Job Quitters' Club

[Bitsy]

I just read Aspiring to Clarity's thread about quitting her job and I've read about several other people on Steve's site quitting their jobs. I just very ungracefully quit my translating job of 10 years as the final act of a complete emotional meltdown at the end of March.

Seeker5 jokingly suggested a "Job Quitters'" club. I decided to start this thread so that those of us who got fed up with the tedium of the jobs we hate and have already taken the leap out into uncertainty to try to find a job that fits who we are could keep others on the site updated as to our progress.

If anyone is on the fence about quitting their job like we did, maybe you could watch the thread and see if we end up back where we started in another tedious job we hate, or if we find what we're looking for.

If you have quit your job, please post about it here, and post your progress, tell us what you are doing, intending or working on!

My update:
I quit my job, as I mentioned, at the end of March in the midst of a total breakdown and before I consider taking on another job or making a committment to any long-term thing, including what country to live in, I am doing intensive therapy for some months with the goal of getting my past to stop interfering with my present.

I am also...very unagressively pursuing during this time, more as a hobby and for my enjoyment, a weblog/website. It will be a place where I can freely express myself and aspire to be the me I have always wanted to be, but that had always got stifled by all the pain.


[I posted this under "Character and Contribution," even though it deals with career, because I think those of us who quit our jobs are actually looking for a career in which we can live our values, find expression for our purpose, make a difference, change the world, etc., and earn a living from it as well.]

[{aspiring_to_clarity}]

I am completing my two weeks notice and will take a short time off after that during which I will not look for another job, but will look into what I can do to get the ball rolling for my online ventures. I will also be moving to a new house at the beginning of next month, so I will be glad for the time to do that properly.

I'll post more later as things progress.

[seeker5]

Hi Bitsy, great idea to start this new thread.

My update:
I quit my job, as I mentioned, at the end of March in the midst of a total breakdown and before I consider taking on another job or making a committment to any long-term thing, including what country to live in, I am doing intensive therapy for some months with the goal of getting my past to stop interfering with my present.

I am also...very unagressively pursuing during this time, more as a hobby and for my enjoyment, a weblog/website. It will be a place where I can freely express myself and aspire to be the me I have always wanted to be, but that had always got stifled by all the pain.

I'm doing something similar to that right now, in terms of figuring out what I want to do. I quit my job 5 weeks ago, spent the first 2 weeks on vacation and the last three weeks I've been at home. The first two weeks at home I spent mostly in pain, deep fears and pain striking me about my circumstance, however this week I completely shifted my focus to ask myself questions like what kind of inspiring career would I love to have? What would I do if I only had 6 months to live? What would I do if I had all the money in the world (so money worry isn't a problem)? Who do I want to be? I'm feeling more peaceful right now delving deep and searching for the answers to these questions.

I'm also going through some coaching online to get past a huge limiting blocks that keeps me from fully exploring the answers to the above.

Unlike you though, I'm pretty much set on where to live - I intend to move to Las Vegas in August. I've felt a big nudge to go live there for the last 3-4 years - even though I'm not a gambler, nor a party-goer, nor a night-life kinda guy and the last time I visited Las Vegas was probably in 1994. Even while living in Alabama, I just felt this strong pull to live there, however I had no means to move there. When I moved to Oklahoma a year ago, I again thought so much about moving to Las Vegas. I even thought maybe I should start job hunting in Las Vegas so I could move out of Oklahoma as soon as possible - and this was before Steve even wrote his blog post about how great Las Vegas is. So, unless something truly amazing and unexpected happens, I'll keep my site on moving there. I am kind of under a time pressure though, I'm being lovingly kicked out of my place by the end of July. However, I don't feel ready to start making the arrangements to actually move out until I've dealt with my limiting blocks that I'm being coached, and until I find something so inspiring to build a career and a life around. So that's what I'm focused on for now.

Bitsy - what kind of countries would you be open to living in?

Edit: For the first time ever, I've also decided that I will absolutely refuse to work again at a job unless I feel it's something that aligns with what I love to do. If that means I die hungry, then so be it. That's my stance.

