February 25th, 2011
Part-Time Job Junkie: Why Your Job Is Killing Your Vibe
I’ve always been really proud of the fact that I’ve never had a 9-5 job. That I have no clue what sitting in a cubicle feels like, or have never worn nylons (do people even call them that anymore??) or a work suit. That I’ve never engaged in water cooler talk.
And I’ve always worn this fact like a badge of honor, like “Oh…you were in Nam? Well I’ve never worked a REAL job…how about THAT!?”
My point of view was that I was never going to do anything I hated, and I was never going to fall into the same work traps that everyone else seemed to fall into. And so instead, I focused on finding lots of different part-time jobs that would 1) Give me the freedom and flexibility to be in a band and do my own thing; 2) That I didn’t hate; 3) That were cool or easy; 4) That paid…eh…enough to keep me around but not enough that I’d feel bad if I left at any moment.
But as time went on I realized, that I was no different from those 9-5’ers. Even though I didn’t have one job I hated, I had several jobs that were annoying, and at times, I hated. So my plan wasn’t even working. My goal wasn’t being attained. While I was spending my time hustling a nanny job, or house-sitting, or writing crossword puzzles (ok…THIS job is really awesome and I love it and still do it) or freelancing PR, I wasn’t spending my time doing what I really wanted to be doing. My OWN thing.
And so while I was focusing on doing something I didn’t hate, I wasn’t focusing on making money doing what I really loved. BIG difference. And so no wonder “what I loved” still felt like a very distant dream. Always something that was out there. Far away.
It wasn’t until fairly recently that I realized that I would NEVER have the career I wanted if I was stuck doing things that weren’t WHAT I WANTED. And…I realized that in order to really have the business I want, I need to let go of my addiction to part time jobs that, although provide some sense of security, just get me by. And so I did. I quit my very last part-time job and ventured into the unknown of working for myself, depending on myself, of having to figure out a way to make it happen. And you know what?? I’m making 4 times, on my own, what I’ve ever made shooting up with part time jobs. How about THEM apples?
The letting go was what propelled me forward. The “on my own” is what made me hustle to make sure I had my rent covered. The fed up, “I HAVE to do this NOW” created a Universe shift for me, a new path. And I’m never going back. I’m in Part Time Jobs Anonymous, working my 12-steps. It’s a different way of thinking. And I like it.
You ever feel like a job junkie? Leave me a comment and tell me about it! And share with yo homies.
Feel ready to move beyond part-time-job junkie status? Or at least are you ready to start having the conversation?
Hi Sally, it’s all about finding our “calling” in life. Right? Ironically, we don’t usually get paid for our callings. We get paid for services rendered to consumers. Our callings are self-funded most of the time (i.e. my photography). If you can find a career that is also your calling, you have attained something rare. Certainly be thankful. Hope your well, luv.
Hey Don…TOTALLY! It’s about finding that thing that makes you truly fulfilled, happy, and lights you up. I think the fear for most is that what they love doing won’t pay the bills, and sometimes that’s true. I think the tricky thing for most people is that they get used to making a certain amount of money at their “jobs” and have built a lifestyle around that income. Inevitably, when you go try to do your own thing, it won’t make you as much money as your “job” at first, because these things take time and effort to build (as you know), and that’s too scary to face. And so people stay in their job and do what they love on the side (best of both worlds for many). There are so many ways to operate in life, one no better than the other. I’m so glad that you do your photography. That I’ve been able to witness it, and be a part of it. It’s truly outstanding. http://www.dzrimages.com/
Hey my girl Sally…
First off, wanted to tell you I was a bit of a copy cat with my last blog post:
http://www.celiacchicks.com/2011/02/qa-tom-pettyfundraisersrunning.html
hee hee : )
OK, sooooo…YES…back in my 20’s I swore I would never “sell out to the corporate world…” and juggled jobs as a waitress, barista, house cleaner, nanny, dog sitter, etc. What a bunch of part-time job ho’s we were! Then I did actually sell out to a “real” job when I got closer to 30 because I wanted “benefits, health insurance and stability.” Actually, it has served me well for the last 11 years….but now with my other biz through my website I’m getting closer to taking “the leap.” Sally, it is so scary!! BUT, the advice I keep getting is to just just take the leap (I do have 3 months savings in place, so I’m not being irresponsible in any way). The message seems to be coming at me from all directions. Mentors, fellow RHH sistahs, and now you. AND, last night I bumped into a new gal pal, we went out to eat and got better acquainted and it turns out she is solo and making bank…same advice from her too…to fly. She said in the beginning because she was nervous she would always have clients booked two months out…but after about a year or so she realized the work was there and she just lets it come to her and she has a great lifestyle and makes waaay more than she did at her “job”. The experience with my RHH sistahs is the same. OH, maybe the first few months they struggled getting the hang of things, but six months later they at least doubled their income.
