Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.
Recently, I have been thinking through a new approach to money.
I am still working it through in my mind, and I’m a bit hesitant to write about it here. But I think this community can help add perspective.
My new, guiding philosophy towards work and income is this, “If I wouldn’t do it for free, I won’t do it for money.”
I realize, in many ways, this is an idealistic view of the world. But I am starting to wonder if this approach is more available to us than we think.
Still, it feels to me, at times, this statement comes from a place of privilege. And I will readily admit that. I grew up in a middle-class family that provided stability, support, and opportunity. I do not have unpaid medical bills on my desk from an unexpected surgery. I am not a single parent trying to raise my kids despite a deadbeat spouse. Nor was my position downsized due to unexpected corporate layoffs during the last recession.
I am fortunate to work a job I love and live in a country that provides me the freedom to do so. This is not something I take for granted.
I realize there are circumstances (sometimes caused by others) when we are called to selflessly sacrifice for our family. And I recognize there are certain seasons of life when we may be required to do work that we do not enjoy simply because there are people counting upon us to do so.
I just wonder if those situations are less common than we think.
18 months ago, I transitioned into promoting minimalism as my full-time job. And I am grateful for each passing month that I continue to do so (if you’d like to know more about how we accomplish that, you can find detailed information here). Somewhere along the way, I made a conscious decision that I would only pursue projects that I wanted to pursue. If I wouldn’t do it for free, I wouldn’t do it for money.
Probably, most significantly, is my approach to speaking. Despite an ever-increasing schedule, I continue to not charge a fee for my presentations—asking only for travel and accommodations to be covered. Most public speakers tell me I am crazy and that goes against every rule in the book.
“Set a fee,” they tell me. “Nobody will take you seriously if you don’t. A set fee allows you to offer a ‘discount’ to help close the deal with a potential client.”
But I see it very differently. Because I do not have a speaking fee, I can never be bought. I am never obligated to speak or attend an event just because somebody is willing to pay the price. Instead, each request is considered and weighed individually. Is it a good opportunity to promote minimalism? Is it an organization I believe in? Is the opportunity worth the investment? And while financial compensation is typically offered (or requested for long-term commitments), it is never the deciding factor. If I wouldn’t do it for free, I won’t do it for money.
I have adopted this approach to speaking, but also to every project I choose to pursue.
Our time should not be governed by the amount of money promised, but by the desires of our heart. (tweet that)
As I continue to pursue this approach, I have identified some specific thoughts towards life that must be present in the person who adopts it.
1. Hard work is not to be feared. If the inherent joy found in work is not appreciated in somebody’s life, this approach will always crumble. We must appreciate work for the sake of work, not just for the financial compensation that arises from it. There is something to be appreciated about working hard. We were designed to enjoy the process. We find fulfillment in it. It is satisfying to lie in bed at night with a tired body that has been both active and productive.
2. Work is not always enjoyable. With any job, there are aspects of work that are frustrating and difficult—even with the greatest dream job in the world. I am not encouraging anyone to relinquish perseverance or to refuse pushing through the difficult parts of work. For example, I love writing, but the process can be very difficult at times. I am able to persevere because the work results in something I am proud to have produced. Even though I would do it for free, I know there will be difficult moments along the way.
3. Life pursuits can not be purely selfish. Those who believe they will find enjoyment entertaining only selfish desires will never survive under this approach to work. Ultimately, we must see our lives and work as opportunity for contribution—an opportunity to offer our talents and skills to a community of people who need them. If you are entirely self-seeking in your approach to life and only enjoy pursuits that benefit your own self, this approach to doing what you love will only suffice in the short-term. Lounging each day on the beach for the rest of your life is not the answer.
4. This approach rings more true for those willing to live with less. Because I have adopted a philosophy that says, “I will only do it for money if I would do it free,” I have turned down several, significant money-making opportunities. But I don’t mind because I have learned to enjoy less. As a result, my needs and views of money have changed dramatically over the past 6 years. I am certainly not against being compensated for work, but pursuing riches is no longer a driving goal of mine. I don’t need the money and I don’t want the money. Instead, I want to live a deliberate life that focuses on my strengths and passions and invites others to rethink the role of possessions in their life.
5. This approach does not necessarily require a new job. I think, at first reading, this sounds as if I am urging everybody to quit their soul-crushing day job and try to monetize their passion. But that could not be further from the truth. Instead, I would push people to reconsider their views on their current employment. I have a friend who works at a bank providing agricultural loans to local farmers. He’s really good at it. He helps farmers think deeper about their budgeting and their business plan for success. Then, he equips each of them with the resources they need to plant seed in the spring and bring in the harvest in the fall. This, I believe, is important work. And while some days, he probably wishes he could leave it all behind and golf every day instead, maybe, in actuality, if he looked a little bit deeper, he would realize that he really does enjoy his job. It is fulfilling for him to help farmers succeed at what they do. Maybe, he would do this for free if given the chance. And just maybe this ideal is a little bit closer to reality than he originally thought.
Ultimately, I offer this philosophy not as a presciption for your life, but as a description of mine. Our seasons of life differ. But I still hope it has spurred new thoughts in yours.
I would be grateful if you could help round out my thinking in the comment section below. Is this an approach to life that everyone should seek to adopt?
Have you adopted this philosophy in your own life? How has it worked? What have you learned? Or, are you in a season of life when this is just not possible? Do you forsee any long-term obstacles to this approach?
I am eager to add your experience to my perspective. And I plan to be actively engaging with your thoughts over the next several days.
***
Update: I am so grateful for the thoughtful comments being offered below. I would like to point out one in particular. Susan offered a word of encouragement for “anyone stuck working at a job you don’t love, or even hate.” If that’s you, read it here.
“This approach is more available to us than we think”
Couldn’t agree more.
I am a Masters student in Europe and often find it irrational how much my colleagues worry about finding a job, as:
1. The relation of available jobs and job seekers is much more balanced in the Western world compared to many other parts of the world.
2. Even if you do not find a job right away or loose it, you will always have enough clothes, food and shelter.
3. We have so little financial responsibility towards our family. Our parents do not entirely depend on us as they age, there are scholarships and public schools for our children…
4. Most people have no debts to pay off after graduating, as there are no or little school fees in Europe.
Realizing that the majority of people who read this blog belong to the richest und most blessed 10% of the world, should not lead to a sense of guilt, but encourage everyone to make use of the freedom and possibilities we have.
I believe in the philosophy of living off 50% of your net pay. My husband was not taught much about money growing up, so he never “got” it. However, he has come around to my way of thinking, and we are steadily heading in that direction. If you start off by deciding to live off far less, that opens up all kinds of options for yourself, including “If I wouldn’t do it for free, I won’t do it for money.”
I think this is a fantastic philosophy.
I am actually in the process of implementing this in my own life. I’ve recently slimmed down my freelance clients to only the ones that I truly enjoy the work I do for them. It’s actually quite scary saying goodbye to steady money in favor of doing more enjoyable work, especially as a freelancer when your income fluctuates so much as it is.
