Do you allow your job to define you?
In our short time on earth, we seem to spend an awful lot of time concerned with how others view us and this impacts how we think about ourselves.
I’ve never been one who was overly concerned about following a traditional trajectory in life. After all, I am 30, unmarried, no kids, and recently quit my job (not the first time I’ve done that). Oh, and 6 months ago I was still living with my parents, although they made great roommates. I finally succeeded, though, in walking away from the series of crappy jobs and stress (from social work, big surprise) and now I can start to live how I want.
I’ve now made teaching yoga and part time work my focus – instead of doing what I’m “supposed” to, I only do what I want to do.
Others might wonder why I’m 30, unmarried, without a “professional career”, a bunch of kids or house or something, but I don’t need a decent paying job or nice car to determine my success. I love my Honda Hybrid; sure it screams yoga teacher, but it gets damn good gas mileage.
All of those years I was working crappy, miserable jobs, I was letting my job define me- better yet, I was letting what others thought about my job define me. Once I could let go of the notion that my trajectory was unfortunate, or not enough, or sad, things got real.
I teach yoga, and I love it. I get to help others feel happier and it’s not as stressful. I also help my boyfriend with his growing business, and I work a super part time social work job. I do enough to take care of my responsibilities, and that’s good enough for me.
A few things I’ve learned a few things about ‘work’:
1. Do something you love, or at least like a lot
2. Accept a challenge, take on a new role, learn something new, take initiative. Monotony prohibits growth.
3. Stop giving a crap about what you should be doing and do what you want – yes, it’s possible
4. Be your own critic, and strongest supporter
5. Life is short, I mean like really short, like really, really short, so enjoy it
Fear the unknown.
Take risk.
Live your hardest.
-S
Oh, and here’s some free yoga 🙂
Really enjoyed reading this. Good luck with everything! I just started doing yoga 2x a week and I can’t even tell you how much better I feel.
You still practicing?
I am re-defining my life right now, so completely get it. It is amazing what you can do when you take a moment and say this is what I really want out of life.