Most of us would agree that to “Do What You Love” is one of the main reasons people choose to be self employed. But is it the right reason?
I’ve been asking myself this question recently. I’m “good at” many things, and I also love many, many things. But can I combine the things I love, with what I’m good at, and create a sustainable business? It hasn’t been as easy as I’d hoped. And I’m not alone, it seems.
I found a fascinating blog post over at Penelope Trunks blog where she says,
Relationships make your life great, not jobs. But a job can ruin your life – make you feel out of control in terms of your time or your ability to accomplish goals – but no job will make your life complete. It’s a myth mostly propagated by people who tell you to do what you love. Doing what you love will make you feel fulfilled. But you don’t need to get paid for it.
A job can save your life, though. If you are lost, and lonely, and wondering how you’ll ever find your way in this world. Take a job. Any job. Because structure, and regular contact with regular people, and a method of contributing to a larger group are all things that help us recalibrate ourselves.
So if you are overwhelmed with the task of “doing what you love” you should recognize that you are totally normal, and maybe you should just forget it. Just do something that caters to your strengths. Do anything.
Check out the rest of her blog post here http://blog.penelopetrunk.com/2007/12/18/bad-career-advice-do-what-you-love/
Today I participated in Johnny B Truants call about the myths about how much money people really make creating a business online. And listening to calls like this always stirs something in me. With so many moving parts, it’s just not a simple as some would have us believe. Do-able, but still requires a lot of work.
And then
over at Zen Habits says the World needs us to do what we love.
Five things you can do to move toward getting paid to do what you love:
- Find your passion.
- Find your strengths.
- Find your value. .
- Make the commitment.
- Be willing to let go.
Read the rest of his article here
Speaking of “Do What You Love”, I’m still out traveling & exploring western Canada. I thought you might like to see a snapshot of my view yesterday.
Salt Spring Island, BC
I’d love to hear your opinion. Doing what you love comes naturally. That’s a given. Are you in the camp of “doing what you love” exclusively in business?
What a georgeous spot out there!!
It is a complex world we live in and doing what you love certainly gives fullfillment, but yes, you still need to live. And be able to have the most neccesary things in life,right?
So you need somehow find the right balance in doing and wanting.
Hope all is well and hugs, till next time.
I love seeing your responses Tilly! You offer Sage advice! You know how to make me smile. Yes, I’m well & hugs back to you. ~ Loralee
This is a great post. Thanks for reminding me how important other things in your life are, but also helping me recognize why I might be missing work so much. I recently became a stay-at-home mom because my husband is stationed overseas. I’ve been missing work so much and almost feeling guilty about it. Sounds like I just need to find other ways to recall rate myself!
Hi Johanna,
Will you keep in touch with me? I’d love to hear what you come up with, while finding that sense of purpose you’ve been looking for. And I have a friend I’d love to connect you with. ~ Loralee
Loralee.
Great post and am sure many of use sit back and wonder are we doing what we love in our businesses. Me? I love what I do and am always trying to find new things to add or do for others. There are times when I wonder if that ‘job’ is what I need, but nah. One day maybe.
Enjoy your travels and yes that is a gorgeous view!
I hear you! The thought flits through my mind from time to time (hence the post) but it’s only fleeting. I love the work I do, too much to stop now. Thanks for stopping by. ~ Loralee