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If money weren’t an option and you could do everything you’ve ever wanted to do, but at one cost. You wouldn’t get paid. Would you take it?
Call me crazy, naive, or whatever you want to call me, but I’d say, “Why not?” I’ve always preached about thinking big, dreaming big and following your passion. I know these are idealistic words that Gen Yers, like myself, throw around all the time. But seriously, life is TOO DAMN SHORT to waste your life by settling.
I never want to fall into that pattern of settling just because I’m afraid to make a change. I get it, changes are scary. But, if I’m still unhappy for more than 4-6 months, it is time to make that big change and embark on a new journey.
If you have a dream, go for it and live your life to the fullest. Nobody should ever have to look back at their life and realize, “Gosh, I wish I would have done this, or that?”
All things happen for a reason. Even if one dream or risk doesn’t work out, there’s always next time. That being said, exercise some responsibility when you follow your dreams. Obviously, don’t quit your day job and move to Europe with only $30 to your name. That’s just stupid. Instead spend six months or so, pitching pennies and coming up with a basic plan and then embark on your journey. There’s nothing wrong with waiting a few months or even years to prepare for that next step as long as you eventually go through with it.
So, I encourage everyone to get out there and start following your dreams!
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Comments
09.03.10
I encourage everyone to follow their dreams too - and start as early in life as possible and don't give up. One may find it difficult to follow one's dreams if they aren't already in motion by the time that one is looking at how to raise a family. I've found that it really motivates me to keep this in mind. Memento Mori.
09.03.10
Jessica , im actually working for free for someone right now (besides the day job) and u know what i really like the work im doing for free. its all social media related & now its turning into a full mktg consultancy kinda thing. Its been almost 3 months now. And yeah i too belive that "All things happen for a reason" , you just gotta believe it.
09.04.10
Jessica,
I definitely support following your dreams and passions. That's what I work with my clients on every day. However, on working for free? I have a different perspective.
I will only work for free in some circumstances whether I need the money or not. It depends on the recipient. Why? Because I value myself and because people do not value free things. I've seen my pro bono work go to waste because people discount the advice I give based on the fact that it was free. Whereas, when I charge instead, I see the advice being used.
I work for free for non profits that I support. When I do specific things that is what my business provide, I always send a bill. (I blogged on this. http://www.moneyandrisk.com/be-the-boss/entrepreneurs/when-working-for-f...)
I do work for free on occasion with individuals or businesses but only with those who have a professional appreciation for what I bring to the table.
09.04.10
@Kim u make a really good point. People do tend to discount advice/services on the basis that its free. so maybe i should reconsider the work im doing for free, maybe for elements i shud charge.
09.05.10
I would work for free if I could support myself and my sons for free. I do agree that people tend to devalue work that is offered for free and sometimes based on the the nature of the work they expect it to be for little or no cost ( resume writing or legal contract review). I also agree that laboring for free is great way to gain some valuable experience and exposure.
09.05.10
My first job out of college was an unpaid internship at a minor league baseball team. My dream was to work for the San Francisco Giants. A year later... that dream was realized.
I've since moved on from my baseball "career"... but I can always look back with memories of having worked for a major league team. (By the way I cannot possibly recommend highly enough the experience of working for a minor league baseball team... to any baseball fan. SO fun!) And it was all because I took a chance and worked for free.
Several years later I helped found an internet startup. We all worked for free for two years. Was it hard? Hell yes! Was it worth it?... both from the experience gained and the fact that the startup eventually sold to a competitor, totally worth it.
Having money reduces several kinds of stress in your life. But working your life JUST for money... that creates much worse kinds of life issues I think.
It may be something that people just have to try in order to believe though. Some are too focused on salary and what it can buy them. Each to his own...
09.06.10
@Dave your story is amazing. thanks for sharing it here.
09.06.10
I used to work for free and let prospective clients bring me to lunch, and allow total strangers on the net pick my brain apart for free when I was starting out. That did wonders for my career but I find that I cant give out free information as much as I did before.
For one thing, it would be unfair for paying clients. 2nd is I now believe that time is my best and most scarce asset and so I have to ensure that I use it towards achieving my goals. But I still give back by helping those who I think have a legitimate reason to be given a break.
09.06.10
Wow, I'm totally blown away from all the great comments. Kim, Sadya and John, you all make great points. Time is a precious resource. It something like money that needs to be valued. Free things in our society are valued less by the average consumer. But like so many other things, there are a lot of people out there who want to learn new tips and tricks, but they can't afford our services. That's all part of the balancing act of deciding when and if to do pro-bono work.
That being said it's less of a money issue, and more of doing what you are passionate about. In an ideal world, your day job should be what you are passionate. I'm so fortunate that this is the case for me. But for some many others, their passion is that side gig or hobby. In that case, it's sometime's necessary to work for free.
09.06.10
Wow, I'm totally blown away from all the great comments. Kim, Sadya and John, you all make great points. Time is a precious resource. It something like money that needs to be valued. Free things in our society are valued less by the average consumer. But like so many other things, there are a lot of people out there who want to learn new tips and tricks, but they can't afford our services. That's all part of the balancing act of deciding when and if to do pro-bono work.
That being said it's less of a money issue, and more of doing what you are passionate about. In an ideal world, your day job should be your passion. I'm so fortunate that this is the case for me. But for some many others, their passion is that side gig. In this case, it's sometimes necessary to do pro-bono work. It boils down to the individual.
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