I’m in a season of my life where I’m a work-from-home Mom with a 9 month old and am limited to doing my work while she’s napping or at night and on the weekends when my Husband is home to take over baby duty. I go to great lengths to be able to fit work into my life, and feel that I should enjoy most of the time I spend on it as a result. Work is my “me” time, as funny as that may sound to most people.
I had a great epiphany about this almost 2 months ago and made the decision to pursue passion over income, and I’m excited to see where this journey takes me!
Life is too short to do something that you’re not 100% passionate about :)
You are so right, life is too short to do a job you hate, both my partner and I are employed in areas we are passionate about( librarianship for me and luthier for her) We spend much extra time non paid assisting people with whatever they desire.
We decided when we moved to our present area that to work part time and have less material possessions, a much more satisfactory way of live.
Nice idea but at the end of the day, I still have rent to pay and children to feed. I have a job that is somewhat coveted in our society and many people would consider me lucky to be there (although it’s less luck and more hard, hard work), but it’s still a job. And there’s no way I’d do it for free.
If I won the lottery (which will never happen because I don’t buy lottery tickets), and I didn’t have to work, then I could serve society for free in a way that uses my skills and talents. Or maybe later in life circumstances will allow, but it’s not yet!
Lotteries are a tax on the statistically challenged ;)
Agree, but very thought-provoking.
I think where this philosophy breaks down is society’s tendency to view some jobs with disdain and indifference…it’s kind of the same thing as some politicians telling the public that everyone should go to college. If everyone goes to college to get a white collar job and a “better life,” who is left to do the other types of work? Currently much of society tends to look down on people who make their careers in blue-collar jobs. What your ideas need is some address of these types of jobs and society to return to a full appreciation of a hard day’s work, no matter what that person is working at. I fully believe (and it sure sounds like you do too) that a day’s work, if performed with drive and a belief of societal improvement, should be equally valued whether or not that work was janitorial or corporate…now if only we could get the rest of society to agree!
As a side note, some of the best, most beneficial workers I’ve known have been people without degrees doing jobs that, though they didn’t love every single minute, they took much pride in doing well. I think that’s the key, and what you’re getting at- people who take lots of pride and personal responsibility in what they do generally do it very well!
These are great points! I often think of similar things. If everyone did what they loved, would people still want to perform jobs that are viewed as menial labor from society? Alternatively, I wonder if I’m mistaken in assuming that someone doing a job that is looked down upon may hate it. I’ve worked all types of jobs, and from cleaning toilets as a waitress to working in a corporate office. In some ways, there are pros and cons to them all. If you can find a positive value of what you’re doing (making a difference for someone), then that can be a great feeling, no matter what the role.
There may be fewer people doing janitorial-type jobs, but not an absence. A good friend from grade-school and high school went to a private college, got a degree and a respectable job, hated it, and quit to be a custodian at a church and school.
He told me it was a tough move, but he really loved painting walls, setting up tables, plowing parking lots, even cleaning toilets and seeing a job well-done. He’s among the best-educated and happiest janitors I’ve ever met.
In addition, I spent two years working at a Seattle-based coffee shop. Virtually nobody wanted to make a career of making lattes, but it was a comfortable transition job while I got myself back on my feet…and my co-workers studied to be courtroom reporters and x-ray techs and chefs (or figure out what they want to do in life).
I do agree that most of society is unhelpful when ranking the “importance” of jobs.
A nice addition to this article. Possibly, the “other side” of the subject, but also complimentary.
Thanks for the comment Tracy. Just because some in society may look down on a particular profession does not mean the person doing the job has to think of it any less. And I would agree with your closing thought, some of the happiest and most content people I know work blue-collar jobs… I did grow up as part of a farming family.
Couldn’t agree more with you. I’m originally Swiss and grew up in a wonderful dual school system (it has it flaws, too, mind you). Meaning that the majority (at least it was about 30 years ago) ended school at 16 and did a 3-4 year long apprenticeship = working and going to school for 1 – 2 days per week, depending on the profession. I did this as well and later continued to go to evening school and uni while working which was the perfect way for me and I always enjoyed work and learning new skills.
Now living in Australia the pressure to go to uni is much higher (as it has become in Switzerland as well) and for the reasons you mentioned, I just don’t get it. Some kids have to live with so much pressure from an early age on and I really feel for them. And everyone is complaining because they get skilled people in from overseas …
We’re fortunate enough to be able to send our children to a Montessori school and hopefully also to a secondary Montessori school in the near future. I think this method of teaching is a good match for us and our values. I’m sure it will assist greatly in them becoming happily working individuals – whether that will be blue or white collars.
This is so true. I now have a job, out of neccesity, that I don’t hate, but I don’t love either. I used to clean houses for a living and even though that job is not highly paid or respected, I enjoyed it. I knew that what I did for my customers was important to them and that it took some of the stress out of their lives. I took pride in doing a good job and picturing my customers face when they came home to a clean house at the end of a hard day.
I have asked myself similar questions before ever reading this article. I feel that in today’s society it has become very counter culture to do something worthwile besides just making money. I, fairly soon, will be leaving my very large salary and almost 11 years of experience within my company to open up a group home here in Arizona. Being a young adult and very successful early on has really brought me back to soul searching with my heart saying….
“yes, I would do my job for free because I help change lives of other people….and I’d probably enjoy it more if it was for free because my spirit wouldn’t die every time the corporate world decides to treat me like less of a person….”
The Millenial Generation is just waiting for their purpose. More and more we will start turning inward to find our passion and figure out a way to make money doing so. Money can’t buy happiness and as I talk to my peers, who live in the corporate world, I’m seeing the shift of thoughts on money and possessions move to a life of less and more fulfillment….Only time will tell from there.
Blessings to all,
Christie
Thanks for the work you are doing (or will be doing fairly soon).
A really good philosophy to live by. I know that the exceptions come along from time to time. But the principle is still strong. Looking back in my life I can see it would have been helpful to internalize this earlier on. But…never let “them” know that you would do it for free because that is what they will pay you:-). As a retired teacher I discovered this.
I spoke to a group of high school students today. Of all I shared with them I asked them to take two things away, 1. That they will never let another person determine their own self worth and, 2. That they pursue a career that they love so much they’d do it for free but be so good at it that people are willing to pay them good money for their skill. :0) Diana – High School Counselor.
Sounds like we’re on the same page. And I think it is important to send people down this road early on in life. Lifestyle creep can be soul-draining—once we get used to a certain income level, it can be very difficult to picture life any other way.
When my husband was working what I considered to be too many hours I asked him what he does for fun. He answered that he had fun every day. Looking back I realize we both enjoyed doing what we got paid for and when it stopped being fun (management changed) we retired. After changing our lives rather dramatically we are now back doing similar things as volunteers. Because we still enjoy what we always enjoyed.
Good for you Linda. Keep contributing. You have important gifts to offer all of us.
