07 Mar The Top 26 Reasons People Keep Doing Work They Hate (& 5 ways to kill the excuses)
“If you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you always got.”
-Mark Twain
Let’s talk about why people keep doing work they hate.
By now I’m sure you know the terrifying stat: Over 80% of people don’t enjoy their work and nearly 75% don’t know their passion.
These two numbers kill me. But thanks to our work here at Live Your Legend, it’s getting better by the day (congrats to so many of you who’ve made massive change – it’s not easy, but I bet it was worth it)!
But for the rest of the world, it’s crazy to think that so many people are willing continue to act in a way that doesn’t make them happy.
And trust me, by now I feel like I’ve seen it all…yet I continue to be surprised.
What 8 years and thousands of comments, clients and readers have told me…
In the past two years, thousands of people have gone through our Live Off Your Passion Guided Discovery course. That alone leaves me in awe.
On top of that, since I started doing this stuff eight years ago, I’ve had the chance to literally hear from thousands upon thousands of people – many of them in terrible pain due to the work they keep doing that they can’t stand. And thankfully from many others, who used to hate their work, but have since successfully made the transition.
The awesome thing is that when you have upwards of 100,000 passionate people from 180+ countries interact with your work on a monthly basis (that’s all of you guys!), you can actually collect some meaningful data. That starts to get pretty powerful.
So why don’t more people do something about their situation?
The fascinating thing is most people have the same stories.
I’ve heard every reason under the sun for why their situation is different. Why they are unable to break the chains and do something that actually excites them. The great majority come back to the same few reasons.
I wanted to share them with you to see if perhaps similar things are holding you back.
After all, the first step is identifying the problem. Next step is doing something about it.
Side note: Believe me, I know making the transition can be unbelievably challenging. I never mean to discredit that. But there are still examples everywhere of people in worse situations than you, who still manage to find their way. I know because I hear about them almost daily. You just have to keep an eye and ear out.
With that said…
Do any of these sound familiar?
1. I don’t know what I’m passionate about.
2. I don’t know how to make money from my passion.
3. The people around me will think I’m crazy.
4. I don’t have anyone to go to for advice, support or encouragement.
5. Work is just a part of life. It’s not something meant to be enjoyed.
6. It’s not possible to do what you love and make a living from it.
7. I can’t find the courage to start.
8. What if I fail?
9. Nobody around me enjoys their job.
10. I have a family, mortgage and obligations to be responsible for.
11. My passion is not the kind of thing you can make money from; it’s just a
little hobby.
12. I’m not qualified enough. There are plenty of experts in my field with more
experience than me.
13. Between my current job, my family, trying to stay healthy and all the other
things I have to do, I don’t have any time to work on my passion.
14. I can’t find a job that allows me to leverage my natural strengths.
15. It’s too risky. In this economy I need to keep any job security I can find.
16. I have too many passions and interests. There’s no way I could choose just
one. And if I did, what if I realize it’s the wrong choice in six or 12 months?
17. I can’t find the initiative.
18. I have a terrible time following through.
19. I’ve never heard of someone who’s been able to make a living off my
specific passion.
20. There’s too much competition.
21. I’m too old and waited too long. I wish I had thought about this 25 years
ago.
22. I spent eight years studying something in university that I can’t stand
doing now. But it would be way too much of a waste to switch.
23. I have to be really savvy with the Internet and I don’t know a lot of the
modern tools and technology.
24. I’m not creative enough.
25. Finding and keeping a job is hard enough, let alone finding one I love
doing.
26. I don’t know anyone who actually makes a living doing what they love.
I’ll ask again – Do any of these sound familiar?
Take another minute and look back through them. Mark the ones you know you’ve played in your head over and over.
Why do you believe this?
Do you really have enough data and experience to believe there isn’t another way?
I doubt it.
Just look around you – Look around our community at Live Your Legend. Look around at the successes in most industries.
The right stories are everywhere if you want to see them.
And I have news for you. Every one of the above ‘reasons’ is nothing more than an excuse.
It’s an assumption that needs to be tested and proven wrong.
We do that, and we can start to move mountains.
Here are five things you can do right now to turn those excuses on their head:
- Find someone who’s already doing it – make friends with them or read everything you can about their life and process.
- Identify your values and learn what you’re good at – take the Strengths Finder 2.0 test or start by asking a few people close to you what they see as your gifts.
- Get lost in a passion – if you don’t know yours, then just take a day off with nothing on the calendar and see where it takes you.
- Lower the hurdle – Make a list of the things that actually make you happy (and the things most people assume will) – you’ll find you probably don’t need as much money or as many things as you think.
- Help someone with something – and start to charge them for it! We are all experts at something.
Doing Work You Love Is a Right
It was hearing these 26 sentences (and many more), play on endless repeat from readers, friends, clients and nearly every person I seemed to meet, that finally caused us to create the Live Off Your Passion Guided-Discovery Course. We all desperately need a roadmap and tools to take us from a list of reason we shouldn’t, to every reason why we MUST (why YOU must) – and the step-by-step process to go with it.
That’s why I spent hundreds of hours compiling statistics, interviews and case studies from around the would. It’s why I wrote hundreds of pages of content, lessons and exercises into our interactive workbooks and videos. It’s also why I tracked down 14 different top-notch experts and Living Legends to cover all the most important areas and stumbling points of actually doing work that matters.
Live Off Your Passion was designed to test every one of the above. It covers them all and more.
And thousands have used it to kill the above excuses as a result.
I could not be happier. And I know we’re just getting started.
If you need more in-depth guidance with this stuff, I strongly suggest you look over the course materials. Part of the reason I stopped taking new coaching clients was to pour all my energy into deep resources that could be helpful to more of our community at once. That’s why I created Live Off Your Passion. With the Discover Your Passion (and make money from it) Guarantee, there really is nothing to lose. As it should be.
If you’re curious, more course details can be found here.
Remember, everything was impossible until someone did it.
Excuses are not fact. They are not set in stone. They’re anything but.
They are a figment of our imagination.
Just thoughts – nothing more.
But they are the most dangerous thoughts in the world.
Believing them can kill a dream in a heartbeat.
But disproving them is what changes the world.
Living a life of purpose and passion is just that, a way of life. Those who wake up excited aren’t just the lucky ones, they condition themselves to experience and deserve it.
So I’ll ask you one more time…
Which of the above 26 have you been telling yourself?
Let’s see if we can do something about it.
You and I both know we can do better.
May today be your last excuse.
-Scott
_____
Image courtesy of MiiiSH
Jonathan Haye
Posted at 13:58h, 07 MarchScott,
A lot of these are very true, but I would add:
27. I don’t think I have the balls to do it.
It’s essentially a very scary thing to do for a lot of people.
As JFK said, “Once you say you’re going to settle for second, that’s what happens to you in life.”
Thanks for an inspiring post.
Jonathan
Scott
Posted at 15:24h, 07 MarchSo true. Thanks for adding that one Jonathan. And I LOVE that quote! All the more reason to stop telling yourself the wrong stories…
Ben
Posted at 16:35h, 07 MarchHey Scott,
Several of them were true for me.
The one that really sticks out is:
15. It’s too risky. In this economy I need to keep any job security I can find.
Then I came to the realization that when you work for Corp you’ve really only got one customer anyway, so it’s just as risky.
Scott
Posted at 10:43h, 10 MarchWhat an amazing realization. It’s so true! The biggest job security is being really really good at something and helping people in a really important way. Do that and there is not much to worry about.
Remember you can (and should) always start small. Just get the ball rolling and build momentum.
Pierre
Posted at 05:51h, 21 JulyScott, it is so true; start small and build momentum. I’ve been a systems developer for the past 28 years and is very passionate about my work (creativity); my other passion is educating anyone who feels for a need to be educated – age does not matter. I’ve stumbled upon this website the other day in my quest to find some answers (and material) about helping other. For a couple of years I’ve gathered a stack of material about Life Coaching (NLP), and as you said, one step at a time I’m moving in that direction and is gathering momentum. Yes, the Corp is currently my only client, and constant Bits ‘n Bytes crunching is also getting the better of me. Ben, the only way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time. But stay focused and affirm your vision a couple of times on a daily basis; success awaits for those who persist.
Ryan Ferrier
Posted at 21:41h, 07 MarchLove the point about lowering the hurdle. It reminded me that the point of pursuing your passions is fulfillment first.
Scott
Posted at 10:44h, 10 MarchRight on Ryan – that term just suddenly came to me. Glad it stuck!
Aashish Niroula
Posted at 05:36h, 08 March8. What if I fail?
9. Nobody around me enjoys their job.
11. My passion is not the kind of thing you can make money from; it’s just a
little hobby.
Scott
Posted at 10:45h, 10 MarchSounds like you have to start hanging around more people doing the ‘impossible’. The right passionate people can change everything! That’s the focus of my next course, How to Connect With Anyone. Can’t wait to share it with you all!
Cheryl
Posted at 06:19h, 08 MarchHi Scott,
Great post thank you. I finally got the courage to leave the job I hated as a lawyer 3 years ago but I still haven’t settled on anything else so haven’t really progressed. Your list has reminded me to get rid of all the excuses and get the bravery back.
Thanks,
Cheryl
Scott
Posted at 10:47h, 10 MarchYou have taken the all important and most challenging first step. Congrats! Now it’s time to take that next step seriously – discovery and experimentation. That’s exactly what Live Your Legend is for! Hope we can help.
Greg Denning
Posted at 06:24h, 08 MarchIt’s sad how we formulate our excuses to keep us in the position of victims. The reality is, we all need to get the hell out of “Victimville.” I realize that may be incredible hard for many of us, but all great things demand a high price to be paid in full.
Your post reminded me of the well known quote by George Bernard Shaw. He said, “People are always blaming their circumstances. I do not believe in circumstance. The people who get on in this world, are those who get up and find the circumstances they want; and if they cannot find them…THEY MAKE THEM!”