While figuring out my goals at the beginning of January I could barely even write “ditch the day job” and now suddenly I’m able to speak it and super exciting opportunities have come my way. I think the only thing left is to take the leap. The next question I have to figure out the answer to is when?
Thanks for your fun and encouraging articles, babe!
Rock on!
Kelz
Kelly, my darling…the answer is NOW!!!! :-)
And I LOVE your blog. no copy catting at all…if I remember correctly it was you who took the original idea and encouraged me to run with it. I love how yours turned out.
And yes, I ABSOLUTELY understand the fear part of it. It took me a long time to take the leap, but once I did, EVERYTHING turned around for me. Everything happened for me. Almost like the Universe wasn’t going to give it to me unless I was willing to give it to myself first (i.e. take the leap). All your ladies and mentors are right that it doesn’t happen over night, but I have a feeling it’s going to happen very quickly for you because you’ve already laid all the foundation for your biz. You’re courageous for even thinking about it! You can absolutely do this. And you’re ready.
And…….I want to coach you through this!!! Email coming your way.
Sallllllyyyyy! Yep, I hear ya. Did the same thing myself and figured out a way to make working for “ME”, work. You hit the nail on the head when you said “Letting Go” (and since I help women entrepreneurs “let go” of physical items to free up space for the road ahead, I totally get that! Things open up and start happening because you aren’t being distracted or thinking about those things that you still have, but don’t really want anymore. They just aren’t in sync with what you are about & where you are going – so let ’em go!
Kudos to you! This is a great reminder of going after what you want, by not focusing on what you don’t want. Thank you!
Have a beautiful Friday…Our temps have been in the 70s & 80s, with lots of sunshine & warmth – I have an addiction to… well, I tell you on my website ;-) But it’s hidden in my “just for fun” stuff & you’ll have to dig to find it! lol
Bye!
Melody
Hey Melody…I LOVE what you said about freeing up space for the road ahead. I’ve never actually used those words, but they so perfectly speak to what I was talking about. It’s almost like saying “ok Universe…my path is clear, now drop some cool ass shit in the open space for me. K? Thanks.”
Ahhhhh!!! HAHAHHA! Love your addiction too!! I’m a Natural-Light-A-Holic too!!!
GREAT post girl – love this one!! And I totally relate to that sense of security of having a regular ‘ol J.O.B. Security sounds good, but everytime I tried to go down that path I would end up physically sick, emotionally drained and miserable. It didn’t matter how cool the job (working at a luxury spa with free spa perks…hello?!? dream job for a lot of folks), it wasn’t for me.
Yay for doin’ your own thang!!!!
Lovin’ your blog lady!! xo
Girl…totally. Same thing happened to me. I would be like, Anthropologie part time. Yeah…TOTALLY!!! Super great discounts on shit I already love and buy, free stuff, perks, etc. And then I’m all like, “ummmmm….I’m working retail with no Christmas vacation. This sucks.” There is no perk quite like freedom. SNAP!
Sallllllyyyyy! Yep, I hear ya. Did the same thing myself and figured out a way to make working for “ME”, work. You hit the nail on the head when you said “Letting Go” (and since I help women entrepreneurs “let go” of physical items to free up space for the road ahead, I totally get that!) Things open up and start happening because you aren’t being distracted or thinking about those things that you still have, but don’t really want anymore. They just aren’t in sync with what you are about & where you are going – so let ‘em go!
Kudos to you! This is a great reminder of going after what you want, by not focusing on what you don’t want. Thank you!
Have a beautiful Friday…Our temps have been in the 70s & 80s, with lots of sunshine & warmth – I have an addiction to… well, I tell you on my website ;-) But it’s hidden in my “just for fun” stuff & you’ll have to dig to find it! lol
Bye!
Melody
WORD Sally! We met when I was in one of those PT fixes … while I was doing my own thing, I (for years!) had a hard time biting the bullet and FULLY diving in to the unknown! I worked enough at my own thing, but when the stress of “how am I going to make this work” would hit (and time this, at least once every 3 months, DEFINATELY every 6 months) I’d be back on craigslist trolling the jobs. Filthy. I felt like I was letting myself down, and I was. It wasn’t until this past October that I had a huge fight with my boss (me) and let her know that she wasn’t doing a very good job. Not to say that the next couple of months were easy, but these past two have been the best of my entire career – and it’s only getting better! Cheers to all the ladies with the breasticles to TRUST the universe that doing what we love brings joy, pride, and success to our lives!
Steph…I love you girl! So much. And I couldn’t agree with you more. It’s SUPER DUPER scary to go out on your own, and every person has their own path and amount of time it takes to get there. But once you hit that point where you’re like “THAT’S FUCKIN IT…NO MORE!!!” then things start to fall into place. So proud of you! And so happy we both met during both our “part-time-job-phases.”