I’m retired and living well on social security in Buenos Aires. I enjoy helping travelers who write me through my blog. I provide guidance and information without charge. A few months ago I had a client who required attention for an extended visit. Time spent with her was work, and I charged for it. I realized that she didn’t appreciate my help. She found an excuse to be angry with me, and I was relieved. This was the first time in years that I didn’t do it for free, and no amount of money mattered.
I have been reflecting a lot lately on the purpose of my life and what gives me fulfillment. I think this concept is one that people could turn their noses up at and say “this is a dream world” – but I agree that I think it’s often closer than we think.
I also think your friend’s agricultural lending job is a great example of how sometimes it’s your perception. Sometimes you need to step back, look at your current job and take a moment to appreciate the things you *do* enjoy about your job.
I’m currently seriously debating leaving my safe well-paying Corporate job for a lower-paying not-for-profit job that I think will be more fulfilling. While I’m comfortable with living on less, I do need to do the math and I do also need to consider my spouse & family and the consequences of following my dreams but also the consequence of not following my dreams.
I also think that as a society we need to be less afraid of taking chances and thinking if it doesn’t work that we will have failed and we need to know that every day we gain more experience and knowledge of ourselves and the world. If we do decide to purse a career for passion vs. money, but find that it’s not making us happy (e.g. it wasn’t what we thought it’d be, we decided we needed more money, circumstances changed) then it’s a lesson learned and one less regret we’ll have later in life, because we did follow our hearts and try it. We have to have faith in ourselves and in life that things will work out at the time they’re meant to.
Wow Tiffany, I think you summed up this post in beautiful ways. I agree, I think this approach to life is more available than most people think (the trap of consumerism has ensnared many of us). That being said, it is important to be thoughtful and intentional in our approach to determine specifically what season we are in and what responsibilities we carry for the people closest to us.
I think you’re right that in order to live out this philosophy, a good deal of privilege is required. But, for most people, the goal is to do whatever they have to in order to make as much money and have as much leisure as they can. So I think it’s a significant change to move toward something that makes a difference and uses your talents even if it doesn’t mean a bigger paycheck. Once our basic needs are met, we have the ability to choose which way we want to move. For those having trouble meeting their basic needs, it isn’t really helpful. The more desperate the situation, the more people will sacrifice themselves just to get by. The tragedy is when we continue to do that when it’s not actually necessary, in pursuit of wealth (or a nicer car).
Well said Lindsey. I was struck again, after reading the first sentence of your comment, there is a great deal of privilege required to live by this approach. I think the approach is far more possible in America (and other First World Countries) than most people assume. But I was reminded this morning of the simple fact that many people around the world don’t even have clean water, much less the necessary space and freedom to choose any job they want.
I am intrigued by your post and look forward to reading the comments. I have worked at jobs I liked and jobs I didn’t like, for monetary compensation. I currently work for two farms that do not pay me in money, though they have offered to do so. I love these jobs. They do compensate me in food, which I accept, as it contributes to my family and it makes the farmers feel better, like it is their way of returning to me, the time I give them. I would never take money for these two jobs, as I feel money detracts from the joy I find in the work. For me, money is compensation for doing work that I would not do otherwise, even though I might like the job. (I am privileged to have a husband that supports me in this and he has a job that keeps us financially comfortable in our frugal lifestyle.). It is difficult for me to think of ever taking money for work I LOVE, because that feels like my love can be bought. The entity compensating with money also has the power to put higher dictates on the work. When you are working for free, people will often give more choice and freedom in the work, as long as it meets their needs as well. It is more of a barter than traditional employment.
I think it is really important for people to find something they like in their jobs, or find jobs they like. It makes life more rewarding. I think your perspective will give others motivation to seek better for themselves and in themselves. I don’t know if it would get me to want to take money for work I love, but it is something I want to consider.
I really love your blog, keep the great work coming! I Look forward to hearing you speak some day! Thank you, Joshua!
Really interesting point that you are compensated but not financially. I wish we could sometimes have a more “barter like” lifestyle, that would eliminate needing as much money and would also promote community and sustainability by recycling resources.
I totally agree! The bartering set up a whole different relationship for the work situation and has developed into strong friendships instead of merely boss/employee relationships. It’s all about community!
Bartering can be difficult to coordinate so that all parties involved are satisfied. The process does strengthen the community and I find it really makes me put more value on my time. There was a time when I just mindlessly went to work to get the check to buy the stuff I needed. I don’t barter for things all the time, but when I do, I consider more the value of what I am doing and why. It is just another way to approach minimalism.
Agree- I actually like the idea of barter – I think it makes you think more carefully about the exchange but also appreciate the value of what you give and receive. We have ‘Laneway Harvest’ in my town where you can leave and pick up spare fruit and vegetables. I got immense satisfaction from leaving the apples of my garden tree and picking up some basil, which I don’t grow myself. The exchange involved no money what so ever and was very satisfying.
This is a fascinating thread. And while I don’t have any answers, it seems to me this conversation speaks something about the very nature of money.
I mean, on the surface, money is nothing more than a tool to make bartering easier. I mean, ultimately, what is the difference between receiving food for work or money for work. The farmers are giving something they could have sold for money instead of something you could have used to just buy food.
And yet, you are right on many levels. When the compensation is in the form of money, it feels different. People become infatuated with it. Bosses expect a higher return from it. We start to do the job for the paycheck rather than the fulfillment. And begin to feel used in the process.
But money is nothing more than a tool to expedite trade—it’s only there, as Debbie pointed out—because bartering can be very difficult to set up. Very interesting indeed.
You’re right, ultimately the barter and money have the same result. We do have different attitudes toward them. Money provides a flexibility in one’s consumption that adds to its allure. Bartering forces a more mindful approach to that consumption–at least some consideration of the purpose of what you are doing to obtain what you are consuming.
I liked your comment about feeling used in the paycheck process. Throughout 20+ years of working, I have often questioned if what I was doing was worth the money, and often felt my time was worth more money than I was receiving for my work. My last paying job totally took advantage of me and I let them do it for too long. I haven’t felt that way with bartering my time.
I think your idea has merit… BUT something I’m coming to, is that moving towards minimalism allows me to use my money for other purposes: to provide funding for causes I believe in…. helping others that are not as priveledged to live in a society with such over abundance. If I had to work a job I didn’t completely “LOVE”, it would be okay because of the purpose……
Bonnie, I have heard this from other places. We recently founded a nonprofit to change how the world cares for orphans (a more public launch is in the works for the fall). Almost immediately, I was asked by people, “Does this new organization motivate you to work harder at making money?” They will go on to share how they have found joy and motivation in knowing their additional excess has funded important work around the world. Personally, I’m not sure I have felt that response in my own heart quite yet. But I can definitely understand where they (and you) are coming from. Good for you. Keep on giving. I don’t think you’ll ever regret it.