[seeker5]

Ps. You're right to put this under character - it can sometimes take a huge amount of courage, overcoming fears, guts, etc. to really give up a comfortable, safe, but soul-crushing job to go out into the world to search for a life and career that you truly love. I know when I decided to quit my job, just about everybody in the real world, such as my family and my friends, felt that I was making a huge mistake and couldn't understand why I was doing what I was doing. In their eyes, I finally had a respectable job in a strongly growing field at a respectable company, working at one of the best job ever, enjoyed my job more then almost any other job I had, made way more then the jobs I held the last 8 years, and could expect to get a 50-100% payraise just to agree to stay another year, etc. However, I had to walk away from it to pursue something I would love to do, whatever that turns out to be.

[CroMagna]

I'm thinking of quitting my job...

[ellie]

I didn't quit my job as such, but was kind of pushed out, which was fine because I didn't want to stay there anyway. I didn't like the people at all, and I almost had a breakdown.

Since then I have been freelancing and teaching for 7 months in my field, which has given me time to really try and figure out what I want. I noticed I was avoiding applying for most jobs in my field and the interviews I went to felt so uncomfortable. It just didn't feel right. So I sat back and really thought hard about what I wanted to do, this took a good few months to come to an apithany that I had to change careers. It was hard because I studied so long in my current field only to come to the realisation that I had to work in something completly different, which is quite a big step.

So I realised that I really did want to work with children ( I always have, but didn't want to teach as I am terrible at Maths and English). So I thought about it some more and thought I could probably work in a kindergarten as teacher, because I would only need the basics in maths and english. So I arranged with my local kinder to meet-up with teacher and see what's involved during the day. She was so helpful on the phone I was quite excited. When I went in to the kinder I just felt a weight lift off my shoulder, I just knew instantly that this was what I wanted to do. I felt a smile instantly appear on my face. The children were gorgeous and the teacher and assistants were just so lovely. They were they type of people that had my nature and realised now why I never got a long with people in my field, it's because they were not nuturing by nature and I am nurturing.

So I decided after what steps I could take to work as a kindy teacher. I found out I only needed to do another year study to get my grad dip in teaching, but there are no midyear intakes to uni and I didn't want to do a diploma or certificate, but wanted to get the ball rolling in working in this field to see if it's really what I wanted to do. So I thought working in childcare would be a good step and although I had no experience in this area I applied for a few jobs. To my surprise I got offered a few casual jobs straight away, which suits me because I can freelance in my field which pays more money. I was really upfront and honest in my cover letter, because most people wouldn't understand why I would want to go from a high pace career to working with children. So I basically told them that I do not suit design, that I am a nurturer and that in my current field you need to be really ballsy, talk-the-talk, which I am not! They all liked my honesty and that definetly helped get me the jobs. It was so refreshing to be upfront and honest.

I've also been offered a bit of teaching and tutoring work in my field which is great to do and good money.

So at the end of the year I will apply for the degree if all goes to plan. it's a hard course to get into as there are not many places and not many uni's that offer the course. They look at your previous uni scores and also you can try and prove your case. Hopefully having some childcare training behind we prove that I really want to get into this area.

Anyway, the job that I have taken in childcare, I felt a real connection with the lady who took me on. She was really nice and she gave me a chance. I have a feeling I will be much happier in this field. Fingers crossed.

Another great thing is the course is only two days a week in the late afternoon, which means I can still teach and work.

[Zwynd]

I quit my job under a decade ago due to sickness of body and disgust for the working world. My last major one was working 42hr/week as a cashier in my late teens. I'll never get into another 9-5 job as I hate repetitive tasks with no purpose and dislike being told what to do by people less skillful than me.

I'll volunteer instead if I feel the need to 'do something' for the community. I might even sell some stuff online (my art/stories) or barter things for the goods I need.

If I end up getting paid to play, well that's different. But don't tell me to do it; I'll darn well do what I like, when I like.

[Bitsy]

FYI, I should mention that I have been fortunate enough to have some inherited money left over and some financial help from my mother and brother to finance my therapy and living expenses for a couple months. I don't know what will happen when the money runs out, but I'm not really worried about that right now.