Sally! You know my old job was totally killing my vibe! Corporate law, what was I thinking?! Now I’m flooded everyday with new ideas for my brand new biz. I realize, I’m a create-a-holic!! Can’t belive I was in a job that totally stiffled my creative side for some many years. It’s scary yes, and I know I just launced so it will take time to make some mula but guess what girl, got more potential clients this week!! Slowly but surely I think word is getting out :)
Yes girl!! Exactly. And I’m sure there came a point for you where you were just like “I can’t do this for one more second.” Or at least had the thoughts. Doing your own thing is the scarier route, and you’re right that it takes time, but once you lay all the foundation (which is what you’re doing right now) and the build continues, it is the most exciting thing EVER!
But you already knew that. And YAYAYYAYYAYAYYAYAYYAYAYAYYAYAYYAYAYAYAYYAYAYA for more clients!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I SOOOO related to this lady! Reading this was like reading something that the I might read from the more evolved version of myself. I’ve been scattered and have worked MANY part-time jobs since graduating college 3 years ago!!!
I had a respectable, well-planned path in front of me. I worked hard at my school’s newspaper, interned, won scholarships, graduated with honors and was all set to be Diane Sawyer, or something like that. Then, something happened – I FREAKED OUT! I hated my first internship — loved the people & my ego loved seeing my name in print, but felt like my spirit was wilting. I realized this is a pretty good depiction of what my life would be like 5-10 years down the line (sitting in front of my computer buried in a paper trail of research about things I didn’t really care about) if I continued on this path – eek!
I setup two part-time PR internships after graduation, hoping that would be my thing. It wasn’t. Turned down a full time job offer, got certified to do TESL abroad (freaked out again and came home), got talked into taking a retail management job with a God-awful, well-known mega company to pay the bills (stuck it out for a year to prove to myself I could make the year mark…um OK?) did event promotions, cocktail serving, temp nannying and some free copywriting that didn’t go anywhere. BTW, all this time I had a severe case of wanderlust and was heart-broken by how far away those dreams seemed. The harder I pushed to make all these part-time jobs work in an effort not to have a “real” job the more exhausted and unfocused I became.
I currently have a low-stress M-F, full-time job that affords me time to get clear on how I want to achieve my goals. I’m ramping up to test my entrepreneurial ideas and fail fast if necessary to get closer to what is right for me. But, I know the time is coming where I just need to trust myself and fly. Thanks for the helpful post Sally =)
Girl…oh my gosh! Thank you SO much for sharing that with me, and you’re right. It sounds eerily similar to my experiences as well. And just so you know, and not to freak you out, but I did that whole job thing for almost 8 years before I realized what I REALLY wanted to do and focus on, so don’t feel any sort of time crunch…like you should have it all figured out already. These things take as much time as they take and things will fall into place that in retrospect, you’ll realize, that are all part of your bigger path.
When it’s time to fly, time to leap, you’ll know. :-)
Forgot to mention, I’m so happy to see everything falling into place for you! ROCK ON!
Hi Sally!
How fitting was it that we had a very similar conversation soon after you wrote the blog! Well here is a testimonial from a gal who has stuck with corporate jobs for the past 6 years. I have to say I may qualify as a full time job junkie, haha. People do the same thing in the corporate world – instead of finding part time jobs that they didn’t hate, people look for full-time jobs that they settle for. I personally have taken on a job or two because I was starting to dislike that last one.
Regardless of how I felt about my jobs (and I do love parts of it), I’m fortunate in a way that I’ve always had jobs that stretched and grew me, and a career that was going places. but as time goes by it became more and more apparent that there is something out there, that I love and have a talent for, calling me to action. For once I’d like to stop reacting to employer targets, management goals, and customer requirements. I’m learning to take charge in instead of reacting to life. Props to all the entrepreneurs out there who has grabbed their lives by the horns!
My life in the past 6 years was not a waste, in fact I’m growing entrepreneurial muscles everyday, learning from the best in industry. But I agree the time is NOW and it’s time to take my actions to a different level!
Thanks for all the inspirations you have given me so far!
Hey girl…Full Time Job Junkie! I love it. And I completely agree with you. I think that there is value all along the way. We learn, we grow, we toss and turn, and we do that until there is a strong enough feeling pulling us in a different direction. And then when the feeling just starts consuming us and we simple can’t ignore it anymore, that’s usually when a change happens.
Life is so exciting!! I’m so glad I met you girl. Cheers to a bright friendship ahead.
I would say I was a job junkie until my last job that I had for 4 years. Now I’m self-employed and it works so much better for me than taking orders from someone.