If you are stuck working at a job you don’t love, or even hate, take heart! The good news is that through those struggles, you are gaining valuable strengths that you will actually appreciate later on. You are building character, self-esteem, wisdom, patience, all of which will serve you well in life. Every time you are uncomfortable, you are learning! You are equipped with a clever ability that many people don’t bother to utilize: you are free to use your heart and mind to decide how you will respond to whatever good, and bad, comes your way. So if you’re still waiting for the chance to enjoy the good life, make sure you are eagerly soaking up all the lessons there are to learn in your current situation. Find the good. Be positive. Be a good example. Gain experience and maturity. Perseverance pays off. Look at trials not as a bad thing — rather view trials as preparation for your dream life! What if the opportunity for your dream job or dream life came your way and you didn’t recognize it? A smooth sea does not a good sailor make. Embrace the rough seas now, my friend, and you will not miss the boat when your cruise ship of life sets sail!
Oh Susan. This is so wonderful and quite an important addition to the conversation. I am going to include a link to it in the original article.
I have experienced this in my own life and I believe that you have expressed it very well. The danger may be that when the ‘cruise ship of life’ arrives, it feels too good to be true.
I have experienced this very thing in my own life. For ten years, in part due to the poor job market, I felt trapped in a job where I was criticized and unappreciated. At times I questioned my very worth as an employee. I learned much from that experience about remaining positive, and that I am in control of my attitude. Those lessons are serving me very well in my new job that I do enjoy, and where I do feel appreciated. I am a much more mature and emotionally stable worker than I was before. I have learned not to react quickly to criticism, or to take it too personally. We learn so much more from the difficult times in life than we do in the easier ones. Look for the lessons to be learned and don’t despair!
Thank you for your posts! I agree that
Thank you for your posts! I agree that abandoning the job we don’t feel satisfied with isn’t necessarily the answer. Maybe it’s taking the time to ponder what we would do if we had a million bucks and didn’t have to work. How long would pleasure satisfy. Maybe we’d scramble back to the job where we had purpose. Maybe it’s finding purpose in our daily tasks by focusing on the people around us instead of the task, taking on the challenge of loving people even in environments and situations where it is hard to love. idk.
Also, I don’t know where else to ask a technical question. Every time I click on your email in my inbox, it freezes my email program and doesn’t “wake up” for about 30 seconds (feels more like 5 minutes). It doesn’t matter if it’s at work or home. Can this be remedied?
Thanks!
Erica, it, unfortunately, cannot be remedied. At least not through the current email feed. For years, the Becoming Minimalist emails have been automatically generated by Google (Feedburner). I publish a post, Google notices it, and sends it out to everyone who asked to receive it. Starting late last year, an issue has arise between Outlook and Google Feedburner (I assume you are trying to open the emails in Outlook). It is inadvertent as best I can tell—but there have been no solutions offered (I have looked and continue to do so). Because I have such limited control over how Google sends out those messages, there is very little that I can do.
Here is the solution, I have offered. I started a small, simple email through a different provider for those people who notified me of the problem. I’m still working out a few kinks on the new email, but if you’d like to sign up (or anyone else would like to sign up), you can do so here: http://eepurl.com/nUJy5
Also, I am happy to unsubscribe you from the old list—especially if you are unable to do so on your own because Outlook keeps freezing. Just send me an email with your address.
I really am sorry for the inconvenience and I wish I had a better solution. You are not alone and I will keep searching around for ideas.
I’m about to graduate from college, and I’ve definitely felt the pressure to take the first job that comes my way because of fear of my student loans. I think many of my peers are in a similar place. We aren’t in a position to be picky about the jobs we get in this season, but does that mean we should settle for something we know we won’t like because it’ll pay the bills? I like your philosophy. Hopefully it won’t be too long until I can apply it to my own life.
Thanks for the perspective and comment Caroline. Although I don’t think the sentence made the final draft, I made a comment in the original draft of this post concerning people who are just beginning their careers and the “season” of learning and growing—one of the most valuable experiences of my life was serving as an intern for two years. While I did many things I would not have chosen to do specifically, the experience shaped me in ways that would never would have happened if I hadn’t taken the role. I am forever indebted.
Thanks for sharing,Joshua!
With recently becoming a personal trainer I am currently considering how to use my new skills to help others, continue to learn, and possibly make some money. I’ve been considering hosting morning workouts and boot camps free of cost to accomplish the first two goals, and also to spread a love of fitness to others and meet some new people in the process. Would I eventually like for that to morph into having regular clients? Sure. But I think all of the other reasons provide more fulfillment then a financial motivation alone.
It’s amazing you’re able to live this way and it is neat to hear what other people think of this counter-cultural concept.
Cheryl, just work your hardest to help people live better lives. The return on investment will come. And I do hope our paths will cross again at SimpleRev in October.
i totally agree, and have been practicing this for 16 years. I walked away from the salary that comes with having an MBA to pursue my true passion. The interesting thing is that the money, which I didn’t find important for happiness, came eventually anyway. Now I have toe freedom to share my passion with others.
THRIVING instead of just SURVIVING are words that hold significance for me. There are seasons (like after illness or a new baby) and situations (like extreme poverty) where all one can do is survive, but I am increasingly sad by all the people living in this survival mode when they really wouldn’t have to. One of my goals is to keep moving more and more into the THRIVING mode, and I believe that with intention that can include work.
This resonates. Deeply. I got out of the corporate world and transitioned to the nonprofit arena because I needed more meaning behind my work. 12+ years into that and I am disillusioned by many of the same things that bothered me about corporate life, mainly working for peanuts and having trouble getting by while the guy at the top rakes in a bundle. If I could, I would quit my job right now and work to support people on a Native American reservation in setting up a sustainable source of local, healthy food. I would do that for free. But as a single person, making the bottom line balance has proven a challenge. I would like to move towards greater simplicity in my life, but not in such a way that I leave myself completely vulnerable financially (without at least a small home, medical insurance, etc.). At 49, I am finding myself stuck in a life that is not working well for me, but without the financial cushion to make a break from it. I continue to read your posts with great interest.
I am growing more and more interested in your ideas as I read your articles as I am already finding ways to think differently about my life and how to use my energy. I particularly love your quote”Our time should not be governed by the amount of money promised, but by the desires of our heart.” Thinking about things in a new way can change everything. That’s what you help people do. Thank you.
i can understand your hesitation. I can also see your point. I am not sure how widely this can work but I think it is a very good starting point that may take many people on an interesting journey to pursue the work they love. I gave up paid work 10 years ago, praise God, to care for my children, and eventually homeschool them. We began a lifestyle of ‘less’ then and giving up what distracted from our faith and our goals. Now we are going into minimalism. Though we are nowhere near, many of the things you are writing are speaking directly into what we are learning and trying to achieve. I see the beginning seeds of minimalist thinking way back then, but it has taken us 10 years to get to this point of wanting our life and home to look very different,
I just realised that I did give up my paid work and decide to do it for free. I use the skills I learned as a corporate lawyer all the time.not exactly the same way but nothing is wasted in God’s economy. Meanwhile my husband is training for ministry and we are living on a shoestring feeling more blessed and fulfilled than ever before.
I have been getting a lot of guff from friends and family for speaking this truth. currently i’m working part time as a admin assistant. it’s only a temp job – which is good because it has reaffirmed to me that this is exactly what i do not want.
