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 accomplished 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.
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’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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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’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.
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.
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!
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.
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 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 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’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.
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 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.
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 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).
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.
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 ;)
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.
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.”
“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.