Originally Posted by seeker5

Hi Bitsy, great idea to start this new thread.

It really was, thanks .

Originally Posted by seeker5

Bitsy - what kind of countries would you be open to living in?

Well, I had been leaning towards Canada or Sweden. Now that I've been in the U.S. for a few months, however, I'm thinking more Sweden, possibly the U.K. I have to live in a place that will facilitate the job I will have. I don't know the specifics of the job, but I know enough to know I have to be close to the Middle East and Africa. And I have to learn Arabic.

[seeker5]

Originally Posted by CroMagna

I'm thinking of quitting my job...

Reading on the other thread how your other boss treats you, I really encourage you to do so. Not that having a boss treats you very well is an excuse to stay at a job you don't love - I myself quit a job where my boss treated me very respectfully and really great - I loved my boss, he was really great but I still quit. However, having a boss that treats you bad is definitely a good sign to quit.

Originally Posted by Ellie

So I decided after what steps I could take to work as a kindy teacher.

Ellie, loved your story!!! It's inspiring. Looking forward to seeing how it develops. When I read the story, it reminded me of what I saw someone write (maybe Steve?) that when you lign up with what is meant for you, then things happen to make it easier for you to go after it. Not that obstacles and challenges won't appear - they still do, but it seems much easier to go after goals and careers that really touches us on the inside, that is more of what we are meant to do.

Originally Posted by Zwynd

I'll never get into another 9-5 job as I hate repetitive tasks with no purpose and dislike being told what to do by people less skillful than me.

Same here!

Originally Posted by Bitsy

FYI, I should mention that I have been fortunate enough to have some inherited money left over and some financial help from my mother and brother to finance my therapy and living expenses for a couple months. I don't know what will happen when the money runs out, but I'm not really worried about that right now.

That's really cool! I have some money saved up too, that could theoretically let me live 6 months to 1 year without having to get a job if I spend very very careful and live a bare minimum-spending life (which I do anyway most of the time). However, unlike you, I do get concerned sometimes about what happens afterward when the money runs out considering I'm now going to refuse to take a job that doesn't align with what I love.

Now that I've been in the U.S. for a few months, however, I'm thinking more Sweden, possibly the U.K. I have to live in a place that will facilitate the job I will have. I don't know the specifics of the job, but I know enough to know I have to be close to the Middle East and Africa. And I have to learn Arabic.

Sounds like fun!

[mercuryrising]

Originally Posted by Bitsy

FYI, I should mention that I have been fortunate enough to have some inherited money left over and some financial help from my mother and brother to finance my therapy and living expenses for a couple months. I don't know what will happen when the money runs out, but I'm not really worried about that right now.

You read my mind. I was just wondering what all these folks who quit their job do for money. I don't mind the line of work I'm in. It's interesting and has introduced me to some strengths I didn't know I had. On the other hand, the owners of this company are control freaks and I work terrible hours (third shift). However, it pays the bills and it feels good to me to provide for my family.

I look forward to seeing how people do this. Perhaps I'll get some ideas I hadn't thought of.

[Honeywith4bees]

Originally Posted by seeker5

The first two weeks at home I spent mostly in pain, deep fears and pain striking me about my circumstance, however this week I completely shifted my focus to ask myself questions like what kind of inspiring career would I love to have? What would I do if I only had 6 months to live? What would I do if I had all the money in the world (so money worry isn't a problem)? Who do I want to be? I'm feeling more peaceful right now delving deep and searching for the answers to these questions.

Seeker, I always get such a powerful, peaceful vibe from your posts. I can't help but feel like you will absolutely make some positive impact in this world! In fact, from the sound of it, you have. You mentioned that you are your Mom's financial adviser and that you are helping her get out of debt. Is that a career that you might consider? I imagine that there are a lot of people who could greatly benefit from that (domestic abuse victims for example, just out on their own and trying to set up their own household). Whatever you decide, good luck and lots of love on the way!

[seeker5]

Originally Posted by Honeywith4bees

Seeker, I always get such a powerful, peaceful vibe from your posts.

Really? That's so interesting!

I can't help but feel like you will absolutely make some positive impact in this world!

