The Swing of things - How to do it.
I spent many years being self-employed, managing my schedule, writing, creating, consulting. I loved every bit. At a moment in time, where the business I had created with a partner was struggling, one of my sons offered me an opportunity to work with him in his landscaping business. Sure! I was happy to make the change. Less stress, regular hours, consistent income, little responsibility. Sure! It appeared to be a timely opportunity.
I leaped into a new world. I needed to learn new software, new techniques, new policies, programs, services and adjust to new people. That wasn’t hard. I enjoyed being closer to family and being needed. I hated talking on the phone. I learned that customer service was not my strength. But I was open to learning and correcting myself for the benefit of retention, reputation and my paycheck. I worked hard at being friendly and listening to complainers on the phone. It was the worst part of my job but a good learning experience.
When my son sold his business a few years later, it relieved me to be “free” and could choose a new path for income creation. I had plenty of ideas but I could not motivate myself to take action. Being consistent was a challenge. My procrastination disability flared up. I had cobwebs in my head and was floundering in scattered thinking. Napping was nice. What did I want? I knew that the playing field had changed, technology had changed, networking had changed, publishing had changed (again). What to do?
How could I get back into the swing of things? What did I need to do to be consistent and focused? The one thing I knew was I wanted to do my thing again. I would not go work for someone else.
I’m a list person so I started with a to-do list.
Get off social media - delete those apps from your phone. If you must browse, designate a set amount of time to be online. Don’t waste time.
Make a list of ideas to get clear about what you want to do. What work do you want to do? Compare and contrast, get a trusted friend/family member’s view.
Get organized. Clean your room, clean your office space, Use file folders, go through those boxes, throw things away and start a to-do list to help you.
Decide on a time frame. How long will you give yourself to get ready, get prepared - to go back to work?
Make a list of your strengths and interests. What are your accomplishments? What is your expertise?
Update your portfolio or resume. If you blog or have a website - review it and update it. get back in touch with people you know. dust off those networks.
Commit to a daily time frame for working/planning/preparing as if you were driving to a job and stick to it. Clock in. Create a rhythm and a routine.
Remind yourself - you are good at what you do. You are resilient and have a growth mindset. You’re not too old.
We overrate PURPOSE. Do what you love- if your work has MEANING- that is far more valuable to your well-being then “purpose” alone.
Take action. Start. Do it. Begin today. baby steps if you need to - but do it. and consider that an achievement.
With a reasonable time frame I felt I could manage my own expectations without getting an ulcer. I am excited to see where my new adventure leads.
#sidegigs #dontretirebroke #purposeandmeaning #createincome #planning
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