Why do you work? Maybe you think that’s a silly question but it’s one you need to ask yourself at least a few times in your life. Of course most of us are working to support our lifestyle and our families and not all of us have the luxury to choose the type of work we do, or for how long. Or do we?
There’s a current discussion taking place (in the 2020’s) as to whether spending a lot of money and years of your life in college to get a degree really makes a difference. Yes, a lot of jobs still require a college degree or some form of higher education. However, when you graduate from high school at, what, 18 years old do you really know what kind of work you want to do? Some people do have a “calling” and feel they are born to be a doctor, a lawyer or a candlestick maker but not everyone has been given that direction. Many find themselves in their 30’s or 40’s after a series of jobs stressed out, unfulfilled and in a lot of debt. A lot of people, women especially, end up plugging away at a job, living paycheck to paycheck miserable and unfulfilled. So what can be done.
As a parent, guardian or relative you can help the children in your life become aware of their dreams and teach them how to reach for goals. The choices we make and the success we achieve are shaped by our hopes and dreams. While everyone has different dreams and definitions of success everyone needs a dream. Dreams give our lives meaning, purpose and direction. Studies have shown that the earlier you get kids to think about what is important to them and why the better. There are many excellent resources and books to help you, or the educational system to encourage your children to dream and to take concrete steps to pursue and achieve their goals. Start now, if you haven’t already.
Now what about you? Is it too late to pursue your dreams? The answer is an unequivocal NO! While at 50 or 60 it might be a little late to become physician or a professional athlete, it is never too late to find direction in your life. As a matter of fact you can hack your life and take a new direction at any time. Here are some ways to find direction. As far as your work life is concerned if you are not happy in your current position find another one.
Whether it is within the company where you already work, or in a completely new organization if you find yourself hating to go to work every day where you currently are, it is not going to get any better get out! Don’t waste one more minute hoping that your boss will be come more understanding, or you will be better appreciated if you just do one more thing, finish that one last project. When it comes to work loyalty to an employer it is a waste of your time. Trust me, if and when you quit they will find someone else to take your job. They won’t miss you or pine for you or wish you were still there they will move on immediately, and so should you. If you are not being respected at work or are being expected to answer emails at all hours of the night or on weekends that is not O.K. By accepting a position you are entering into a contract with your employer. You agree to do the work as it is described in your job description for an agreed amount during the agreed upon hours and that’s it. You are not required to give up your entire life to a company that looks at you as a corporate asset and nothing more. You are not stuck! There is always another job out there – really! So start now, simply Google “how to find a new job while working full time.” I suggest that you are very discrete and that you don’t discuss your plans with anyone else in your office. Loose lips sink your ship of dreams – either my mistake or by someone who might wish they were as bold as you. Even your “best friend” at work might stab you in the back to save there own skin.
Some of us have been lucky enough to love what we do and do what we love. I did both at my own businesses and in my corporate career. However, it came to a point when the corporate bullshit and political correctness (or incorrectness) became too thick so I quit, without notice. Byeee!. Now I don’t suggest that you burn any bridges. For me, I was lucky enough to be able to retire comfortably and leave it all behind. It is, however, important, no matter what you do, that you set up yourself to be able to walk away if you need to. Having the ability to live well after you either get laid off or transition to a new life/career or decide to stay home and raise children is dependent upon saving your money and making wise investments. It is vital that you pay yourself first. Before your church, your credit cards* or your barista, even if you only put $20 away each paycheck, be sure you have a high yield savings account that you don’t touch. If your job offers it, be sure to sign up for their 401K and take money out of every check and again, don’t touch it! The best investment you can make is in yourself and your future security. We’ll discuss more on investing and saving later.
Finally, don’t get caught up in being a “Boss Lady” or falling for get-rich-quick schemes like multi-level marketing companies. NO despite what some pseudo-educated know-it-all once said to me via FB video “Most women millionaires made their money in multi-level marketing.” No, no they didn’t. That’s the line they pitch so that you will pay your little membership fee to make them rich. Let’s do the calculation: if 20,000 people are paying $100/month to some entity that’s $2million. If you don’t believe it just look or ask for the company’s Income Disclosure Statement. What you’ll see is that only a small percentage of the people, those at the top, are making the money. That’s how they got their house, car, clothes, shoes – not from the business, from suckers like you. These lifestyles they promote on social media are all part of the scam. Furthermore, their promotion of living a lavish lifestyle with $10K watches and designer brands is promoting money-wasting and bad credit building habits. When/if you go to buy a house, the bank won’t care if you are wearing Gucci and driving a Mercedes they’ll want to see a credit score of 700 or more. Don’t go broke trying to look rich!
MLM’s are all about recruiting others, not about the business they say you will “own” and that you will be your own CEO. Here’s the deal, if you are required to sell a certain product, by suppliers that set the prices, you do not own your own business you are just a salesperson who is earning a commission selling someone else’s products. And, so that you know, CEO stands for Chief Executive Officer. You can’t be a chief if you don’t have other executives under you. Now while not all MLM’s are scams, according to the Federal Trade Commission “Most people who join legitimate MLM’s make little or no money.” More from the FTC on MLMs. Now if you don’t mind being low on the totem pole (or pyramid) and you enjoy the perks of the MLM you sign up with, go for it. There are plenty of happy commission earners out there living what they think is their best life. I recommend following your own dream, not financing someone else’s. Just me.
If you want to have a happy work life find something that you like/love to do and pursue that. You might have to start small or at the bottom but if you are diligent, have integrity and do your work you will be successful.
We will continue to add the resources to help you pursue your dreams of living a happy and healthy life.
gdba 