Why do so many people celebrate Friday afternoons and dislike Monday’s? Because people are stuck working. Do you realize that I haven’t worked for about 6 years now? Actually, there was a short period of time when I wasn’t enjoying my job anymore and it became work and I quit, but other than just a couple of months when that was taking place I can honestly say I haven’t worked for 6 years. Here’s my advice for today… I strongly encourage you to quit working.
Now, I need to define the term ‘work’ before we go any further. I have had a couple of jobs in the last 6 years where I was employed by someone – it simply wasn’t work. I have consistently looked for jobs that always meet at least 3 criteria: 1. I will be learning a skill I am interested in learning that will promote my long term goals 2. I will enjoy the job and be passionate about what I am doing every day and 3. I am compensated for my duties as an employee with an amount of money that I find acceptable. The only time I have found myself doing work was when a place of employment was rampant with gossip and became a toxic environment. As soon as this became apparent to me and going to the office wasn’t fun each and every morning… I quit. Work is something that has a negative connotation for most people in our culture. It is ‘normal’ to not enjoy work. I refuse to do something that I do not enjoy.
I love feeling great in the morning. I love feeling excited about my day. I believe you are similar. Here are two tips for never working for more than a few weeks in a row for the rest of your life!
Tip #1: Quit your job and doing something that you are passionate about. I realize you may have paradigms about quitting work and security that keeps you in a fearful place and stuck in a job that doesn’t satisfy you in many ways. The most freeing and terrifying option may be to take this tip to heart. I used two words in that last sentence: Freeing and Terrifying. Realize that after you have done something and cannot go back you will quickly put much more energy into finding a new way of making money doing what you love to do. All of your energy from the fear you feel will be placed on finding a better situation for yourself and your family. So yes, it’ll be scary. But it will also give you freedom that, once you experience it, will be addictive! There is so much confidence that comes from quitting a job that is not working and finding something that does work. Trust me. I know from experience:)
Tip #2: Work on your mindset so that you begin enjoying something you don’t currently enjoy. The grass isn’t always greener in another situation. You may have loved what you do when things were a little different a few years back. If you can honestly say that there are parts of your job that are great and you simply need to tweak how the job is going… Start investing in yourself to change your mindset and grow as a human being and begin enjoying your job again. This may mean you need a coach or mentor. It may mean something as simple as having a few conversations with your employer or manager. I know people who have simply changed the team they are on and began loving what they do again. Start thinking creatively and fight for what will provide you will purpose and satisfaction in life. Is it not worth some effort to enjoy what you do for at least 40 hours of your week and 50 years of your life?
Summary
It hurts me to see so many people in my culture spending years of their lives doing something they hate doing. I encourage you to take an honest look at your life and the time you spend in different areas of your life. Know that you have much more control over what you do with your time than we have been taught to think. Wouldn’t it be so much more satisfying to do what you love to do every day?
Make this week fantastic!