inspired to journal

Pursue Your Passion
by Nan Fischer


"It is not hard work which is dreary; it is superficial work."
Edith Hamilton

We all need to earn a living, feed the family, and pay the bills.  How many of you are satisfied with your job?

When I was about 22, I realized 'work' was not going away.  I decided then to do what I liked (working outside), instead of what I was good at (bookkeeping).  The office job seemed to satisfy everyone around me, and the money was good, but I was suffocating inside.

I began to work with plants and eventually went to school for horticulture.  I've been working for myself now for almost 20 years.  Over the years, I've also created my bead and jewelry business, Bead Junkies, which satisfies my job requirements of flexibility and creativity.

Three years ago, I took a job, though.  It's a lot of work to be self-employed, so it was a blessing to be working for someone else.  I knew my criteria before seeking it out, and this job satisfied them all - freedom, flexibility, and a casual atmosphere.  It was even work from home, which was a bonus.

I did, however, struggle with someone else's schedule.  It took me several weeks to get used to being told when to have things done.  The freedom from self-promotion balanced that out, though.  It was money with no hassles, which I was ready for.

After a year, I decided to quit that job.  Working for someone else was a much needed break, but it was time to put my energy into my own interests again.  Knowing what I needed in my work allowed me to do what I wanted, instead of doing what had to be done.

Now I have made a mid-life career change.  I went about it the same way - being aware of what I needed and wanted.  

The death of my father, along with other factors, precipitated it.  First of all, there is very little money in my father's estate.  He was heavily invested in the stock market and lost two thirds of his money after 9/11.  I was hoping my inheritance would get my girls started in college, but it looks like I'll have to do that myself.  

I also quit tolerating erratic child support, so I decided to take the care of my girls entirely into my own hands.  I discovered I'll need year round work.  I also desperately wanted less strenuous and exhausting work.  

After I listed the criteria, I began looking into my options.  My first thoughts were to expand what I was already doing.  I could get a higher degree in Botany and do research.  I could become a landscaping contractor and sub out the work.  I could enlarge Bead Junkies with a retail shop, workshops and more arts and crafts shows.

Unfortunately, none of these were very appealing.  I wanted something new.  I looked into selling books online, which I already do in a small way.  This seemed perfect, but something was missing.  I had to do some soul searching. 

I discovered I needed to do something meaningful.  I wanted to reach out and help people.  That was the missing link.

Through Inspired to Journal, I stumbled across a coach training site.  I studied the options in this field for about a month, talking to coaches and participating in orientation classes.  When I knew this was what I wanted to pursue, I enrolled in a training program.  I'm proud to say, I'll be a Certified Life Coach in the spring!

Coaching satisfies all my criteria, including being meaningful.  This is also natural work for me.  I fit it, and it fits me.  The skills I acquire here will filter into my writing and teaching, too. 

The wrong job can sap your energy and lower your self-esteem. Being self-employed is not for everyone, but it is possible to create a work environment where you will thrive and grow.  Work isn't going away for any of us, so it's vital to make it the best we can.  

Write down your ideal work situation.  Think about these things:

• Do you want to work at home?  
• Do you enjoy people?  
• Do you have to work around kid schedules?  
• What skills do you have that you could naturally incorporate into a new job?
• Do you do volunteer work that could turn into a paying job?      

Once you start to envision the possibilities, other options become clear.  

Here are a few books that will help you find work that is truly suited to you.

Do What You Love, The Money Will Follow by Marsha Sinetar.  This book is subtitled 'Discovering Your Right Livelihood', and the main premise is to believe in yourself.  "What we think we are evolves into what we in fact become."

What Color is Your Parachute?  by Richard Nelson Bolles  There is also a workbook and a site, supplements to the book, for finding the right job.  

The Lotus and the Pool by Hilda Lee Dail.  This is a title I have scribbled in some notes from a journaling workshop on right livelihood. I heard that this is a wonderful book. (No picture of it.)

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