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The other day I had my first realization that I don't want a "real" job. Maybe ever. This both excites and scares me. Ever since I quit my office job to try freelancing for a bit, I always continued to look for "real" full-time jobs that I would love and thrive in. The other day, I saw one and was about to apply when I realized how much I love my life right now and how much I don't want it to change.
No, I'm not making bank yet, but I am surviving, probably better than I thought was possible as a writer working from home. I don't want to work a "real" job being told what to do every week, making the same amount of money every week, and having every day be the same. I love working on something different every day, never knowing what's going to pop up, deciding what I have time and passion for, and seeing what goals I can accomplish. I love never knowing what's going to happen next!
I get lonely working at home sometimes, but is that loneliness enough to deal with the annoying-ness of co-workers? I do have a weird thing for offices. Feeling like I'm part of a team and communicating with people daily. I know everyone working in an office right now will tell me to shut up. But it's probably me just thinking the grass is greener (or greener in some spots; dead in others). Some of my freelance jobs really make me feel like a part of a team, while others make me feel like a total outsider.
But maybe someday I'll have my own office. It just seems like it would be such a waste to put all my projects aside for a "real" job. I've come so far, if I turn back now, I'll never know where I'd be a year from now.
My friends have always yelled at me when I talk about my job versus a "real" job. "Your job is real!" they say. And after 2+ years, I'm starting to realize they're right.
And yes, my parents still wonder when I'm going to get a "real" job. And I hope someday they'll realize that I already have. I don't know too many people who can say they love what they do for work at age 26. But my life just keeps on getting better every day.
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Comments
06.10.09
Thanks for sharing Susan. Your ideas match many of us who are looking to be able to do more with their life than work for something that you don't care about.
As for your working situation, see if your community has a co-working space. It is usually cheap and sometimes the relationships you can create with other small mom and pop entrepreneurs can bring in new business and collaborations. Ours in Orlando offers daily, weekly and monthly rates as well as free Fridays.
I am also a big big fan of hanging out at Panera to kick start my mornings! Best of luck to you and your "real job."
06.10.09
I've been in academia for most of my working life. My parents still wonder when I will wake up and get a real job :-)
So long as it pays the bills and I've got health insurance (and I don't work with too many crazies) - I am a happy camper.
What is a real job though? Last time I checked, my 'fake' (?) job pays me in dollars, no monopoly money :-)
06.10.09
Thanks guys! A co-working space is such a good idea! I'm going to research that in the Boston-area. I definitely hang out at coffee shops a lot, which makes me feel like I'm in more of a "community." And I try to go to lots of networking events and out with friends in the evenings a lot. It's awesome to connect with others in my situation!
And you're right, Dr. Pepper, I'm finally learning that what I'm doing is totally "real" and legit! And I love it :)
06.10.09
It sounds like you might have several jobs running at the same time.
In the 21st-century, that's a "real career"
Jake
www.jakeonjobs.com
06.10.09
I don't know where I'd be without those coffee shops. working from home can be a drag because of the crippling loneliness.
On the plus side, if you want to take an afternoon off, you can!
A real job is whatever makes you really happy :)
06.10.09
Good post and good comment about shared spaces. I try to work from public spaces with free wifi as much as possible, as it gets boring working from home all the time.
06.10.09
Sometimes I wish I could work from home on my own, but then I start seeing everyone talk about how they are lonely. I wonder if I would experience the same thing, or just not get anything done, lol.
06.10.09
During recessions, it's been traditional to get a GOOD (Get Out Of Debt) job, as opposed to a "real" one.
I still snicker about a friend of mine who became a horse trainer, because his mother kept on nagging him to get a "stable" job. :)
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