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5 Steps to Quit Your Job – and Start Your Life’s Work
In the recent romantic comedy hit That Thing Called Tadhana, Anthony, a graphic artist, muses in front of a painting in a Baguio gallery, “Pag nagkakapera ka,di ba parang gusto mo na lang gumawa ng pera? Tapos mare-realize mo… Eh, eight years na pala.” (“When you start making money, it seems like all you want to do is make money. And then you realize… that’s all you’ve been doing for eight years.”) Happy are they who have not waltzed with career regrets! But if you are facing the music now...
It may take years for some people to recognize that their time is worth more than the sum of their paychecks. There are no easy shortcuts to career satisfaction - but why don't you try these steps while you wait for your "eureka" moment?
1. Feed your passion.
What jolts you awake in the middle of the night and occupies your waking thoughts? What would you be doing if money or time or your degree (or lack of) were no object? What is the one thing you want to be remembered for? Is it saving the pawikans? Getting urchins off the streets? Designing your own line of fragrances? Now, schedule two hours each week from your spare time just to work on that.
2. Find people who share your passion.
In our hyperconnected world, finding the right collaborators can be as simple as a Google search. If one person working on a passion project can already make a significant difference, think of what you can accomplish when you scale up or join people already clearing the path.
3. Fail… sometimes.
We grow up with admonitions to stay on the safe side – yet not taking occasional risks for fear of failure paralyzes creativity and growth. The Done Manifesto states,“Failure counts as done… Done is the engine of more.” So take on jobs and projects that stretch your limits. Make mistakes, and do better the next chance you get.
4. Nurture others.
Ever heard the adage “Those who can, do; those who can’t, teach”? Whoever coined it must have had terrible teachers. Coaching others requires not only head knowledge but mature, practical experience and the will and passion to pass it on. And if you think you’ve got nothing to contribute, think again.
5. Give back.
After a grueling 9-to-6 workday, can one benefit from putting in extra hours and energy volunteering? Logic says no, but science says yes. Research suggests that individuals who actively contribute to their community or do advocacy work are happier, and have lower depression and increased well-being. http://www.everydayhealth.com/depression/how-volunteering-can-lessen-depression-and-extend-your-life.aspx
Consider job posts that bring more meaning into the work day. Here are a few to kickstart your hunt.
Human Nature vacancies: http://humanheartnature.com/buy/careers
Gawad Kalinga job posts: http://gk1world.com/careers
Don't let your uncertainties, your comfortable life, or your present paycheck derail you from your life's work. Remember, you only have one life, "wild and precious." Make it count!