Thanks Scott
Scott
Posted at 10:48h, 10 MarchAmazing quote Greg! Thank you for that! Definitely going to make it into an upcoming post.
Alixandrea
Posted at 06:58h, 08 MarchThanks for this post Scott. I’m a musician in two bands and with musical qualifications, but my day job is an office-based one. I can’t see any way to make enough of a living to get by in my industry because it’s over-subscribed with people trying to get into it (especially with the introduction of things like The X Factor and (Country’s) Got Talent. I’m not interested in that sort of job in the industry, but the fact it’s so full of people of varying talents tying to break in; and so full of people (like Simon Cowell) on the inside willing to take advantage of the people trying to get in, puts me off greatly. Even though I identify myself as ‘A Singer’, I can’t see a way to get paid to be who I am without having to compromise an awful lot of the things I hold dear, including my personal integrity.
I sympathise with the following statements:
2. I don’t know how (I want) to make money from my passion.
3. The people around me will think I’m crazy.
4. I don’t have anyone to go to for advice, support or encouragement.
7. I can’t find the courage to start.
8. What if I fail?
10. I have a family and obligations to be responsible for.
11. My passion is not the kind of thing I can make money from; it’s just a little hobby.
12. I’m not qualified enough. There are plenty of experts in my field with more experience than me.
15. It’s too risky. In this economy I need to keep any job security I can find.
17. I can’t find the initiative.
18. I have a terrible time following through.
20. There’s too much competition. (this especially).
23. I have to be really savvy with the Internet and I don’t know a lot of the
modern tools and technology.
24. I’m not creative enough.
25. Finding and keeping a job is hard enough, let alone finding one I love
doing.
If you can help me see a way through, I’d be beyond grateful!
Alixandrea
Scott
Posted at 10:52h, 10 MarchI hear you Alixandrea. It can be very daunting. And I agree that you don’t want to sacrifice your values to fit into an industry. One thing that can help a lot is finding some people whom you admire in the space that you can model. That is a game changer. And it shows you it can be done and gives you the steps to take.
Also remember that there may be other ways to creatively incorporate your passion into your career that are not quite as direct. It reminds me of the talented musician who also knew how to build great websites. He started building them for other musicians and made a fun, very niche focused business out of it. Still got to play a lot and meet very talented people in the space while also make a living. Think of how you could apply your talents in this way and maybe something fun will come up!
Mandi
Posted at 08:52h, 09 AprilAlixandrea, I am also a musician trying to figure out how to put it all together. It’s definitely a challenge feeling like a “diamond in the rough” when the market is so full. I am currently in the process of finding my niche and making opportunities for myself. Feel free to email my personally if you are interested in discussing things more. aumannstudios at bellsouth dot net
stephanie
Posted at 07:27h, 08 MarchI quit my job a few weeks ago, without money saved or a bullet proof back up. I had decided I appreciated and valued myself more than working a job that no longer aided in allowing me to grow as a person. I knew i was trying to get my needs met as a person through my job. I decided i was out of control after working another 200+ hour month.
but what i have found really interesting so far is how uncomfortable my decision makes other people.
here i was on my “free at last. thank god all mighty” cloud and it makes people uncomfortable.
not only people but people that love me.
even my father in a rage told me: “Who the hell quits there job because they hate it? everybody hates their job stephanie, you just pull up your boot straps. an deal with it.”
ive asked but what made it a good job?
why do i have to work @ work and not on myself?
why do i have to just settle?
they dont seem to have those answers. but what they do have is being uncomfortable.
anyways. hi. ive been reading your site for the past few months, and ive just been to shy to comment.
well at first i thought you were a scam. hahah. than i got to shy.
okay bye.
=)
Rachel Denning
Posted at 09:45h, 08 MarchWow! We’ve had similar reactions to our life style – ‘This is reality’ they tell us, just deal with it. But we refuse!!! We’ll make our own reality, let others suffer through it if they must, but not I!!
Way to go!!
Scott
Posted at 10:57h, 10 MarchThat’s exactly what it means to Live Your Legend ladies! I’m so proud to hear your story Stephanie! Especially given the lack of support it sounds like was working against you. The sad reality is that most of the world does not like to see people around them saying they’re through with accepting what others say has to be so – especially when it means working a job you hate that has nothing to do with your talents or interests.
That’s the main reason I’ve taken so much care in building our community at Live Your Legend. To show you all that it is possible and that people do it every day. You just have to know where to look!
And Stephanie, I must say I’m glad you decided our site wasn’t a scam…I appreciate your honesty though 😉
I’d love to know two things from you if you’re ok sharing:
1. What made you skeptical at first?
2. What ended up changing your mind?
So glad to have you with us and congrats on your transition!
Jennifer
Posted at 08:02h, 08 MarchI can relate to I don’t know what my passion is.
A year or so ago I came up with mission statement for myself while job searching.
Basically to help other people utilize their skills and discover their strengths to find professional fulfillment. Because really that is what I want.
In a job for over a year now where I was getting to do that in a roundabout way, that is why I accepted the position. As long as I keep my primary purpose of being of service at the forefront, I do well.
But starting to get that itchy feeling of is this all there is, feeling confined, and yearning to be 100% passionate about what I do.
I read your posts, have talked about it with others in my life, and want what you have-meaning a participant in creating your life. One that is meaningful and inspired.
Where is the starting point?
Scott
Posted at 11:04h, 10 MarchI have very very good news for you Jennifer! You ask where the starting point is??
Well, you are already well beyond the starting point.
The fact that you have identified some things that bring you excitement and purpose as well have decided that it’s time to find something more — this is the biggest battled. You have woken up! Now it’s time to take the next steps. That starts with exploring more about what you like to help people with, what you’re really good at and why you like to do it so much. There are plenty of free articles and tools on these topics in the Archives on LYL (See top nav bar on the site) and in the Epic Work Toolkit which is free to subscribers.
Then if you wanted to take it much deeper and further and were really serious about working hard to make this happen, that’s exactly why I created the Live Off Your Passion self-study eCourse. You can check out the full details here.
Enjoy!
Rachel Denning
Posted at 09:43h, 08 MarchStill one of my favorite quotes:
“Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it.
Boldness has genius, power and magic in it!” – Goethe
And
“The moment one definitely commits onself, then Providence moves too.
A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his way.”
Scott
Posted at 11:06h, 10 MarchWow the Denning family is full of the best quotes this week! Love it 🙂
And yes, the things that start to happen once you fully resolve and commit to a path, are amazing. Seriously mind blowing. Excellent reminder!
deep
Posted at 09:53h, 08 MarchHai Scott i’m following your blog posts for a while well they are different,inspirational & even motivational, i like the way how you’ve turned your passion in to earning money
Now a little about myself i’m 21 yrs old, about to complete my graduation course not interested in it though
i’ve found out my passions but the problem is i’m too confused on which one to choose. At certain point of time i wanna do all of them but they are entirely different fields like
1.Film making
2. Game designer
i’ve been banging my head with thoughts on which ones to choose & then there comes the fear of losing so if you could help me out of this situation it would be the greatest help for me
Regardless of what. You’re doing an awesome job man continue to do it
Scott
Posted at 11:13h, 10 MarchThe key thing to remember is that choosing one does not mean you never get to experience the other. Maybe you keep one as a small side hobby as you fully pursue the other. But in order to eventually pursue them both, you must choose one to focus on first.
As far as choosing, go find 3-5 people doing each of the two things and spend time with them and understand all you can about the actual path. This will likely provide a lot of clarity.
So awesome that you’re being so intentional about this stuff while still in university. Congrats on that! That thinking will always lead to the best results.
Milly
Posted at 16:59h, 22 AugustThank you for that suggestion! I’m also going back and forth between two things, Psychology and Graphic Design, and I’m currently working as a Chemical Engineer! I think I’ll pursue Psychology as the main, while nurturing my creative side on the side.
Steve Rice
Posted at 10:22h, 08 MarchScott, great post. Loved the list…it’s especially powerful because it comes from *real* people and we can all relate to using some of the same excuses from time to time.
I’ve been seeing this theme across the web this week…and actually devoted all week on my blog to it…eradicating excuses.
In one of the posts I wrote this week, I identified 2 types of excuses I think we make…those of obligation and those of a perceived lack. (ie…#3 and #4 on your list “people will think…” and “I don’t have…”)
It’s a challenge to get passed these beliefs because I believe they’re veils that allow us to hide behind our fears. They allow us to keep from taking responsibility for our lives.
What do you think is the single fundamental thing that helps people to overcome this pattern of behavior?
Scott
Posted at 11:15h, 10 MarchThe #1 game changer of all, and you have likely heard this from me before, is to spend as much time as possible around passionate people who are already doing it! It’s seriously as simple as that. The rest will follow. Environment is more powerful than most anyone realizes.
Rose Byrd
Posted at 11:44h, 08 MarchScott, a combinatin of Steps Number 3 and 4 is what pushed me over the hurdle: getting lost in what I already knew I had a passion for and sort of seeing all the ways I cut cut my monthly expenditures WHILE I was “lost” really worked for me. I had been getting better and better at cutting to essentials before, but I just zoomed into “less is more” land WHILE I was getting lost in my passion of writing everyday. Getting online with other bloggers and “helpers” such as yourself has really been magical for me in surrounding myself with like-minded folks. I have a couple of local friends,one in particular, who really love what I am doing and totally understand WHY I am doing it. Guess who gave me a loving push in this direction? My daughter-in-law! My own daughter had been pushing at me for years in this regard, but the two of them together last September pushed me right over the wall into the bed of roses where I am now so very happy!
Rachel Denning
Posted at 12:06h, 08 MarchSorry, another great quote:
Security is mostly a superstition – Helen Keller
Adam
Posted at 12:51h, 08 MarchI’m guilty of about 17 of these. Especially:
7. I can’t find the courage to start.
8. What if I fail?
18. Following through.
But I love the first point you made, Scott, about finding someone to come along side you. It’s so true. No one can hope to “do life” alone. We need community to help us, give us valuable feedback, toot our horn, and encourage us when we fail.