I’m in the process of getting rid of most of our belongings and in june i’m hitting the road with my 3 kids. Yes there is fear and anxiety – and excitement!
I am taking the leap that i have been so afraid to for so long. The fear of not having enough and not being able to provide and of being seen as an incompetent mother, has suffocated me for too long. I”m finally doing what my kids and I have dreamed of. I bought a camper and we are going. I hear them asking me to play games, read books and hang out more – and i’ve heard myself saying – i can’t – i have another meeting, i have to go to work, i have to…… . No more! We are shedding belongings, commitments, “responsibilities” and the untruths that this society has fed us for too long about what being successful looks like.
Please blog your adventures! Traveling around with a little trailer is my dream :-).
Great post Joshua, thank you for sharing those thoughts now. And the comments have been interesting as well.
I think more people are unaware of what ignites passion within them than people who are aware of what lights their fire. For whatever reasons – self-esteem, how we are brought up/nurtured, fear of finding out as it may create problems in their surroundings (family, friends, culture), lack of encouragement from influential people in their life, etc… this lack of awareness makes me feel so sad for them.
Over 20 years ago I saw a book called “Joyfully Jobless” by Barbara Winter, and I’ve been “working to pay for my passion” since then in a variety of jobs – some I loved, some I hated, some I worked just for ‘the benefits or discounts’ at what the job could give me… and all of them taught me something (as the comment above stated so well) and added to my skills and experience.
About 6 months ago, I finally internalized “Today is the oldest you’ve ever been, and the youngest you’ll ever be again.” (Eleanor Roosevelt) and decided to pursue my talent and passion. I’ve been a hobbyist for over 20 years, now it is time to put in the “work.” In the meantime, I’m pursuing a work-from-home mindless job that will give me flexibility within a structure and a foundational income as I’m building a way to contribute financially to my household doing the passion.
I’m lucky, and I am privileged, and I am grateful every day for everything I’ve been blessed with – and feel it in my bones this is the right thing to be doing. And I would do it for free. And I have :-).
I’d like to offer some pithy thoughts in the hope they will be helpful in developing your thinking.
(1) You had previously written that we should strive never to retire. This thought fits very well within these thoughts.
(2) With regard to your point five, the Reformer Martin Luther says that we should “urge people to stay and do their duty.” (Small Catechism, 10th Commandment) That is, we should *not* encourage people to leave their current vocation, but stay there, work hard, and do your duty.
(3) Similarly, we tend to find joy in our work if we can “zoom out” and see the big picture. It’s about people. Whose life is better because of your work? What does the organization do for the world?
(4) Again, it’s about people. I’ve had really bad jobs that I tried to make the best of because my wife and kids (or clients) were depending on me. Jobs can be more tolerable.
Growing up, my dad nearly killed himself working three jobs. He was a firefighter, house painter, and he played trumpet and accordion in polka bands. He did it to give me and my siblings a better life and better opportunities. My dad’s sacrifices for me taught me how to endure less-than-favorable work situations for my family. Or, to put it another way, my dad’s example taught me how to love my family.
(5) A study of vocation may be helpful for you as you continue to ponder this. Gene Edward Veith’s writings, especially “The Spirituality of the Cross”, goes into the theology of work and calling.
(6) It seems a good diagnostic question (as advanced by the commenters) takes money out of the equation. “If you had a million dollars, would you still do this work? What would you do?” You are also correct in minimalist living helps to take money out of the equation.
(7) I had been thinking about the above diagnostic question for some time, actually, and I think I’d still be doing the same thing. If I had a million dollars, I’d be pastoring a small-to-medium sized congregation. I’d keep my outside denominational commitments to a minimum so that I can do some volunteering to serve the underprivileged, spend time with my family, and run. It’s working very well for me from a quality-of-life standpoint. I’m pretty happy.
The bad part I see with it is long-term financial security. I could make more money if I sought a larger congregation or did some freelance devotional writing, but I choose not to invest my time and energy that way. I know that, financially, I’m going to struggle. I probably won’t be able to contribute much toward my kids’ college education. Vacations are modest-to-non-existent.
Another (potential) drawback is the example I’m setting for my kids. My dad left me the example of hard work for the sake of family. I’m not working nearly as hard as my dad and thus not teaching my kids what hard work really is. I’m spending a lot of time with them and emphasizing family, but I may not be giving them the other tools to be successful in life.
I feel like I can trust you. Thank you for that. Not everyone is willing to show the ways they make money (nor offer specific amounts) for the sake of candor and writing integrity. I really appreciate that.
I am an African-American woman with a heart for minimalism. I live in poverty-stricken area (not by choice), and we are lower-income earners. I agree that some of your statement comes from a place of privilege and simple choice. But I don’t blame you for that. You can’t help that you were raised middle-class, and enjoyed some of the benefits of that station.
It is hard for me, because as much as I appreciate minimalism, compulsory minimalism is a challenge indeed. It’s one thing when you have had much, and get to choose to have less. It’s another thing entirely when you don’t have the choice. I don’t hear much talk about that within the realm of minimalism and simple living. I would certainly like to raise awareness.
I have seen some African-Americans squirm when talk of minimalist living arises; I wonder if this is why. I wonder how many of your readers/commenters are actually poor — were raised with very little, are hard workers who are under-employed? I realize I may stir the pot a bit with these words, but my husband goes to work every day working a job he does not like because he has character, and because he loves his family. I respect him for that.
I am curious about your church there in Phoenix. Do you attend a church with others who are as passionate about minimalism as you are, or do you march to the beat of your own drum? Sometimes it’s troubling — all the more in the Christian community — to see materialism so rampant. I hope you are one among many.
I have been following your blog for some time and really enjoy your approach — sincere, honest, humble. Continue to keep inspiring those around you. :-)
I am from the Chicago ghetto.
Thank you for the comment Minimalee. First, to your last point, my church community is not based on a pursuit or passion for minimalism. We are united around a common faith, but that plays itself out differently in each person’s life. I’d say, most of us struggle with the same temptations of most people who live in the suburbs.
Also, I cannot speak to the economic (or even specific geographic) demographic of Becoming Minimalist’s community. They are an encouraging and inspiring group—that is one thing I know.
I do think you raise an important point and one that keeps surfacing in this comment thread and several others that have started around the Internet based on this post. As I readily admit early, this approach to work emerges from a place of privilege—I am fortunate that work I love is able to pay the bills and I have control over the choices I make.
I do know, without minimalism, that would probably not be possible in my life—even with the privilege. Which is where I think many people get stuck. I still think the approach is more accessible than most people realize—but not if consumerism maintains its grip.
But my stance on your specific question is this: I think there are certain temptations and traps that arise based on our financial circumstances. But the temptations can look very different whether we have much or we have little. Our experiences are different. Our situations are different. And our struggles are different. (One of the biggest problems I see is that people are less likely to notice the negative effects wealth may be having on them than they are able to see the negative effects of poverty).