Thanks, I hope so

In fact, from the sound of it, you have. You mentioned that you are your Mom's financial adviser and that you are helping her get out of debt. Is that a career that you might consider? I imagine that there are a lot of people who could greatly benefit from that (domestic abuse victims for example, just out on their own and trying to set up their own household).

Hmmm, I really enjoy doing it for my mom and I wouldn't mind doing it for others if they trust me, but I don't know if I want to do that all the time for a bunch of people. Maybe something on the side though, part-time to start with would be fun and enjoyable.

Whatever you decide, good luck and lots of love on the way!

Thanks

[Dave Kaminski]

I quit my job as an IT Manager a couple months ago - I'm doing web design/development and flash game design/development now.

I don't have any active clients right now as I've been more aggressively growing my skills, but I've got a couple sites and games half done that, once completed, should translate into a good bit of income!

[lasti]

I quit school. Does that count, too?

[ghfever]

Since i'm most likely moving in with my Grandfather (who lives in another state) i'll be quitting my job here soon too. He's insisted I get a part-time job, so i'll do that to make him happy. But that will give me more time to invest in my own online ventures.

So at the time i'm really bummed about my life and situations, but i'll be happy to work online and hopefully it'll all work out. I have hope!

[happygirl]

wow guys good for you quitting your job to pursue something that feels right and has more meaning for you! I believe that is so important.

I was so happy to see this thread, and especially to read your story Ellie of completely changing careers.

I quit my job last week. I was working as an account manager for a charity in London and I just found the atmosphere there unbearable from the moment I started 7 months back. Over the last 12 years I've always worked in the private sector in sales, business development and account management but in the last 3-4 years have felt a pull towards working with disabled people. Over the last 8 months I have worked with a lady who has severe cerebral palsy in my spare time and she has been such an inspiration to me in many ways. The money is extremely low and it's challenging work at times, but the satisfaction that I get from being her personal assistant leaves me glowing from the inside out! The more I realised this is my calling in life, the more and more stressed I felt at work and intolerant of all the hard nosed businessy people around me. I don't wish that to sound judgemental, I mean it in the way that it's not where I fit in anymore, this lifestyle that I've earned my living with up until now just isn't compatable with me anymore!

So anyway now I have decided to move out of London back to Brighton as I miss the sea, sitting on the beach everyday and riding my bicycle along the coast with the wind in my hair...as well as the community feeling I get there...

I don't have a job right now, I have a bit of money saved to last me a couple of months and the salaries are low in Brighton and the cost of living high...somehow though nothing has felt more right to me in my life which means I must have done something right. I still have some anxieties about the money side of things but am trying to let go of that - basically I'll be earning half of what I've been earning up until now and I have high outgoings due to costs of living and a loan. I know money isn't everything but it can be a worry.

At the moment I am waiting for criminal record bureau checks so that I can start working with disabled adults and children. I am so pleased that finally I am going to be doing something that I enjoy and have a passion for. Everyone has a right to live independently in the community and I want to enable them to be able to do that by spreading my light and sharing theirs

I wish everyone luck and happiness finding the path that gives them joy in life and once again good for you for taking the plunge and doing something about it...it takes a brave soul to do that!!

[Dan.Linehan]

Very cool Dave -- I've always wanted to learn to develop Flash games, but it's a pretty deep skill. I'm impressed!

[uberinquisitive]

I worked a cushy corporate job abroad. I quit in Jan. 2007. I didn't want to, but after my fiancé killed himself, I didn't want to stay in that country.

Within 10 days of his suicide, I moved thousands of miles back home. I lost all my money, my career, the life I had built. I was suicidal, in deep trauma and distress.

My family lovingly brought me back to life. They have provided me some financial support, and my cousin and her roommate allow me to stay on their couch for free.

The silver lining to this personal tragedy: by losing everything, I had nothing to lose. I had always dreamed of writing, but never saw it as a practical choice.

Well, I had no money in the bank, I was living on credit cards, and was in no mental state to work. I figured, "might as well write. I can't get any more poor."

It's been approx 1 year since I started my writing journey. However, all of 2007 and the beginnings of 2008 were spent in recovery. So, it's only been the past 5 months where I've really had enough mental space to truly pursue writing.