Scott
Posted at 11:16h, 10 MarchI hope our community here at Live Your Legend can be at least a part of that for you Adam!
Brian Schwantner
Posted at 15:36h, 08 MarchA few of these really held me back for a while! Especially:
1. I don’t know what I’m passionate about.
Don’t expect it to just fall in your lap! I actively thought about if for months before I decided that I cared about bringing education and technology together! And for those of you too scared to start, because you’re not sure what you’re passionate about, think of it like a product. ITERATE! You don’t need it to be perfect the first time you think of it! You’ll work on it over time, and that passion of yours will develop and grow with you.
Don’t wait to find out where you’re going to end up. Start moving!
The second one I’m excited about is Scott’s new product about meeting passionate people. I’m working on that right now because of,
4. I don’t have anyone to go to for advice, support or encouragement.
Anyway long comment, but I the post rang true to things that held me back for a while.
Thanks Scott keep it coming!
Scott
Posted at 11:19h, 10 MarchThank you for that Brian! The funny thing about finding passion is that the harder you work and the more intentional you are with it, the more you will understand what really matters to you and what lights you on fire. Few people are willing to put in that hard work. Glad to hear you are!
Can’t wait to share the new How to Connect with Anyone course with you either! I’m thinking May will be a good time to release it 🙂
Tony
Posted at 15:40h, 08 March21
24
25
and as someone else said
27
Haley
Posted at 19:11h, 09 MarchI loved this. I know someone that would agree with ALL of those questions. Your responses were right on. Thanks for sharing!!
Scott
Posted at 11:19h, 10 MarchPlease share it with them Haley. I want this stuff to be as eye-opening and helpful to the people who need it as possible!
Haley
Posted at 09:36h, 11 MarchYou bet, Scott!
Annie Andre
Posted at 02:05h, 10 MarchScott,
Oh my, i know exactly how it feels to think you are alone. I lived in silicon valley california working as a web analyst for a software company and everyone around me seemed to be content working the grind, long hard hours. If i didn’t i felt like i was lazy. I kept looing aournd thinking, i’m so alone. I’m the only one who is unhappy with my situation. It wasn’t until i was laid off in 2007 when i was seperated from that school of thought where i started realizing that there’s a whole other path to take. Now i live in France, i’m livig life on my own terms and building a business. I don’t have my cushy six figure income anymore but i feel happier doing something i’m passionate about it. It ‘s the fire that keeps me going towards my goals.
I need more posts like this. It really confirms and gives me the confidence that i made the right choice because doubt still creeps in once in a while.
Scott
Posted at 11:23h, 10 MarchWow Annie. I can only imagine the feeling you had in the valley. Having spent a lot of time around a similar environment in the finance world, I know what you’re talking about. It takes a massive pattern interrupt (like moving to France!) to really see the bigger picture. Amazing story. Thank you for sharing.
This part of your comment absolutely made my morning:
“I don’t have my cushy six figure income anymore but i feel happier doing something i’m passionate about it. It ‘s the fire that keeps me going towards my goals.”
That’s what life is really about. Not the money but the excitement of doing what really matters!
Noch Noch
Posted at 05:26h, 10 MarchThanks Scott – I think a lot of us in the Asian culture just never knew there was something as “passions” and hence we never knew we can follow them. We grew up with an education that emphasized regurgitation and conformity, and hence never thought we could be creative. I think it’s slowly changing. At least i’m changing. and i hope others will follow suit
Noch Noch
Scott
Posted at 11:24h, 10 MarchWell here’s to Waking Up! So glad you’re well along the path Noch. Nothing feels better than realizing there is something more than just going to an office all day. There’s much much more.
Lauren
Posted at 10:07h, 10 MarchI don’t feel that it’s an excuse to say that I have financial obligations to account for and that’s why I can’t quit the job I hate. I have been actively seeking employment in a field I enjoy for two years, but in the meantime, I have $100,000+ in student loan debt so it’s irresponsible to think I can just quit my only source of income without having another job to step right into. Also, I can’t afford to just “take a sick day or a personal day” and do nothing – I work for an hourly wage – if I don’t come to work, I don’t get paid. If I don’t get paid, I can’t pay my overwhelming bills.
I think your words had some good points, but also lacked a sensitivity to many people’s realities.
Scott
Posted at 11:29h, 10 MarchI hear you Lauren. Certainly don’t mean to lack sensitivity. I know a lot of people are in situations like yours. I agree that just quitting is not smart. But I wrote this post to help you all maybe identify that a change needs to be made and then offer some ideas on how you could start to think differently. It’s not about quitting your job right this second, as many people can’t just do that. But it’s about deciding that from this day forward you will be more intentional and do at least little things to get you closer to what really matters. Maybe you do something small on the side just as a hobby to start. Who knows. Just do something!
I hope that helps clarify. You are certainly right to not just take any quick irrational actions. Starting small is all that matters. We’re here to help how we can.
Catriona
Posted at 01:01h, 11 MarchThank you for continuing to inspire us to do what we are called to do. I enjoy so much your posts.
Sunday Sunshine, vol. 10.
Posted at 06:01h, 11 March[…] posted about the 26 reasons people keep doing work they hate. I know I nodded my head at quite a few… […]
Sam
Posted at 15:18h, 12 March“13. Between my current job, my family, trying to stay healthy and all the other
things I have to do, I don’t have any time to work on my passion.”
This one rang the most true for me. I have the balls, I’ve gone full-steam forward…twice in the last two years. What happened each time? My fiance complained that he never saw me. Or was upset that I put off laundry a day or two as I attempted to plan out my week to balance everything. In his mind, everything should be done right away (everything being houework, errands, and chores). The problem with doing things the second they come up, is that they never stop coming up!! That’s how you have people who always say “I’ll do it next year. Life’s too busy now.” You HAVE to MAKE the time. (e.g. Every Monday night, 7-10pm is work on my passion night.) And I tried that. But my significant other was upset if there was something to shop for for the apartment (we really need to buy X!) or something else urgent, and it didn’t get done that night. I would do it on Tuesday, for example (attempting to respect my appointment with myself the way I respect all other appointments), but in his mind I was slacking off. Me, “I’m trying to do something here. It’s not as though I’m being lazy and watching TV for 3 hours instead of doing chores.” Him, “What you’re doing, to me, that IS like spending 3 hours in front of the TV. Things need to get done.”
I would spend 2 hours in one week working on something, and then sit down to work on it some more a WEEK later. The response? “You JUST worked on that A LOT last week? Didn’t you spend ALL that time?” Umm…2 hours…that’s not…a lot. *sigh*
Just too much tension in the relationship. He doesn’t understand, fixing this, buying that, running XYZ errand…that’s life. Those things never stop. But I have to do it all on his schedule, or else the relationship seriously suffers. And that means I honestly don’t have the time to launch my passion on the side. Because the thing is, I’m given a choice: Either have a successful and happy relationship, OR have a successful and happy career. I am not allowed both.
Anne
Posted at 21:14h, 06 AprilYou can have a happy relationship AND a successful and happy career. Maybe just not with this particular guy. If a person truly loves you, he won’t try to stifle the talents you came into this world to express.
Sharon
Posted at 10:03h, 28 MayAnne is right – it sounds like your fiance needs a major attitude adjustment – and maybe you do as well. Remember, nobody can treat you like a doormat without your permission – and right now it sounds like you are developing carpet-like tendencies…:). A lot of what Scott has to say about jobs applies to relationships too. Try looking at the 26 statements above – but with your relationship in mind instead of your job. THe question remains the same – “Should I quit?”
Chris
Posted at 04:50h, 05 MarchOf course you are.. but maybe not with this particular partner…
Darlene
Posted at 20:32h, 23 MarchI’m so used to having people tell me “you can’t do that” or why I shouldn’t do stuff. Like in 2009 after I got remarried, I quit my job making about $70K a year (worked with great people but just wasn’t fulfilling me any more), rented out our house and set off on a 6 month RV journey through the US and Canada. I can’t even remember how many people said they wished they could do what we did and how jealous they were, or many flat out said “I can’t do that”.
For us though it is all about choices. We choose to drive older model cars with no loans or money owing on them. We choose to live in a house we can afford and rent out a room in our house to supplement our income. We choose to spend money on experiences and not things. We’re more about the “DO” and not the “HAVE”.
As a photographer I’ve struggled for years about how to make money in a highly competitive industry. In 2001 I divorced my first husband and business partner in a portrait/wedding photography studio. I didn’t want to start another studio and work 70-80 hours a week for less then $25K a year. So I took a job in the industry. Finally now I’m rediscovering my passion by teaching photography. Seeing the passion in newcomers eyes and igniting mine again. I’ve been in this industry and business in many forms for over 25 years. Reinventing myself again and loving it.
Candice Glenday
Posted at 14:26h, 07 AprilDear Scott,
I have been a member of your blog for just a few weeks and I am enjoying it very much! Thanks for being such an inspiration! As for my problems, I do have a job that I hate, but finding my passion is hard as I like so many things!! However, being a delittante is awful and it does not bring any success or jobs!! What I do know is that I love being around people, being part of the action, but I am very confused and getting old!!! 🙂 Furthermore, I live in a country that I dont like!! Ah, so many issues! I want to get your course to see if I can find my way out of this mess. I would love to hear what you would say in my case.
I really appreciate what you have been doing! Thanks loads!!!
Candice.
Jennifer
Posted at 08:03h, 08 AprilWow. I appreciate the comments here, the honesty, & the topic. I have identified my passion & started my own business (spiritual life coaching). And I have clients 🙂 That said, because I now know what fills me up working my full-time job (in addition to my very part-time coaching practice) feels SO MUCH HARDER. I am the primary financial support for my family right now and leaving my current full-time job doesn’t feel like an option (but I’m open to it being an option). I’m just feeling a little bit in limbo and am totally uncertain about how to continue spending 40 hours of my life (my precious, precious, amazing LIFE) + the worry I bring home with me about things at work when my heart feels so pulled in a different direction. Right now I am working on growing my business & trying to be responsible and ‘practical’. Anyone else in this position?