All that to say, my messaging about money and possessions would probably be very different in the ghetto of a Third World Country than in the Western suburbs of America. Or, as you point out, even in the poorest neighborhoods of our own country. The struggles and the temptations are different. The pull of possessions comes from a different angle. I do think there is value in the principles of minimalism for people regardless of their economic status, but as you point out, that conversation probably looks different than the one I write.
I really appreciate how you acknowledge that you are living and writing from a place of privilege. In our work with the poor both locally and around the world, I can assure you that a person’s basic needs must be met before the opportunity for self-actualization through work exists. When you must work to survive, you do not have the luxury of doing what you want to do for a living.
Material minimalism is really only a benefit when it is chosen from a position of prosperity and excess not imposed by poverty. The poor long not to live “minimally” and have their children do without. When we first worlder’s choose to live minimally we are really just trading material excess for time, opportunity and relational abundance. We are still rich and still live excessively just in a different way – like being able to do work we find meaningful.
What I LOVE most about your minimalism movement is that helps overcomes the disparity between rich and poor. While the causes of poverty are multifaceted and complex, the downside of materialism and consumerism is that it requires an improvised workforce. By consuming less and working toward local sustainability, the demand for cheap consumables and underpaid, overworked labor is reduuced.
And as a father of six (from my own privileged position), I have learned that true joy and satisfaction in life ultimately does not come from the work that you do, but from sacrificial service to your family and others. If loving what you do is a prerequisite for living a meaningful life than most of humanity would live a pointless existence. I think meaning and purpose must come from your relationships and giving of yourself is service of others.
If you are blessed enough to be able to do work you love than you are fortunate and privileged indeed. If you can afford to, by than by all means work for the love of what you do. If not, learn to find satisfaction in life despite you external circumstances.
I love my job. Love it! I work with seniors to help them stay in their homes and stay connected. I see, every day, the effects my work has to help people live better lives. Sadly, it pays very little, even though a master’s degree is required. Things like paying down my student loans, saving for a house or retirement are not all possible, even with a roommate. Sometimes I wonder if I will need to leave this field for at least 5-10 years. There’s already such a huge shortage in the field, though, that I really don’t want to leave.
I tenaciously clung to this same philosophy when I left college and espoused it to hundreds of people for years.. before I woke up.
After living my “passion” and working a job I absolutely loved and considered a dream (zookeeper, aquarist, and educator at a major aquarium and zoos), I woke up one morning to realize I was thirty and that I had put off MAJOR life events because of money (living on my own, getting married, starting a family, etc). Many of my colleagues were in the same boat unless they were lucky enough to have a spouse that could support them. While my job felt like “vacation” a lot of the time, I hadn’t been on a real vacation in eight years, never saw my family on major holidays (theme parks and zoos are open on those days, they’re some of the biggest!), struggled financially, and essentially put off adulthood by a decade.
Ironically I am a much more whole and content person doing a job that I only find “okay” (but happen to be really good at) because I have the financial stability to provide for myself and to chase some of those other dreams I have for my life.
I don’t regret having worked a job I would have done for “free”.. I have irreplaceable memories/experiences.. but ironically I find actually doing the job for free as a VOLUNTEER is ultimately far more satisfying.
I’m a Millenial. We may have been raised to chase the shooting stars and work for a passion or purpose, but we are still human beings with needs – including needs for connection, family, and a stable base in life that cannot be minimized – that can be elegantly and happily met showing up to something everyday and collecting a paycheck along the way.
I like the philosophy. I like how you present this differently while many would say ‘just quit your job if you don’t like it.’ I used to be in a job that I don’t like but shifting my thoughts on it like the value I’m giving has surprisingly changed the way I feel towards it.
I read this with a little different insight. Lately I’ve been working on my minimalism tactics. In removing excess from my home, not purchasing in excess, and focusing on blessings, this has allowed me to reduce my debt. Which in turn, allows me to reduce the number of hours I work. Hence, I really do enjoy my job because I’m not focused on hours/pay, but the tasks at hand that I’m really good at. It may not work for everyone as we all have different financial/personal lives. But, it can’t hurt to try a new viewpoint of the hard work paying off in the short or long term beyond just having less stuff. Gaining more satisfaction at home AND at work!
I work in administration at a fire department. I used to work as a paramedic for the same department. This WAS my dream job – fulfilling, exciting, rewarding. I was compensated well, but I definitely didn’t do it for the money. There were times I even told co-workers (you know, when you have those conversations about what you’d do if you won big at the lottery) that I would keep doing my job because I loved it so much. Most didn’t take me seriously, and those that did warned of the risk I would be taking because “everyone would be looking to sue” me. Well, after about 4.5 years, I won the lottery. Just kidding. Due to budget cuts, the department eliminated the seven positions that made up my workgroup. We were given the choice to go through fire academy to become firefighter/paramedics or be unemployed. I had just gotten married a month and a half before that and was just starting to plan a family. I had never had any aspirations of becoming a firefighter, but this was my chance to stay as a paramedic with a great department. It also meant more money, even better benefits, more opportunities for career development and promotion, but also performing additional tasks that carried significant risk. Finally, it meant postponing starting a family, since going through a fire academy while pregnant didn’t feel like a wise choice. I chose to become a firefighter. Academy was extremely challenging, but I got through it. For the next several months, I dreaded going to work. I never felt like I was heading off to my dream job. I was very unhappy at work and did not think this was how I would be spending my first year of marriage. I decided to put happiness first. My husband and I got pregnant, I worked light duty in administration, and about four months after my son was born, a permanent position opened up in administration and I got the job! Now, I make less money per year than I ever have at the department and I am the happiest I have ever been. My years of experience as a paramedic and my months of experience as a firefighter help me to be a well-rounded support person, and I still get to serve the public, just in a less direct way. I have been with the department now for 10 years, married for almost six, and I have two beautiful boys, a four-year-old and a 20 month-old. I am content. I am becoming a minimalist and everyday feels like a dream. I guess I did win the lottery. Thank you, Joshua, for helping me get there.
I like this and I’m happy for you and your family reading this.
some one i know has just retired, when she left she got 6 bunches of flowers , 6 boxes of chocolates a hamper, 14 cards with lovely kind thankful words from many names on each card, she got champagne a signed and framed thank you from the chief of police, she got so many gifts and cakes, so much and she was a “cleaner”, yup, that person was my sister i was so proud of her i cried, i too am a cleaner, and i do my job to serve the Lord and to model her example, i have had other jobs, working in a pharmacy and support officer, but its not what you do, its how you do it and you are not your job either, i am certainly more than that, i learnt some valuable lessons from her, i take pride in what i do and no job is wonderful all the time, and if your stuck in a job thats hard well move on as best you can.
love Jacqueline xxxxx
I strongly dislike my job and would never do it for free.
Or, perhaps, as I stop to think, I like the essence of my job, but not the company, coworkers, commute, hours, office. Perhaps I can focus on the essence I do enjoy, as that very core is what I’d do for free.