I. SCREENWRITING - CURRENT FOCUS

I've written 2 screenplays (first draft). I'm starting a 3rd screenplay and outlining a 4th screenplay. Not bad for 5 months.

The goal is to have 3 bomb-diggety, polished screenplays under my belt before November. Because in November, I'm pitching to 3 production companies (at an industry convention).

In between, there are a lot of screenwriting contests. There is a big one coming up on Sept. 2.

I'm also writing a 60-page TV script, in order to try and win some prestigious TV writing fellowship. The deadlines are July 25 and August 8 - obviously, I'm using these forums to procrastinate!

I should start marketing myself now as a new screenwriter, via a blog. The website is set up.


II. EROTIC STORIES

I also have started almost 20 erotic stories for my internet business (selling erotic e-books). However, they are not even midway finished.

I've put the internet business on hold while I focus on the screenwriting.


III. SHORT LITERARY FICTION

I somehow managed to also do some short story writing and enter a contest.

I'm also putting this on hiatus, although I have about 5 short stories (written during 2007) that I should be polishing and crafting.

----

Of course, I have A LOT of "I suck!" moments. I cry a lot. I have a lot of persisting personal problems and psychological trauma. I put a lot of pressure on myself.

And, I really do need to find a job in order to stay financially afloat. Sometimes, I'm really scared about the future.

But - I have my health, people who love me, and enough safety net so I never worry about starvation or homelessness. In the grand scheme of things, I'm damn lucky.

[moriez]

Let me join the club! This is how the last months have looked for me.

I am pretty much a temporary worker and leave a place when I dont like it anymore, which eventually always happens. Im talking about work for about one month to maybe 6 months in mostly hospitality. I try to get sufficient funds for in-between jobs. Usually I cannot stay much longer than one month without a job but that is my time off. You might ask yourself what is the fun in living like this? First of all I flourish in new environments. Unfortunately, everything wears off. After my time in Dublin, I worked for two weeks on a farm in Austria to see hows things are run. Great experience. I saw enough and then I decided to go to Vienna where Im typing all this from. Its a nice city I think and Im considering finding a job here. I dont have any obligations towards anyone accept paying my monthly insurance. It has happened that the financial situation got really tight and thats the other side of the coin. Also the effort of finding a reasonable new job is tiring. I wont build a career from this but at the moment this I how I want to live although Im starting to have second thoughts for personal reasons. You see a new environment, new people, a culture and its a way of growing. On top of that it keeps me away from the dreaded 9-5 and everything that comes with that.

For many people its a dream to quit their job and just start travelling a bit and see what happens. Thats exactly what I always dreamed of and now Im finally doing it. And you know what? Its easy as heck IF you want to trade the comfort of your home and everything well-known for something new, an adventure, living the life Id say. Oh, and in the spirit of the Steve Pavlina forum: remember crazy kids, your problems WONT stay at home

[Bitsy]

I've missed a lot on this thread .

Originally Posted by seeker5

That's really cool! I have some money saved up too, that could theoretically let me live 6 months to 1 year without having to get a job if I spend very very careful and live a bare minimum-spending life (which I do anyway most of the time). However, unlike you, I do get concerned sometimes about what happens afterward when the money runs out considering I'm now going to refuse to take a job that doesn't align with what I love.

I have had fleeting moments when I have felt worried about that, but I feel like I am focussed on trying to heal myself (and cultivating things I like, most of which will be on my website in some form), but I also have made a vision board which I look at every morning and I remember why I'm healing myself and that draws my attention to my current goal, to heal myself and build a solid foundation to myself so that I will stop falling apart, and so that everything I build in my life will stop crashing down on top of me .

Do you have a vision board seeker? Do you have any idea about the sort of job you want? For me, I just have a vague idea, but it seems to take more shape as the weeks pass. The vague idea I had is represented on my vision board.

[Lauxa]

Hmmm, I quit my job 4 1/2 years ago to be a SAHM, does that count?