Jim
Posted at 08:26h, 08 AprilScott,
So many of those resonate with me. I’m being suffocated in a job that uses precious few of my talents and passions, just something I fell into because I had to pay the bills.
Now there’s a baby in the mix and the much-coveted group insurance and steady paycheck…makes it even harder to break free. No savings and no hope for savings.
I’m going to keep an eye on your emails and site. I have hope.
Heather
Posted at 06:40h, 10 April“16. I have too many passions and interests. There’s no way I could choose just
one. And if I did, what if I realize it’s the wrong choice in six or 12 months?
17. I can’t find the initiative.
18. I have a terrible time following through.”
All three of these are totally me. I can’t make a decision on what to focus on, or the initiative to keep going.
I came here through your “Should I Quit” emails and will be sticking around!
Monica
Posted at 01:51h, 11 AprilScott,
I have a long depression history, now it’s getting better, I live with my boyfriend’s parents, they are awesome(and with him, of course, and he’s awesome too!) and I have a part time job with which I’m not content at all. I don’t have enough money to buy your course, I can’t even pay for a home on my own. And I’m stuck.
What can I do?
I live in Italy, where the economy is more stuck than myself. My knowledge of English is ridiculous.
What would you suggest to a person like me?
I love reading, I love literature, I read in English (although some texts are too difficult for me), Italian and Polish, I followed a publishing course (but the publishing field in Italy is a fail).
What do I do?
Nothing, as always.
Thank you for everything you do: it’s good to dream sometimes!
Monica
leslie
Posted at 00:40h, 17 Februaryhi,monica ,i am leslie from CHINA ,I like Scott’s words,them inspired me a lot ,i have dream ,i need make a change for my job and life ,but i am not rich ,and not very good at english ,but i believe some unexpected resultswill happen to us if we are insist on things or passion that excites you,! leslie.
Mike
Posted at 20:06h, 20 AprilMine are:
12) I’m not qualified enough. There are plenty of experts in my field with more experience than me.
14) I can’t find a job that allows me to leverage my natural strengths.
27) My passion is not a strength
28) I have trouble being consistent with pursuing my passion
Rose
Posted at 07:08h, 06 June1. I don’t know what I’m passionate about.
This is step 0, and I’ve yet to sort it out. I’m putting in the legwork, though, and hope to have at least an idea sometime in the next year. I’m dealing with massive ennui in my day job, and feel like I’m on some sort of brink with regards to discovering what I’m really here for. My writing is always… almost there. I’ll keep working on it, and hopefully it ‘ll break out eventually.
10. Obligations.
Debt. I feel like I ought to stay in my current job at least for another year and a half, because with my current aggressive debt repayment plan I’ll be completely debt-free as of December 2013. I don’t really want to endanger my income level until then, as I’m extremely excited about the notion of ridding myself of that albatross. However, that’s no reason not to start working on some of the background research and self-discovery!
24. I’m not creative enough.
This. Fear. Inadequacy. Lack of uniqueness.
saltna
Posted at 16:35h, 10 JulySeveral of them were true for me.
The one that really sticks out is:
15. It’s too risky. In this economy I need to keep any job security I can find.
Then I came to the realization that when you work for Corp you’ve really only got one customer anyway, so it’s just as risky.
Prema
Posted at 10:53h, 25 JulyScott –
for me, the most resonant of list of rationalizations are:
1. I don’t know what I’m passionate about.
4. I don’t have anyone to go to for advice, support or encouragement.
5. Work is just a part of life. It’s not something meant to be enjoyed.
7. I can’t find the courage to start.
8. What if I fail?
15. It’s too risky. In this economy I need to keep any job security I can find.
17. I can’t find the initiative.
18. I have a terrible time following through.
24. I’m not creative enough.
i spent most of my early life being told how special i was, how unique & interesting. i then spent most of my quarter-life learning to function in society, doing things like paying bills & being responsible enough to keep myself from spectacular failure, being accountable & learning to take care of myself & others.
now i’m at a place @ 33 where i used to like to write, but haven’t had the time or commitment in years; where i am dissatisfied with my current employment but find it meets _enough_ of my needs & keeps me so busy when i’m doing it i don’t have time to think of anything else; when i think about what else i would do, i get overwhelmed by options because i don’t feel passionate enough about anything any more for it to be my ‘one true calling’. sure i could go join the peace corps, or apply for jobs with non-profits – but i’ve been freelance so long, in an industry based on relationships, that i don’t remember or care to remember how to present myself as a corporate whore.
i have friends who are LIP, or at least they were friends before they started living all over the world…
now i just get more depressed every time i read one of these enthusiastic posts.
not sure how to start getting on the right path when my biggest obstacle is myself… just looking at lists of things i agree with or reading books that tell me i can do it! is almost more painful than just wallowing in the mediocrity… there are some powerful sentiments here, but how do you get from thinking to doing?! the crux – theory into practice…
Phil Marsh
Posted at 23:46h, 22 SeptemberMisguided managers play a large role in the above by regularly hiring and placing people in jobs they have no interest in. Examples abound:
1. I figure if you staff a job that requires a BS in engineering with PhDs you’ll get a breakthrough
-> No, you just waste shareholders’ money and you get bored, poorly performing engineers with PhDs, and damage careers.
2. But you couldn’t excel at the boring job I gave you so, you’re not qualified to do research.
3. Our company doesn’t believe in taking any long term risks.
-> Most shareholders want a company that excels over a long period and that requires taking risks and doing reseach if you’re a technology company. Short term thinking is a market artifact of the 15% “long term” capital gains tax. Solution: Tax all capital gains as ORDINARY income to reduce the incentive to churn stocks.
Scott
Posted at 10:14h, 09 DecemberGreat read Scott, and yes, I too have made those excuses before. But the one excuse that I keep making which causes me to procrastinate about pulling the trigger is:
Where do I start?
I have some ideas that I am very passionate about getting going, but they would involve product development, manufacturing, marketing , web development, etc. I don’t know anything about these industries or fields and it is a bit daunting. Do I start w/ a prototype and try and sell that or do I mass manufacture and then start selling? Do I base my product off of the research of the competition? Not to mention the issue of coming up with the capital to get my project going. I’m still in debt from my school loans and the thought of adding to it causes me anxiety.
I’m not miserable at my current job by any means, but more bored than anything. Ideally I would like to start this as a side project and build it into a career. Again, I just don’t know where to start.
outlet
Posted at 21:10h, 11 DecemberSo youve decided you need to get yourself a bigger penis. Millions of men world wide have made that very same decision but sadly only a few of them will actually make a real difference to their size. What sets apart the successes from the failures? Well that is all down to the method they use.
healing
Posted at 10:58h, 15 DecemberI’m in a job that I have no interest in. I sleep until its time to get ready for work, I feel like a slump. Like a robot pleasing my parents because its a job with benefits blah, blah. It’s a job dealing with transportation, routes that I really don’t care about and above all else, is stressful. I followed my dream and was happy in my previous job healing stressed out people. But my parents hate it and disapprove of massage therapy. My dad referred it as a massage parlor. I use to love when people would tell me that was the best massage they’d ever gotten or that their ailments eliminated or improved. Now I’m crying with daily headaches because its the “right” thing to do….
Malynn
Posted at 12:33h, 16 MarchI am crying reading this right now.
I am at the same point in my life, working at a job I hate to make my parents happy (health benefits) etc. But it is shitty pay and I HATE the work I do. My job is also stressful, it involves being bombarded daily by people who only want a commission. It is the most disgusting, soul destroying thing I could ever imagine doing. I do not agree with it morally or anything. I was happier as a receptionist. I had time to myself, unlike here where I work 40 hours a week plus have a 4 hour daily commute. I am killing myself slowly and it is only a matter of time before I completely break.
I need to get out. I am going to quit and do temp work until I find something steady. If they throw me out, so be it. I cannot live like this.
henpecked
Posted at 18:29h, 15 DecemberNot too difficult a job, but they put someone new FIVE FEET next to me. She is pointed straight at me, very hyper and constantly SCREAMING her head off on the phone all day long. Can’t hear people on the phone. Can’t concentrate. Getting tinnitus.
Why can’t I ever find a job where I can do my job?
brand
Posted at 23:03h, 22 DecemberInformative post, bookmarked the website for hopes to see more!
brand
Posted at 23:04h, 22 DecemberWell, as dabblers say, There is a time and a place for everything.
happi
Posted at 05:55h, 27 DecemberHi Scott
I am trolled by the question “what if I fail”. I have always been the high achiever in my life but sadly I don’t have the dying passion for most of my accomplishments. It irks me to quit the comfortable job I am in and take away comfort from my parents’ lives.
But I know deep in my heart that I should do what I believe in. I am just 1.5 years into my first job and already realized I am not made for it. I have started taking baby steps to achieve my long cherished dream and people like you, Leo Babauta, Gretchen Rubin, Steve Jobs inspire me daily. I know I will achieve wonders, I know I am crawling towards my dream. Pray for me.
Ian
Posted at 15:16h, 28 JanuaryI am 31 suffer from depression and anxiety and hate my work. I cannot stick a job due to my depression. Don’t even know how to change careers as it seems so much effort to start from the bottom…..after spending time retraining etc etc. Having a job you do not like is awful, but what can I do?
Chelsea Boudreau
Posted at 08:15h, 04 FebruaryI currently have three jobs and only one of them is leaning towards my passion. I love to design clothes, let my imagination run wild and see what I can create from it both on paper and in real life. However reality has been a harsh mistress to me for many years.
I’ve only just turned 24 and already feel like all I’ve done has been for nothing. Every time I turn around with a success in my quest to become what I dream of something new seems to block my path, lead me into trouble, or drops me into a pit of despair.
Despite my years of researching, getting advice an support from friends, family, and experts alike, and the numerous times I’ve taken initiative and started on my way, I always seem to only be dropped back to square one.