I appreciate your humility in asking others to help “round out” your thinking.
Re: You don’t have to quit your day job– A person could change it from “If you wouldn’t do it for free, don’t do it for money” to “I’m getting paid, but how would I do this job if I were volunteering?” or maybe “What parts of my job do I actually enjoy?” I don’t know. After all, attitude toward your job matters a great deal. If you’re stuck in a soul-sucking day job, most of the time there are ways to remind yourself that you work for yourself and your family rather than “the man”. I used to work as a cashier at Home Depot, not exactly the most inspiring work, but on my good days, I tried to think of myself as a volunteer, almost! Like, I need to be here, this job needs doing, so I’m going to muster up what I’ve got and try to really care for the customers & my co-workers, we’re all human, even if someone is rude, maybe they had a bad day, etc.
I’m not sure if what I’m saying is making sense, but it’s a way of making what, indeed, can be a VERY privileged statement into a way of thinking that almost anyone can internalize.
Of course, if your job goes beyond boring stultifying and into unnecessarily dangerous or abusive, that’s a different story…
Growing up in a very conservative and religious community it seems as thinking or believing we shouldn’t work the majority of our life in the pursuit of wealth is actually sac religious. As I’ve been able to “grow up”, now 31, I have allowed myself to form my own beliefs instead of just taking on those of my small surrounding. Working towards a simpler, quieter life that doesn’t revolve around my purchasing power I have found more faith and spirituality than I could ever find in the noise and fast paced stressful life. Now having said that I still have a demanding job that I love and would do for free in the right setting, nursing. My life is not free of stress and accelerated speed but when I can I enjoy less distraction and noise, living in a smaller than average American home surrounded by nature. When I look at the community I grew up in and see so much emphasis on material goods and not on quality of life it makes me sad for those caught in the mix. I enjoy having a simpler more deliberate life. Two yellow dogs at my feet and a cup of coffee in my hand as I look out into the woods, life is amazing and I enjoy working towards more simplicity and fulfillment that doesn’t revolve around a pay check.
Joshua, Thanks for sharing. I love this article. Middle age blues comes and goes. I have found your article thought provoking and looked for the intersections in my own life.
During the Christmas break of 2013, I took some extended me-time to really look at what I wanted out of life. I finished a course with Aaron Ross. It was called Unique Genius. The premise is to discover your talents and experience, which is stuff you have with you now. And to dream about what you want to do in the future. The exercises in the course were designed to blend your own talents (and experiences) with your passions, and find ways to live out both. The real kicker was to consider ways to make money and support yourself by doing what you love to do. I am a capitalist. I think it’s right to be compensated for your goods and services that you provide. The outcome for me was to just start pursuing those things, little by little.
I was educated as an engineer. I have been doing that for years, but not great at it and not passionate about it as a discipline. There are aspects of design that I definitely love. I also love working with people. I also have a passion about triathlon. I started volunteering at a local triathlon club. I started a blog (www.joeschoosehappiness.com). I started interviewing friends to hear their triathlon stories. It’s been an amazing year 2014-2015. New opportunities pop up all the time. And now, I can identify if those are stepping stones to my dream job or not. Passion for your work and your contribution to a community is important for feeling satisfaction.
My favorite book is called The Happiness Project, by Gretchen Rubin. It truly changed my life. I have gone through that book with some friends as a tool for mentoring. It unearths so many truths about yourself.
thanks again.
joe
I think this is an interesting philosophy, and it’s great if you can make a living at that. But I also think it can cause a great deal of stress if you *can’t*.
Personally, as a Gen-Xer, I think the idea that you should have a “calling”, or work that fulfills you so much that you’d do it for free, is what has screwed people up so much.
When my father was growing up, a job was a means to an end. Sure, it was great if you enjoyed it or were good at it. But the fact of the matter was – you worked to make a paycheck and support your family. Your reason for being was your family.
Along the way, when I was in college in the 80’s and 90’s, suddenly our work “defined” us and we had to feel fulfilled by it. Well, if you *aren’t*, then that causes an extreme amount of dissatisfaction and stress!
I enjoy what I do, but it comes with enough BS and politics that I would NEVER do it for free. My time is more valuable than that. But on the flip side, I do a LOT of free stuff for the school PTA (and frankly, I HATE IT but I do it for the good of the students).
In the end, some of what I’ve had to come to terms with is this – I do my best to make the best of it and enjoy my work. But it’s a job. They pay me to WORK. If I don’t like it, I am free to look elsewhere. Working and getting paid is giving me freedom – now and in the future. Doing it for free? Doesn’t pay the bills.
You are on the right track. Us Gen-Xers were sold a bill of goods. Much like those before us. I applaud the outcry of the current generation. They are not acting entitled…they are angry at the lie they’ve been told.
Does anyone ever really think about and question the stuff that is said on this site? These comment sections never actually talk about the systemic/social structures and practices that actual (re) create consumerism and the privilege to live the ‘minimalist lifestyle’. The writer of this posts mentions his privilege and luck as well as mention a few ‘issues’ that might get in the way of fulfillment in work…only to brush those aside and write as if they didn’t exist. This is sophistry of the highest order and pure drivel and the commenters here just eat it up. Why? Because we are miserable and feel like were not good enough or working hard enough or being minimalist enough to be the ‘self fulfilled’ idols this and other sites purvey. We’re all slogging through a system that bases everything on the mythical market value. It’s what we’re trying to escape in our travails of minimalism. Alas, minimalism, like every other radical idea, has been subsumed by it’s capitalist mother and now it’s all about getting us back to work. Make work better, work harder, find better work. The individual is responsible and must work for himself. The classic capitalist myth that we all know is an absolute lie, but we give our lives for it everyday. We need to start asking what has given rise to this need for minimalism? What is the system that allows such privilege for some and none for most? Maybe you’re miserable not only from all the crap you think you need, but also the fact that you must sell your labor to the lowest bidder in order to survive. I can’t think of anything more irrational than that.
Hello,
I think this is a great and very interesting topic and perspective. My initial gut reaction, without “thinking” about what you said feels this a great philosophy. I recently just started to become a minimalist and am in the process of getting rid of some possessions I dont need as well as a plan to become debt-free.
Your comment is very catchy and I will think about it for days to come. I will adopt it and see what happens. What I enjoy most about it, is that allows us to focus on only doing work that matters to our soul and not focus on the financial outcome. That is something I need to work on since I was raised to focus on doing work that will result in financial support. Your post will allow me to focus more on what matters most to me (the process).
Thank you for your wise and inspiring words. So many of them ring true for me and I am enjoying following your blog.
I totally agree…by freeing yourself of the golden handcuffs of a fee you maintain the ultimate freedom to chose when, where and to whom you speak. In my mind that makes you far more valuable as a speaker than one who can be bought by any organization or event…
Hi there, or should I say, hi neighbor! (I’m in Surprise) I’ve been following your Blog for some time and I look forward to your posts as well as your weekend emails linking to similar articles. I’d love to buy you a cup of coffee one day to say thanks for all the valuable information and lessons you have shared!