Actually, I want to quit my job again, but now my job is full-time childcare and housework and "quitting" means hiring someone else to do my job, which means getting a job. My dream is to do telecommute web applications development work while traveling around the US. Inspired by this thread, I went over to craigslist to see what the current programming job market looks like and actually applied for a job that looks ideal. So send your positive energy this way!

Also, at the beginning of the year I encouraged DH to quit his job doing software test because he kept having to do manual test instead of developing the automated test framework which has been his preferred project. Instead of letting him quit, his boss gave him a raise, told him he will not have to do manual test anymore, and gave him more flexibility to telecommute. So that worked out pretty well.

Good luck to all the quitters out there!

[{aspiring_to_clarity}]

Originally Posted by Lauxa

Actually, I want to quit my job again, but now my job is full-time childcare and housework and "quitting" means hiring someone else to do my job

I'd take that job!

[mercuryrising]

Originally Posted by uberinquisitive

----

Of course, I have A LOT of "I suck!" moments. I cry a lot. I have a lot of persisting personal problems and psychological trauma. I put a lot of pressure on myself.

And, I really do need to find a job in order to stay financially afloat. Sometimes, I'm really scared about the future.

But - I have my health, people who love me, and enough safety net so I never worry about starvation or homelessness. In the grand scheme of things, I'm damn lucky.

I know nobody believes in prayer around here, but mine are with you anyway.

I've been through some rough experiences, though you have me beat. When I'm at the bottom the thought will come, "I'm going to take this sh*t in my life and use it as fertilizer to cultivate a new one."

The best art, I think, comes out of finding meaning in the suffering we go through. Personal development sometimes gives the impression we have to be these perfect people, but the truth is that we have to 'flip the script' on our imperfection (excuse the pun).

I implore you to create and do whatever you have to do to make it happen. My first love is writing and my second is music: I think as artists, we have a responsibility to express what is coming through us. You never whose life you might save. Perhaps your own.

Edit: You inspired to post on my blog, which I haven't done in like a month.

[seeker5]

Originally Posted by happygirl

I quit my job last week.

Cool congrats

Originally Posted by happygirl

Over the last 8 months I have worked with a lady who has severe cerebral palsy in my spare time and she has been such an inspiration to me in many ways. The money is extremely low and it's challenging work at times, but the satisfaction that I get from being her personal assistant leaves me glowing from the inside out!

Wow, that's fantastic - it's great there are some like you who love that!

Originally Posted by happygirl

I mean it in the way that it's not where I fit in anymore, this lifestyle that I've earned my living with up until now just isn't compatable with me anymore!

I don't have a job right now, I have a bit of money saved to last me a couple of months and the salaries are low in Brighton and the cost of living high...somehow though nothing has felt more right to me in my life which means I must have done something right.

That's how it felt when I quit too. I didn't know what I was going to do, everything in my life was upside down, was confused about a lot of things, but one thing that felt right was quitting my job. There was no doubt that it was the right thing to do, it was just a matter of overcoming the fear in quitting it. Everything else going on in my life felt wrong though.

At the moment I am waiting for criminal record bureau checks so that I can start working with disabled adults and children. I am so pleased that finally I am going to be doing something that I enjoy and have a passion for. Everyone has a right to live independently in the community and I want to enable them to be able to do that by spreading my light and sharing theirs

That is so awesome, that you've found what you love to do and are about to start doing it - regardless of your income. I'm sure though that by doing what you love, perhaps you'll be able to find other ways to express your love of what you do that may happen to bring in more income - perhaps as talking about these issues, writing books, helping train others on this subject, etc. Not that you'd need the extra income, but that it may just come as a natural extension of doing what you love doing.

Originally Posted by uberinquisitive

The silver lining to this personal tragedy: by losing everything, I had nothing to lose. I had always dreamed of writing, but never saw it as a practical choice.

Well, I had no money in the bank, I was living on credit cards, and was in no mental state to work. I figured, "might as well write. I can't get any more poor."

Wow, I've heard your story before many times, but not this way. When I read this post of yours, I wondered "hmmm, did the universe conspire to make her lose everything so she'd finally get started on what she's always dreamed, on what is her true calling?". I know the suicide wouldn't have been ordered, but I wondered about everything else surrounding it...?