My other two jobs I have try to keep me afloat as I try to wrestle life to follow my passion, and even they are not enough to keep me there. I am often told I am young and have plenty of time ahead of me to get where I want to go. But when one spends all their time trying when the world has deemed that they are to fail, how is someone supposed to feel like they still have time left to try?
The Blue Angel
Posted at 19:27h, 08 FebruaryHi Chelsea – I invite you to examine your beliefs that surround those paths that block you and to examine if you’re aligning with your intuition when you make decisions or if you are listening to what others or society tell you what you “should” do? Our beliefs can be very limiting and contrary to what we want to achieve (hence why we attract those roadblocks) and create fear, so it’s important to list out those beliefs, examine where they came from (don’t dwell there longer than you need to) and then redefine them for yourself and let the storyline that you cling to go. For example, I held the belief that my love was wrong and I would never find love. In my mind I surrounded myself with false facts that backed that up, including identifying with love songs that said this and defining myself by them, but this was just a story I was telling myself and it was a lie to keep me feeling sorry for myself. I have realized that my own beliefs on love have limited me greatly and I redefined my belief to “my love is perfect and amazing”. I’m also taking a magnifying glass to every belief I hold to examine if that belief limits me or if it leaves me believing in possibilities. As far as using your intuition and other people giving you advice or telling you what you “should” do. I have become aware that I am that person that seems to attract people who want to control me or tell me what I “should” do, and I have willingly given away my power to them (not entirely but many times because I wanted to please others) because of my own insecurities. I used to go to everyone else and say “what should I do?” (I find that people generally just want to play safe – stay in that job they hate, stay in that marriage that doesn’t serve them anymore, stay in their safe community and don’t explore all that the world has to offer, just do whatever it is that society deems as “right”, red pill, blue bill and all the uncomfortableness will be numbed up). If you do that as well, then I suggest becoming aware of this and aligning with your intuition and sense of self, which will not steer you wrong. This life and journey is only yours, so push out the negative voices and find that calm voice inside of you that knows your truth and your path. So many people play it safe (including me, but not anymore) and I find that most of the time, people’s “advice” only kept me limited (I’m not saying that I was completely powerless but I have always played it safe and only took calculated risks). For example, I am 45 years old and recently decided to leave my safe, yet unsatisfying job, cash out my 401k to pay off my debt, which is contrary to what society tells people to do, but my intuition tells me to do it because by pursuing my passion, it will all come back to me in triplicate, so I didn’t ask anybody what they thought – I explored my options on my own and found that cashing it out was the best option for me at this time. I believe that money is just neutral energy (we are the ones who place negative/limiting beliefs on it) and if I follow my heart towards my passion, that that money will flow back to me. It’s really hard to not worry and second-guess myself, but I ultimately know what’s best for me. I also meditate every day and really try to stay present in every moment (I acknowledge how hard mediating and staying present is to do) – the past is a dream and technically, there is no future, there is just now. I read once from a book by Pema Chodron (Buddhist Nun) that if you view life as an experiment then there is no such thing as failing – if it works out for you then great, but if it doesn’t then that’s ok because it was just an experiment. This opens you up to possibilities and risk-taking. The world hasn’t deemed you to fail – that voice is coming from inside of you – but failure isn’t a bad word either – it’s a learning lesson from an experiment that didn’t work out, so it’s time to try another experiment. Don’t let the fear get you. Infinite Blessings.
Milly
Posted at 17:26h, 22 AugustThank you so much!!
Andreea
Posted at 11:12h, 13 FebruaryFor sure I used these excuses. My biggest fear is failing, giving up my job and doing something that will not work and will not bring me the financial benefits I’m used to. Besides, I always wonder if my idea was already consumed by other people and I’m too late on everything.
1. I don’t know what I’m passionate about.
2. I don’t know how to make money from my passion.
7. I can’t find the courage to start.
8. What if I fail?
12. I’m not qualified enough. There are plenty of experts in my field with more
experience than me.
14. I can’t find a job that allows me to leverage my natural strengths.
16. I have too many passions and interests. There’s no way I could choose just
one. And if I did, what if I realize it’s the wrong choice in six or 12 months?
17. I can’t find the initiative.
24. I’m not creative enough.
dagoelius
Posted at 09:58h, 18 March27. im too physically & mentally exhausted after (shitty soul destroying) work to further nuture my passions and real interests.
cornus strydom
Posted at 12:40h, 17 AprilI have a job I hate. I am an architect with a serious passion for fine art. I need to change profession and to make a living. If I can combine fine art , fashion photography, sculpture, anime and model building into one THING. Please advise
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Posted at 07:20h, 07 AugustMy current number one reason to keep doing work I am not passionate about (but do not hate) is that I do not think anything else that I do (if I find what I’m passionate about) will pay me as well. I am currently working through module 3 and have done the strengthsfinder 2 which shows my strengths are Harmony, Empathy, Intellection, Deliberative and Developer.
I am currently on maternity leave and when I left to go on maternity leave with both children, I didn’t think I’d go back to work in that job. Now I’m almost going back to that job for the second time because I do not know what else to do and I do not think whatever else I do will pay me as well!
Carol
Posted at 11:24h, 19 AugustHi Scott.
I’ve got to say, almost all the 26 resonated with me. Having no support is a really big one. I’m nearing retirement and have never had support for actually doing something I love. I went to school and completed 2 years study in 1 year in order to work at what I love. It made my family and friends very uncomfortable that I would do something like that. I got all the dire warnings and then some. When I persisted, I found myself very much alone. After nearly 5 years I packed it in and with my tail between my legs went back to earning a “real” income doing “real” work. ( That is killing me by the way) I’m in enough pain now to give all another go. Why do we have to be in a totally unbearable situation before we find the courage to make changes? That in my estimation is insanity!!!!
I have to say that watching The Start With Why video really clarified some things for me. It was so inspiring and crystallized exactly why I need to do work I love. Everyone should watch that one!
Thank you Scott. I feel as though there is finally some hope.
Charlotte
Posted at 11:35h, 27 Augusthello. i’m a 20 year old Apprentice (studying Accountancy) and i can definitely relate to the list.
I really really am not enjoying my job, but my parents tell me that it’s ‘well paid’ and ‘stable’ so just to ‘stick it out because it’ll be worth it in the end’, but everyday i’m miserable 🙁
i have a desperate passion for Midwifery- I’d absolutely love to be a midwife but certain aspects of the job i find are much too daunting i.e emergency situations, plus long hours, and the pay is not that great. Grrr :(( Plus, i have no self confidence and don’t believe i would succeed as a midwife, as i don’t cope with stress very well.
i REALLY need to leave my job but i don’t know what to do. i have a car to run and eurgh 🙁
It’d be nice to have someone to talk to about everything- i feel so down.
Michele
Posted at 19:32h, 15 SeptemberI never took the time to know what my passion really is. Also I just quit my job 3 days ago and have so many things I should take care of and have no money to do it.
Fred
Posted at 00:56h, 17 SeptemberNr. 1 is my reason. The only reason I studied engineering in the first place is because I didn’t have a clue what I wanted to do and someone said “what about engineering?” So I said Okay.
Now I’m still stuck in this job I hate, because I still don’t know what I want to do. I’m not really interested in anything
Ryan
Posted at 08:42h, 20 SeptemberI don’t see how everyone can work day in and day out 5 days a week and still be passionate about it. People like change. My mind constantly changes on what I want/or think I should do. I have several ideas but all of a sudden lose interest. It happens constantly. I hate to make excuses but I guess it is really hard knowing where to go or what to do with your life as far as work and making a living goes. It racks my brain everyday looking for jobs and opportunities but not knowing really where to go. Everything is a committment. It’s not like you can try something out for a week or 2 and decipher whether you like it or not. I feel I am passionate about several things but knowing how to go about it or where to go and stick to the plan is difficult for me….any thoughts please share.
maria
Posted at 21:54h, 29 Septemberhi Scot,
i have always been afraid in my life even if i seem tough outside. it’s the fear of failure, being alone in a job that no one wants it that terrifies me. my bf and my family has been my strength all this time but it seems that that the fear of a big evaluation by the end of the month really gives me the biggest lump in my throat. im thinking of quitting but i needed a job.
the help that i need is that someone would tell me that it’s okey and everything will go away the morning after.
i am in a complicated situation where i am helpless because i have to do this alone because my co-workers have their own deadlines as well.
its hard to make people follow you because they themselves doesnt want what top management wanted them to do.
everyday, i pray for miracles that my thoughts would change to positive, but only tears are coming out at i cringe in fear.
yes, i hated my job not for the sake of hating it, it has good purpose, but leaving me hanging in the air with no support, i just can’t afford to let go and do free falling, it doesnt go that way.
comfort is what i needed, comfort of what i am going through. i dont want to be a hard headed employee and wanted to pass this assessment but i need help.answers. that my co-employees will work with me, cooperate, not be complacent and win this battle i am going through. i dont want to go through this alone but the entire company.
thank you.
maria
Ayanna
Posted at 16:19h, 06 OctoberScott
Thanks for the inspiration, I think a big part of moving forward is finally being honest with yourself and seeing that list really puts the truth right in front of you. I could always give all sorts of rationale for why I stay in my job and why I’ve delayed moving on but if I’m honest it all boils down to 7, 8 & 12. You realize the only thing that’s truly in your way is you! And it’s actually a relief because if that’s all it is then it’s not as impossible as you thought.
Kevin
Posted at 09:12h, 21 OctoberScott,
I’ve been immensely frustrated by “2. I don’t know how to make money from my passion.” I’m a debt slave to banks to pay off my student loans from university. My dream since I was a kid was to be a university professor one day, but the biggest obstacle is cold hard cash. It’s easy to talk about pursuing your dreams when you are not a debt slave to the banks, but when the bank is taking 25% of your take-home paycheck each month, and there are no jobs in the field you want to pursue (which barely exists), following your passion is simply not possible. Or, more likely, it is possible but intensely difficult and expensive – and no amount of awesome courses or inspirational stories is going to change the fact that your financial obligations make it structurally impossible to pursue your dreams. What do you say to that person?
