I too had been thinking about making major changes in my life but was just afraid to jump…because of the comfort level of that steady paycheck. I wish you good luck in your endeavors and I hope that you too can find a job that is aligned with your passion!
I completely understand your feelings of relief. Being in the wrong place is one of the most physically and emotionally debilitating things we do to ourselves. Now that that door of your life has closed, be prepared to welcome all the new ones that will open! Best of luck to you!