Originally Posted by uberinquisitive

I've written 2 screenplays (first draft). I'm starting a 3rd screenplay and outlining a 4th screenplay. Not bad for 5 months.

Cool!

Originally Posted by uberinquisitive

The goal is to have 3 bomb-diggety, polished screenplays under my belt before November. Because in November, I'm pitching to 3 production companies (at an industry convention).

Good luck!

Originally Posted by uberinquisitive

Of course, I have A LOT of "I suck!" moments. I cry a lot. I have a lot of persisting personal problems and psychological trauma. I put a lot of pressure on myself.

And, I really do need to find a job in order to stay financially afloat. Sometimes, I'm really scared about the future.

Yeah, you know, me too. This is one hell of a scary ride I'm on, it's like being on a roller coaster. Yet, it's forcing me to face issues that I've avoided for such a long time - issues that I may not have been facing, or even discovered had I not quit my job like that.

[seeker5]

Originally Posted by moriez

Let me join the club! This is how the last months have looked for me.

Welcome to our club Cool story about traveling to different countries and working from there!

Originally Posted by Bitsy

I have had fleeting moments when I have felt worried about that, but I feel like I am focused on trying to heal myself (and cultivating things I like, most of which will be on my website in some form), but I also have made a vision board which I look at every morning and I remember why I'm healing myself and that draws my attention to my current goal, to heal myself and build a solid foundation to myself so that I will stop falling apart, and so that everything I build in my life will stop crashing down on top of me .

Do you have a vision board seeker?

No, I don't have a vision board as you've mentioned it. I did write my top 15 goals each day for 5 months in a row, but I stopped back in April when my life seemed to be turned upside down, I didn't know what I wanted anymore. I know though that's a very very beneficial exercise as a number of those goals that I wrote down everyday manifested in very unusual and delightful ways.

Originally Posted by bitsy

Do you have any idea about the sort of job you want?

Well, I don't want a job, in the traditional sense of the word. I don't want to work for a corporation, a traditional company with a traditional boss and coworkers, etc.

I have a sense of what I'd love to do, how I'd love to contribute but I'm still working through it.

I know one thing I would love to do is to help create and grow non-profit organizations that make a true impact in the world and really helps uplift people's lives.

Another thing I'd love to do is to help worthwhile organization who face a challenge, by deeply analyzing their problems, and then come up with an innovative strategy to overcome those problems and get them to where they want to go. I love doing stuff like that.

So I'm still working on it - how to create a career doing stuff I love, without being tied to a corporate overlord. Part of that is to keep on digging to find out what I love to do.

I took the Career Leader test as part of my MBA school preparation yesterday and out of the nine desires business students have, the two strongest I had were:

• Enterprise Control which is: "Interested in setting business strategy and having the power to ensure that the strategy is carried out. Ultimately want general management role."

• Theory Development and Conceptual Thinking which is: "Interested in high-level abstract thinking about business issues, and the theory (as well as the practice) of business strategy. Enjoy doing in-depth research"

That sounds about right, I love setting strategy and thinking deeply about strategies, and I love thinking about the whys and theories of things I'm interested in.

They said the best matches for me would be:

General Manager
Research and Development Manager
Strategic Planning and Business Development
Venture Capital

Those sound fun...except I want to make a positive difference in the world, and I'm no longer keen on working for a traditional corporation.

Here is one thing I found funny they said about me.

Originally Posted by seeker5's career leader results

Organizational Culture
You would fit best in an organizational culture that is a bit reserved and on the polite side. In such companies, departments, and teams, a lot of the work is done independently, behind closed doors -- or at least with some privacy and allowance for focus and concentration. Boisterousness and aggressive behavior definitely run counter to the norm in this kind of culture. People who thrive in such organizations generally view social and business "networking" as a chore to be avoided or minimized, rather than as a fundamental -- and fun -- part of work. Your tendency in this direction is very strong, so you'll want to pay close attention to this aspect of any organization you consider working for.

Originally Posted by bitsy

For me, I just have a vague idea, but it seems to take more shape as the weeks pass. The vague idea I had is represented on my vision board.

Ah? How do you represent your vague ideas - how do you do it? What are your vague ideas?