Mike
Posted at 05:08h, 25 OctoberHi, Scott. I few of those reasons stick to me. I have a couple more:
27: I have debt I need to pay off but it’s slow going with this job I hate but I don’t want another job like it even if it pays more.
28. This job doesn’t give me a lot of free time to do what I want each day to do a side hustle or my dream.
29. What if the money runs out and I accrue more debt, I can’t pay the rent, and have to move back in with my parents because what I want to do fails or just doesn’t pay enough fast enough/pay enough ever?
Peter
Posted at 16:59h, 27 OctoberMost of these excuses are summed up as fears that are usually groundless. And until, that person decides today is the deadline and that’s it; they will usually just stay in their comfort zone and never realize what it means to live. Been there and it is good to be reminded of the excuses traps.
Legends are winners and winners never quit even despite the odds. Each of us is a winner.
Look at what it took to put man on the moon and return them back safe.
Keeping climbing the mountain eventually you will get to the top even if you have to take a sidestep or two.
Helena Frazier
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Posted at 19:06h, 25 NovemberMy name is Mrs Helena Frazier,a commercial Agriculturist…Earlier this year,I was facing financial crisis,I applied for a loan and I was scammed by some Godforsaken internet-fraudsters who called themselves loan lenders.My business was almost down until a friend of mine told me about GREENEFIELD LOAN COMPANY,United States..I never believed it.But today,i am happy to testify that I got my loan from this company without delays.All thanks to GREENEFIELD LOAN COMPANY.if you need financial help,dont hesitate to contact this company via email:Greenefieldloanfinancier@gmail.com
Helena Frazier
Posted at 19:11h, 25 NovemberMy names are Mrs Helena Frazier,a commercial Agriculturist…Earlier this year,I was facing financial crisis,I applied for a loan and I was scammed by some Godforsaken internet-fraudsters who called themselves loan lenders.My business was almost down until a friend of mine told me about GREENEFIELD LOAN COMPANY,United States..I never believed it.But today,i am happy to testify that I got my loan from this company without delays.All thanks to GREENEFIELD LOAN COMPANY.if you need financial help,dont hesitate to contact this company via email:Greenefieldloanfinancier@gmail.com
Meredith
Posted at 11:54h, 26 DecemberI have struggled with all of these statements, but particularly:
1. I don’t know what I’m passionate about.
8. What if I fail?
12. I’m not qualified enough. There are plenty of experts in my field with more
experience than me.
21. I’m too old and waited too long. I wish I had thought about this 25 years
ago. (Incidentally, I am 26.)
In some ways, I want desperately to get beyond these thoughts, but in other ways, it seems so much safer not to. “Oh, well. I guess I am just a failure; that is just the way I am.” Then I don’t have to own the fact that I am coasting and not trying. This list makes me desperately sad. I keep thinking I could do anything, if I knew what it was. But what is it?
Michael
Posted at 14:00h, 23 JanuaryI have the situation–call it an advantage or disadvantage–that I am in a three year academic position. The one thing that has become obvious is that I won’t be happy as long as I remain in academia. But now it’s year three, and so in April I will be leaving this career whether I am ready or not.
One struggle is this one:
4. I don’t have anyone to go to for advice, support or encouragement.
I have the particular challenge is that I believe my passion is to be found at a specific place that is thousands of miles from where I am now. I plan to move soon, but in the meantime, I feel somewhat stuck and without access to the people I want to be around.
Another is this:
16. I have too many passions and interests. There’s no way I could choose just one. And if I did, what if I realize it’s the wrong choice in six or 12 months?
This is not an idle fear. Last year, I went through the exercise of finding my passion. I had an answer that was so compelling that for days I struggled to sleep for excitement. But things got bogged down and I find myself increasingly full of doubt. It’s a new year and now I have a new answer, but will I run into the same problem?
There is a particular challenge for academics. Many people who live their entire lives in the ivory tower become so engrossed in their particular area that they believe that intellectually stimulating activity cannot occur elsewhere, and that any non-academic job would not challenge their minds. It is hard for me to imagine that I once believed this, and this mistaken belief was a hurdle for a long time in making the decision to leave academia. It was a belief born of ignorance: I simply knew nothing else.
Dilpreet Bhatia
Posted at 08:05h, 31 JanuaryDealt with many of the excuses… few to go.. Thanks for this post. I keep coming back to it.
Vidyanand
Posted at 02:39h, 28 FebruaryHi Scott,
I agree to all the mentioned above points and currently I am facing with
Between my current job, my family, trying to stay healthy and all the other
things I have to do, I don’t have any time to work on my passion.
and secondly there is always a thought that creep into my mind “What if I fail?” What if things go wrong and prove to be wrong later in the life say six months or 12 months down the line.
Carmela
Posted at 08:22h, 17 MarchHi Scott,
My biggest fears on the list are that I won’t be able to pay my bills and meet my obligation. The truth of that matter is I’m struggling to do that and I have a job.
The second one is that I won’t be able to make my passions pay, I really don’t know how to do that. I don’t know any one that is doing what I want to do and making a good living do it.
benita
Posted at 10:29h, 24 MarchSono Benita OSCAR, voglio testimoniare il buon lavoro di DR ROBERTO aḳabah nella vita del mio unico figlio Dio me e mio marito ha dato.
mio figlio era affetto da cancro della sua parte privata che quasi tolto la vita, ero confuso così anche mio marito era come stiamo andando a perdere l’unico figlio e il bambino che avevamo ma Dio non permettere che ciò accada con l’invio di DR aḳabah al nostro salvataggio.
Un amico invia il suo indirizzo e-mail a noi e subito lo abbiamo contattato ci ha assicurato che il nostro bambino non morirà e non abbiamo mai creduto fino a quando non ha inviato quello che lui chiamava l’olio di cannabis per noi e ci ha istruito su come applicarlo e dopo una settimana nostro figlio è alto e il suono come un bambino appena nato.
Quindi, qualunque sia la malattia è oggi basta contattare l’indirizzo email qui sotto come ora.
INDIRIZZO E-MAIL: ROBERTOMEDICALCARECENTRE@REDIFFMAIL.COM.
Laura
Posted at 16:15h, 24 MarchI share these:
3. The people around me will think I’m crazy.
4. I don’t have anyone to go to for advice, support or encouragement.
7. I can’t find the courage to start.
8. What if I fail?
15. It’s too risky. In this economy I need to keep any job security I can find.
17. I can’t find the initiative.
I partly share this, too:
16. I have too many passions and interests. There’s no way I could choose just
one. And if I did, what if I realize it’s the wrong choice in six or 12 months?
I have two main dream careers. From an economic point of view, the first one makes much more sense, but I like the second one better. If I had won the lottery, I would have chosen the second one, but I would have done the first one anyway at a certain point in my life, only for a short period of time.
Right now, I am working on the first one and it just seems illogic to leave something I would do anyway sooner or later – even though I would prefer later.
At the same time, I’m worried I will never do the second one, wich is definitely the thing “I can’t not do” – because I need 4 years more to finish this and who knows what can happen next?
I would add to your list, “It seems illogic under many points of view”: the people around me will think I’m crazy, yes, but the problem is maybe I will think it too.
Rafael
Posted at 00:20h, 02 AprilThanks for that post, Scott!
Many of those sentences are true for me. The excuse I mostly have in my mind is:
22. I spent eight years studying something in university that I can’t stand
doing now. But it would be way too much of a waste to switch.
It’s 5 years in my case though.
Joe
Posted at 21:29h, 07 AprilHi everyone,
Great stuff Scott! Mine are certainly 11, 12, 24, & 26. Now that I read them and have found this blog I almost embarrassed to have excuses period. Seems unnecessary. Cheers to an excuse free life of passion.
Warmly,
Joe
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CJ Thomas
Posted at 12:51h, 01 MayScott,
This article couldn’t have come at a better time. I recently put in my notice and my company convinced me to stay. I know that the longer I stay the harder it is to leave. One thing that is not on this list is being too loyal to others and not yourself. One of my biggest reasons for not quitting is I am scared to let my current company down and put my boss in a bad situation. However my gut is telling me to move one.
Thank you for your constant inspiration!
CJ
Arzoo
Posted at 22:31h, 04 MayHi Scott,
My reasons would be:
4. I don’t have anyone to go to for advice, support or encouragement.
12. I’m not qualified enough. There are plenty of experts in my field with more
experience than me.
18. I have a terrible time following through.
I love reading. Just Reading. Anything.
And I am good at English. Here, in India, I find it a real plus point by helping people around me with their struggle with English.
There are options that I would like to try out but don’t know where to start.
Anu
Posted at 12:37h, 15 FebruaryI was going through the comments and when I saw that you are from India, I became like *o*
😛
Anyway, I don’t know where to start either. Just to learn a new skill means investing a lot of money for learning that skill :/ In my case, I want to learn baking and open a cake shop or learn stitching and open a boutique. But here in India, being an Indian and being from an engineering family, my dad would think I am out of my mind and who knows..would ask me to leave the house! =.=
naythen
Posted at 06:55h, 16 MayI guess for me its what people may think especially my folks and family. I am financially okay and doing something I like would be a calculated risk but I want to take it and so I left my job. I was a freelance worker anyway but I’m not anymore. I have been in a comfort zone too long and now I can take a risk to do something I like or at least think I might like. I guess I have ADD cause I get bored way too easily and I guess its with constant technology and over stimulation which is the cause but I gotta get out of it and make a change else Ill just continue existing and not really living. I have a good live and have been blessed and have done well for myself but now I want to take a chance and see what happens.
Alyssa
Posted at 09:45h, 20 May13. Between my current job, my family, trying to stay healthy and all the other
things I have to do, I don’t have any time to work on my passion.