The comments so far have been as enlightening as the article. Only two things I think I can add.
First is that I see a distinction between taking and receiving, even when it comes to salary or income, or in your case, speaking fees. It is commendable that you don’t ask for one (taking), but if offered one (receiving), I would think twice about saying no. We never know how or why the Universe or God puts certain plans in action, or presents us opportunities. And who are we to question why or interfere with His plan for us.
But if you are uncomfortable even with the receiving part, perhaps the real issue is about how it is used or if it is kept. Maybe that gift is coming or being offered to you in the ultimate scheme of things so you can put it to good use in your mission.
You can tithe, you can donate, you can start a foundation and use that income as a seed that can grow and feed many, either literally or spiritually. There are lots of options other than keeping it and buying stuff with it.
Maybe God has decided that you are his messenger in this case and the one He trusts most with those funds, and He believes in you and your mission here, and He trusts you to do what is best with them. Maybe He is giving you a wink and a nod, and is saying “Good job!”
The second thing I would add is that even in the worst of situations (here a job someone may dislike or getting money for sharing a gift or message), there are always skills and lessons that you can take with you, share with others and transfer to other more rewarding life options.
How we perceive what we do and our situations, is up to us. Change is good, it is healthy and many times it is necessary, but life is not that black and white. There are a lot of greys in between and that is where we exist for the most part.
A lot of people think my perspective and interest in minimalism, simplicity, and being driven by a life purpose greater than my own understanding, is curious because of my chosen professions (I’m an attorney, CFP and even a judge), but I believe everything we do has a reason, every experience we encounter has a lesson and every person we have the pleasure and joy to interact with has a gift to share.
Just my two cents! Be well!
I know from personal experience that working at a job that you hate affects much more that just your “work life”. I am very blessed to have a job that I enjoy (for the most part). However, as I have proceeded along my journey into minimalism, I have had the nagging feeling that I am not really doing what I was meant to do. The problem is – I don’t know what I am meant to do! So until I figure that out, I will stay where I am, and keep trying to figure it out.
I wanted to respond to this early but have been super busy with work.
I really appreciate your thoughts here Josh and I think for the most part it is a good philosophy. I might make a minor change to it though. Perhaps someone has already said this (I haven’t had time to read through the comments) but I would say “If you wouldn’t do it for free, why would you do it for money?” I think that’s the real issue. Why do you want the money? Is it to buy a nicer house, TV, car, dog, etc? Or is it because you need to live?
My perspective come from my work. I live in Bolivia and work with the poorest of the poor. So I couldn’t say to them “Don’t do it if you wouldn’t do it for free.” They’d just give me a blank stare. None of them enjoy the work they do. But they have to feed their families.
So you kind of mentioned that in your blog already, that perhaps it is idealized. I think for sure it is an ideal much closer to Americans (and the developed world in general) than people want to believe. But an easy way to broaden the philosophy to everyone, regardless of the economic development of the country they live in is just to ask “Why?” For the poor families I work with, the “Why?” is to provide food for their families and that is okay. But when the “Why?” simply becomes to live a more “comfortable” or luxurious life, that’s when we need to say, “Maybe I shouldn’t do this.”
Just my thoughts. Love to hear what you think.
Interesting thread. I re-read it a few times and while the statement *is* entitled, the reasoning behind it is not. Having been very poor (and homeless) I would not say a job is “beneath me”; I’ve worked some filthy, awful places just to put food in my mouth. But when you have your basic needs met you can make such statements. Working part-time because you are not in need (want/desire) of excess or more money is a good strategy is you’re in a position to choose it. and that’s the key; having the freedom of choice.
Thank you for this. It helped me with my thinking about why I do the job I do.
I often have sex, I do this for free, are you saying I should get paid for it?
If I wouldn’t do it for free, I won’t do it for money.”
Sounds so true for me. It seems that I have never been able to work for just the money. I have worked 26 years as a ressource and litteratie teacher in a school district with great passion to a point of exhaustion and illness and felt stuck and miserable with the overwhelming budget cuts and workload. I decide to minimalize many aspect of my life including stuff, finances, investigate my spending habits and to become debt free so I could take a year or two break without pay with the option to go back. It took me 5 years to become debt free and to save a good amount of savings. I was scared to death for my finances and sad for leaving the children but took the year off anyway. Fortunately , my husband works full time and loves his job…this is definately a blessing.
Now we are on a cash budget and we are doing fine. I am amazed!!!
This first year off, to my surprise, I have been offered a few , part time teaching contracts which I welcomed just because I missed working with the children. and you know what, I would do it for free and I appreciate the abundance.
That love never faded I was just not able to overwork any more, menopause forced me to reevaluate my Lifestyle. Overworking can no longer be my lifestyle. Since I am debt free now any money coming in is saved and I don’t feel as if I have sacrifice much….really I am getting my life back and still have the opportunity to work with children and live a balanced, healthy lifestyle.
I would be wealthy if I would of been been paid for all the hours but I did it for the children and I have no regrets…..I never could do it for the money but did appreciate the abundance and security.
So, really, I totally get this: If I wouldn’t do it for free, I won’t do it for money.”
Could I overwork for free and get sick????, i couldn’t overwork for money and be sick and tired….children don’t deserve a tired teacher.
Reality set in…..it was time to minimalize. Now they get to meet a happy and balanced teacher on a part time and short term basis and all is well.
I guess I could of dragged this out for a better pension, more money, cause I am not sure I can go back to the fast pace lifestyle anymore but one thing for sure….minimalizing our lifestyle has given us a new and healthier perspective in life.
Thank you for letting me share/journal this with you….you have inspire me to live a healthier and happier life and I am eternally grateful!
Today I am proud to have taken this leap of faith…less stuff to stress about, feel freer and much much happier life….there is always a way!!!!
Danie
I am wondering about the following:
“Because I do not have a speaking fee, I can never be bought. I am never obligated to speak or attend an event just because somebody is willing to pay the price.”
I do not believe that you are ever obligated to accept a speaking request simply because the host can afford to pay your fee. You can always say, “No” to any request.
And you still have a “fee” of sorts, if you require transportation and lodging to be covered. Do you feel obligated to speak simply because those who invite you can afford to cover your travel costs?
I’m not saying you should charge a fee, simply wondering why you are connecting the existence of a fee with an obligation to say “Yes” to a request.
I believe you can still choose your speaking engagements based on the fit for you, even if you were to have a fee. Being someone who cannot be bought is not a factor of the fees you charge, but the state of your heart.
Hello Joshua!
Nice being here for the second time. Am impressed having this ‘topic’ as a food for thought today.
Pointing to the topic at hand; I think thiis’ is just the hidden truth for all. When working for money, hardly do you got the job right.
There will be uncountable misfortune as all your interest relies on the money. We should be persistent and faithful also rendering our daily chores.
The reward speaks for itself, doesn’t it? With every possible excuses, I hope you will believe with me that hardwork speaks for itself.
Do have a nice weekend ahead Mr. Joshua.