[uberinquisitive]

Originally Posted by mercuryrising

I implore you to create and do whatever you have to do to make it happen.

Both your post on this thread and post of your blog really touched me. Thank you - I've been having a really fearful day, because I'm very behind on my 60-page TV script.

Originally Posted by seeker5

When I read this post of yours, I wondered "hmmm, did the universe conspire to make her lose everything so she'd finally get started on what she's always dreamed, on what is her true calling?"

I guess I'll know when I'm dead!

[ellie]

Just letting you know I had my first intro working with children. I think I'm am going to love it

I really love the kids and the staff are really lovely as well. Usually I am so stressed going to my first day of a job and by then end of it I will have a migraine. Now working with children, I thought for sure I will have a migraine because of all the busyness and screaming, but to my surprise not one iota and I walked out of there feeling great. The lady also said would it be possible to do two days instead of one, which I was more than happy to do.

In the meantime last weekend, I happened to mention to a close friend that I was doing this (at her daughters b'day party)and she quickly replied, "we've been looking for a nanny once a week, but we didn't know who to trust, but we would be so comfortable to give it to you". So I am starting a trial run in a few weeks time. Great way to move into it, with a child who is like my niece

So I am really happy, so glad I made the leap.

Things seem to be aligning nicely

Now all I have to do is make a online children's flash game to make-up for the low pay - he he! Actually, I have wanted to develop a kids game, so "The Wiggles" better watch out

[Bitsy]

Originally Posted by seeker5

No, I don't have a vision board as you've mentioned it. I did write my top 15 goals each day for 5 months in a row, but I stopped back in April when my life seemed to be turned upside down, I didn't know what I wanted anymore.

I recommend a vision board, at least mine has been a positive influence for me. I went away for four days, four days without waking up and meditating on my vision board and believe it or not, that fear started creeping back. The vision board, as I made it, gives me a good feeling and keeps that fear away and keeps me thinking about the good things on it.

Originally Posted by seeker5

I know one thing I would love to do is to help create and grow non-profit organizations that make a true impact in the world and really helps uplift people's lives.

This seems like it is compatible with what I want to do.

Originally Posted by seeker5

Another thing I'd love to do is to help worthwhile organization who face a challenge, by deeply analyzing their problems, and then come up with an innovative strategy to overcome those problems and get them to where they want to go. I love doing stuff like that.

This too...at least if I had an organization .

Originally Posted by seeker5

So I'm still working on it

Me too. But if we had it all figured out and set up right now, what you want seems compatible with what I want...more than compatible--complementary.

Originally Posted by seeker5

Ah? How do you represent your vague ideas - how do you do it? What are your vague ideas?

Well...that's personal . I haven't dared to tell anyone yet. I would have to tell you in private .

[seeker5]

Originally Posted by ellie

Just letting you know I had my first intro working with children. I think I'm am going to love it

That's awesome! Thanks for sharing, that's inspiring.

Now all I have to do is make a online children's flash game to make-up for the low pay - he he! Actually, I have wanted to develop a kids game, so "The Wiggles" better watch out

Cool! How long will it take you to make such an flash game?

Originally Posted by Bitsy

I recommend a vision board, at least mine has been a positive influence for me. I went away for four days, four days without waking up and meditating on my vision board and believe it or not, that fear started creeping back. The vision board, as I made it, gives me a good feeling and keeps that fear away and keeps me thinking about the good things on it.

Hmmm, that's interesting.

Me too. But if we had it all figured out and set up right now, what you want seems compatible with what I want...more than compatible--complementary.

Cool! Partners in crime What kind of organizations are you interested? What kind of role do you see yourself play?

Well...that's personal . I haven't dared to tell anyone yet. I would have to tell you in private .

If you're up for it, I'd love to hear about it in private.

[uberinquisitive]

Forum member, impaul, has a great blog. Here is his latest article, which is quite inspiring:

Multiple Streams of Income

In it, he extols the virtue of doing many different fields at once - not only is the income more secure (you don't put your eggs in one basket), but you also get to do everything you like. Perfect for scanners, and those who are "unsure" of where to go next.