13 is the only thing holding me back, along with needing to keep my job to pay off bills and debt. I also have my own that occasionally holds me back, but I’ve been mentally fighting through when it pops up and that’s that I actually feel very selfish for not enjoying my work and wanting to put my family through risk. I work from home and make a great income. I make my own hours and get paid bonuses all of the time, so it feels silly to want to give this up when so many people would die for my job and its perks, but to me it’s just very boring and although it pays the bills, its a struggle to want to do every day.
Obviously I can’t just quit because I have financial obligations and a family to look after, but this past spring I have taken whatever free time I do have and working on each piece needed to start my own business. A little here, a little there and it all adds up. My goal is to have a nice little nest egg at my employer by the end of summer and quitting for good. I feel very blessed because I really have no negative thoughts holding me back, just reality. I feel blessed that I was raised to do what I love and that money doesn’t matter. I’ve been even selling off tons of my material possessions that I’ve accumulated because they serve no purpose other than being stuff and aren’t things that I actually love. Being and doing are so much more powerful and rewarding experiences than having and once you jump into the quantum leap of living intentionally, there really is no way of looking back.
Keep up the great posts and if it hasn’t been a topic yet her on LYL, i’d love to see posts on making the transition to a new career from your current one.
Tim
Posted at 07:32h, 23 MayI was writing a comment complaining that i’m stuck on # 10.(I have a family and obligations to be responsible for.)
And i realised that i’ve negged to do point 1 (Find someone who’s already doing it) so that is why my motivation is too low, don’t do point 3 (Get lost in a passion) enough, made a list for point 4 (Lower the hurdle) and don;t have enough selfesteem for point 5 (Help someone with something – and charge them for it!)
I’ll make some good work of the points and see if obligations gets to be less of a concern.
Thanks!
George
Posted at 03:38h, 24 MayI believe in going to work @ any job that I hate, because it is a golden opportunity for me to go right straight out of my to commit vandalism, & I find that gives me some real energy. Now I am talking about just what vandalism that I can do on a blue collar manual labor job, that I have no intention of doing anything good on @ all! Doing the job poorly on purpose is all about working hard with the intention to prove that I can be counter productive by vandalizing a construction site, & yes I will tell everyone here that I find that doing what I can to do an extremely poor job is far better than trying to do the best job, because all of these so called wonderful jobs that do not require a college education are worth screwing up @ royally. I will not mind a job where I pick potatoes, because then I can have those potatoes to throw around, & waste on purpose, because there is an absolute real joy not trying to just go with the flow. This is real important, & that is that I will have every reason to make absolutely certain, that I do not function in the cold winter weather, because I am tired of it, & there is nothing that does make me get anything good out of trying to work @ doing the best there is in a bad situation, for that tells me that I have every reason to willfully be a bad employee. No this is not laziness, this is fully intentional all by design, & that is where I will make it clear that I will suck it up, & always feel wonderful about the destruction that I will have done intentionally all by design. Yes I do listen, & yes I do understand, however I do not agree @ all with trying to anything good @ all involving these dead end jobs where people do not travel @ all, have no legitimate way of going places where the services that do involve passenger transit, as well as great quality medical care that university medical school hospitals, along with dental care that dental schools provide, that tells me that I have every reason to not feel bad one bit about getting down right nasty about going to work @ these jobs that I want for all the wrong reasons, knowing full well that it will prove that I have wronged other people who work in these union jobs. I find that if I will be getting bribes from other people who will help me out so I can then go about getting into the school that I want to for the career that I have a passion for, & that is a career that does involve the ocean, which is the love of my life. Now I have to tell you that I cannot tell you just how important it is that I do get hired @ a job that I hate, get fired, where I am accepting bribes selectively, because the truth is no I am not lazy, I am willful about what I have every intention of doing pure destruction, which will not ever make me feel bad, since this does prove that my reasoning is clear to how a bad work ethic has a place for getting ahead in life, which is vitally important, & that says I know what I will be aiming for!
Bonnie
Posted at 02:58h, 16 June13. Between my family, current job, trying to stay healthy, and everything else I need to do, I don’t have time to work on my passion.
That’s me!
Barbara
Posted at 16:59h, 24 JuneThank you!! I’m trying. Thank you for the support and for writing this.
Nicole Loli
Posted at 21:31h, 29 JuneA few of these: It’s hard for me to get and keep a job, I don’t have inspiring people surrounding me at all (alot of them are miserable), I don’t know what interest to focus on, and I don’t think I have enough experience to be marketable. The biggest challenge of all comes from being “stuck” in a very uninspiring small town (where I have a job). I feel like this situation is sucking the life out of me.
Grogman
Posted at 12:58h, 03 July2. I don’t know how to make money from my passion.
15. It’s too risky, in this economy I need to keep any job security I can find.
20. There’s too much competition.
21. I’m too old and waited too long. (I’m 46)
I know these are all myths, but they have incredible sway and power, even to the point of physical and mental distress. It’s the economic concerns that are the biggest killers, as if life is less important than paying your bills. These fears keep us locked in mental prisons that are almost as real as real prisons. It takes a hell of a lot of courage to act to liberate yourself. So many powerful forces working against us. Unite and fight people!
Greg Gauthier
Posted at 03:20h, 14 July#1 The phrase “I don’t know what my passion is” is pure nonsense. If you don’t know, you don’t have one. If you have one, then you know what it is. If you’re just *saying* you don’t know, because you’re afraid to admit what your passion is, then having it labeled an “excuse” isn’t going to help. If you actually don’t have one, then don’t quit your day job.
#8 Nobody is afraid of failing. That’s silly. What they’re afraid of, is foreclosure, bankruptcy, starvation and homelessness. That is not an “excuse”. It is a real problem. If you don’t have an actual solution, then again, simply labeling it “an excuse” isn’t helping.
You people and your “rub a little dirt on it” macho pseudo-philosophy isn’t helping anyone.
Argument Clinic
Posted at 13:41h, 19 NovemberI honestly am not sure whether you’re right or wrong on this. I can tell that you my experience was that I knew what my passion was when I was four years old. I can remember the exact moment it happened and something triggered inside of me and said “That’s it!” and the rest is history. From that point forward, I always knew and was driven to pursue that passion. My problem is it’s a hard thing to make a living at.
I do believe some people can find something they’re passionate about eventually if they keep trying different things. The Beatles didn’t start out being great musicians. They were actually pretty terrible in the beginning but they put the time in and worked at it and became phenomenal music artists. I believe other people can do this too. Just don’t expect results overnight. You have to put the time in and stick with it.
Jura
Posted at 00:15h, 27 Julycannot believe but that list just describes my situation, the most suitable are these:
I don’t know what I’m passionate about.
It’s too risky. In this economy I need to keep any job security I can find.
Mohamed
Posted at 16:13h, 06 AugustI have a terrible time following through.
Satish
Posted at 22:38h, 06 AugustI don’t know what I’m passionate about.
I have too many passions and interests. There’s no way I could choose just
one. And if I did, what if I realize it’s the wrong choice in six or 12 months?
These are the questions i feel are holding me back. I’m trying really hard to know what Im passionate about. I seriously feel getting lost in my passion would help..!!.
I’m gonna try taking a day off see where it takes me. :). Lets see how it goes…!!
order
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Blade
Posted at 06:39h, 18 AugustJust gonna say this Scott. Number 1. I don’t know what I am passionate about. This is the one that describes me and your five things to do cannot remedy it, not just because four of them require a passion to act on. Whenever I am not working, I sit about all day just wasting time on the computer or sleeping until I have to go back to work again. I don’t have anything I am passionate about. So it’s not an excuse, it is a reason.
Just needed to put that out there.
Kelly
Posted at 12:10h, 13 FebruaryBlade,
I’m in a similar position, however, I recently made a change in my life in an attempt to get out of that hole. Maybe my experience will help you or others… I deleted any account I had on ALL of my favorite “I’m bored” websites. That means Facebook, Pinterest, BuzzFeed, Twitter… ANYTHING. Then, I went to my smart phone, I deleted anything that had distracted me in the past (solitaire, Instagram, CNN). Now, when I’m waiting for my car to get an oil change, or sitting at home after a long day at work, I have nothing but my own thoughts to turn too. I’ve found very early on that when I got bored my instincts led me straight to my electronics. Except, for the first time, I couldn’t do much. If I wanted to use my phone I had to go on the internet and type in exactly what I wanted (again no social media or just going to sites that direct you to a million other things, it’s click bait and there’s a reason 3 hours pass before you notice!).
Within a week I’ve re-discovered many things I love(d) and I’ve realized exactly how much free time I do indeed have. Keep working towards finding your passions in life… you never know what could *finally, actually work*
Kelly
Bob
Posted at 15:14h, 20 AugustI was driving out of work this evening and I said to myself “If you keep doing what you’ve always done, you’ll keep getting what you’ve always got”. A few hours later I log onto my email and find your email there directing me to this page where I read the quote that I had already recited. I don’t believe in coincidences.
I am not using any of the above 26 excuses now, I have already taken the plunge and requested time out from work. I have already cancelled various useless costly subscriptions and it’s liberating. I am politely finishing my ‘time’ at work, although each day is becoming more frustrating as I am eager to jump into the ocean of passion that awaits me…….. I feel like I’m climbing slowly up to the diving board and the jump is going to be such a thrill!
I will certainly not be getting what I’ve always got. It’s going to be something new. When the heart is decided then the courage comes naturally. Be bold.
Jennifer
Posted at 18:23h, 19 SeptemberI with you 100%. BTW did you request a leave of absence?
thank you
Posted at 17:04h, 10 SeptemberI enjoyed reading your post. Good ideas.
Bo
Posted at 18:08h, 15 SeptemberSo I currently just moved to Washington seeking a new adventure with my boyfriend. I left behind a teaching job that I absolutely hated (I couldn’t handle the stress) and ended up getting talked into applying for a teaching job out here. I got the job and soon realized that I could not do it. I quit my job and am left wondering what I am going to do with my life. It’s nice to see that I’m not the only one who has no clue what to do in life. All I can say is that I am proud that I had the courage to say I can’t do this anymore! All I can hope now is that everything falls into place and that I can find my passion in life. (sooner rather than later 🙂
Jennifer
Posted at 18:20h, 19 SeptemberI got one that you didn’t list.
I’m an introvert and I don’t have very many contacts. And there are plenty of experts in my field with more experience and impressive credentials then me.
But I am very good at what I do.
Lesley Soso
Posted at 12:11h, 24 SeptemberFundamentally what we all long for is meaning in our lives, however we often settle for mediocre because of fear based believes. These fear based believes are the ones holding us back through creating a block in terms of our way of thinking and our approach to things that ultimately bring happiness into our lives.
Let them go….they’re not helping you.
Thank you for this article, good job.
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Posted at 14:47h, 02 NovemberI can deeply be lost in a passion but here’s the problem: it lasts no longer then two weeks. if i would act upon my passions, i would be a hopeless beggar trying to pay off my sky-high debt that i generated to invest in my passions.
So i find myself wondering, what is my real default soul-passion, if i have any?
Scott, i am waiting for a tool-kit for this!
Wendy J
Posted at 15:10h, 20 Octoberibraun, check out the puttylike site for multipotentialites.
Argument Clinic
Posted at 13:34h, 19 NovemberAlright Scott, let’s put your message to the challenge. I am almost 40 years old. I’ve been doing software development my entire life and I now hate it. The ridiculous deadlines, the long commutes, never getting praised for doing anything right and always being told you’re not good enough. It’s been “no good deed goes unpunished” and “the beatings will continue until morale improves” for almost 10 years straight for me now.
On top of all that, I’m a single dad and I continue to go through one of the worst never-ending divorces with a high conflict personality ex-wife. I’ve been divorced for 6 years but we’re still going through a never-ending custody battle.
However, I do know what my passion is and I’m really good at it. I have been playing guitar since I was 13 years old. My problem falls into that “I don’t know how to make money from my passion” category. Ready for my excuses? I know quite a few local musicians and they make table scraps and have to hold down daytime jobs. They rarely ever get enough sleep because they’re essentially trying to juggle two full time jobs. If they had to take care of kids, they wouldn’t be able to do it.
What do you do when you’re in my situation? I’ve toyed with the idea of trying to save up some money for a decent mic and try to jam some time in to record a couple pieces and post them to Facebook and Youtube but then I tell myself, oh what’s the use, it’s not going to matter anyway. I’m pretty good but I’m not at the level of someone like Andy Mckee, Don Ross, etc. Those guys probably don’t make the kind of money I do as a software engineer but I have to support a family and put food on the table.
Help. 🙂
» 3 Ways Your Part Time Job Is Killing You
Posted at 13:07h, 05 February[…] you see how the phrase “part time job” has sort of become a bad word to me? This article here explains some of my […]
Todd Danza
Posted at 10:23h, 06 FebruaryI actually tried #3 once before (Get lost in a passion: take a day off with nothing on the calendar and see where it takes you.) and where it took me was huddled in my bed in a bout of despair and self-loathing. Is that my passion?
Todd Danza
Posted at 10:30h, 06 FebruaryI actually tried #3 once before (Get lost in a passion: take a day off with nothing on the calendar and see where it takes you.) and where it took me was huddled in my bed in a bout of despair and self-loathing. Is that my passion?
Kelly
Posted at 11:43h, 13 FebruarySam it sounds like your partner has some serious ego issues. Your partner should be the #1 person encouraging you to follow your passions, not the #1 person DIS-scourging you.
Kelly
Posted at 11:52h, 13 FebruaryMonica,
I live in America. I also live with my boyfriend’s parents (and with him) and they are awesome!! And I also am working a part time job I don’t like. I know how you feel, and I hope for both of our sakes, we are able to follow our passions. Good luck to you!
Anu
Posted at 12:19h, 15 FebruaryMe:
I am 24 and have been at my current job for 2 years now as a software developer. I have no idea how I got myself into this. I did my degree and out of the blue got recruited and …that is it. I have no life. Everyday is the same. Go to work. Come home. Watch TV or browse online. Sleep. Repeat.
I don’t even enjoy doing the things I loved once. I love art, sketching, music…I could have done these but I didn’t have the courage and I still don’t because I think…I am always surrounded by negative people. From my parents to my teachers..no one really believed in me. I know it sounds like an excuse, but I think sometimes you just need someone to believe in your abilities and say, “You Can!!” 😐 Hmm…
In my case there were multiple factors affecting my career decisions. All through my teenage years (and even now) my parents constantly fought. Dad made important decisions like school, college, degree, etc. I had no say. And then we moved around a lot because of my dad’s job. As I grew up, I became more lonely in school and then in college.
And then…I lost things I cherished..like…my drawing sketches (my dad and mom hated my drawings caus I drew only girls ;_; Why? I don’t know.), the family dog (dad sent it away during moving houses and eventually it got lost…), my hair (I never really thought losing my hair would depress me so much) and so many other things that I am unable to think of right now.
Dad:
I am a very dependent person. I don’t even know how to book a ticket yet because..Dad did everything (and still does). As a result I have become very ignorant. My dad kept track of the amount of money in my account during my initial years at my job until I said I am not ok with it. He would ask how much you have and how much are you spending and then say you should not spend that much. It would always look like I am being judged. This made me become more secretive (and I am still continuing being this way.. :/ )
Mom:
We got converted when I was 12 years old.(Not exactly ‘we’ but my mom and we all followed her except dad..) This was the beginning of everything turning upside down in my family. Initially I was ok with it but then….Mom was not the same as I grew up. She became very judgemental religiously..spent lot of money in religious books, dvd’s, ministries.. And.. it still feels like she has become crazy, uncaring, always negative even though she reads the bible and prays with tears, argues with words that are shockingly bad.
Sis:
She has a boyfriend. And I am not ok with it. -_-
Conclusion:
And that is why I am stuck at my present job. If I leave the job, I would have face my parents who would ridicule me or even…get me married *cries*. I am no good at my job. I am very submissive. I do what I am told. I don’t oppose. I get paid. I thought they would get rid off me but they haven’t yet (but secretly I wish they would). I am, however, determined to get out of this situation. And I hope that everyone eventually get the job they love and have a passion for. It will happen right? *o* I believe it will. Let us work towards it. Ganbatte!!!! 🙂
Loved the article. <3 Thank You! (^.^)/
B.A
Posted at 14:40h, 23 FebruaryI have a degree in Media even though I had wanted to study medicine since forever. I stumbled upon this page when I was looking up how realistic and practical it would be for me to go to Med school now that I am 25 years old, with a bachelor’s degree, and can start working. I do not have any savings either so that is another major concern.
Besides, I am from a society which looks down upon girls who do not get married by my age. I am not very much worried about that, but it does concern me if I am going to get someone who will accept me without making me want to give up on my childhood dream.
But I just cannot make myself work in this field. I do freelance photography whenever I get any work – which is not so often. I do freelance writing too. But whenever I get an offer for internship I do not join. (I don’t have any work experience yet, so cannot expect a job). It just depresses me so much that I gave up on my dream. I don’t know why I did that. It also worries me about what my family would say. I am not concerned about other people, but my family does matter to me. I haven’t even been able to approach them with this topic. Just been keeping everything inside me since a very long time.
Wendy J
Posted at 15:06h, 20 OctoberOne isn’t listed: Health problems. Specifically cognitive issues. I’ve seen people struggle with that one. “Should I ditch my job and do something else” is ten times more intimidating if you’re not reasonably confident of your ability to learn.
JJChastity
Posted at 11:36h, 06 AprilI hate my job. Internally, I keep feeling like running away or hiding, feeling like crying, having thoughts of death etc.
It keeps happening to me that I keep finding excuses to not go to work.
I call in sick every other months but end up doing nothing at home during those days.
I hate my job and I really want to quit but they made me sign a contract that told me to pay a large sum of money if I quit before June 2019.
I only make around $7500 a year but they ask me to pay $75000 if I quit. It is a ridiculous bargain and I regret it very much that I signed the paper.
Now I don’t know what I should do.
I don’t know if I can sue them for this.
I have the thoughts of quiting so many times everyday and finding the work that I love but the money is always an issue.
My friend and family always told me to hold on until June 2019 but it feels so long that I think I’m going to get crazy waiting for it, the day that I finally be free.
Hector
Posted at 16:49h, 13 AprilWhy we do what we do.
A group of scientists placed 5 monkeys in
a cage and in the middle, a ladder with bananas on the top. Every time a
monkey went up the ladder, the scientists soaked the rest of the
monkeys with cold water. After a while, every time a monkey went up the
ladder, the others beat up the one on the ladder. After some time, no
monkey dare[d] to go up the ladder regardless of the temptation.
Scientists then decided to substitute one of the monkeys. The 1st thing this new
monkey did was to go up the ladder. Immediately the other monkeys beat him up.
After several beatings, the new member learned not to climb the ladder even though he never knew why.
A
2nd monkey was substituted and the same occurred. The 1st monkey
participated on the beating for the 2nd monkey. A 3rd monkey was changed
and the same was repeated (beating). The 4th was substituted and the
beating was repeated.
What was left was a group of 5 monkeys that
even though never received a cold shower, continued to beat up any
monkey who attempted to climb the ladder.
If it was possible to
ask the monkeys why they would beat up all those who attempted to go up
the ladder … I bet you the answer would be … “I don’t know — that’s
how things are done around here”
Does it sound familiar?
Dianar
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T Hal
Posted at 21:59h, 08 NovemberMany are the examples of people who invested in their passions, did the market research, got the funds (often from decades of grueling work and painstaking economy), braved the odds, but lost everything–including their shirts. Interestingly enough, the advice-pushers aren’t there to stave off homelessness or destitution when these millions of people fail.
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Posted at 15:30h, 21 JanuaryHello, just wanted to mention, I liked this article. It was funny.
Keep on posting!
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Posted at 05:23h, 23 JanuaryI couldn’t resist commenting. Very well written!