It’s the 4th of July weekend and so I hope everyone reading this (regardless of which country you may be currently in), are enjoying great time with friends and family. But considering it is the 4th, I was thinking about the word ‘freedom’, and also contemplating how often the word is used by bloggers and entrepreneurs all over the world regarding our daily lives and what we do to make a living.
You see, there is a trend out there to make it appear that working a ‘normal’ 9-5 job is a bad thing–that having a set schedule, working under someone else, and not being able to come and go as one pleases, is a sign of servitude and a lifestyle that must be escaped at all cost.
Now don’t get me wrong here. I love the lifestyle of being an entrepreneur. It fits me wonderfully. I love pushing myself, encountering new risks each day, taking charge of my own destiny, and dreaming dreams that could only evolve from my oddly spasmodic cerebral cortex.
But despite all these qualities that make me who I am and motivate me to reach for something greater on a daily basis, I’ve not lost this simple understanding:
Working 9-5 isn’t the enemy to happiness.
In fact, I know many, many people that feel utterly fulfilled and enriched by working their ‘normal’ 9-5 jobs. And to these people I say– ‘God bless ya!’
This whole idea of being fulfilled by work and by life is not about schedules really. And it’s not about bosses either. Rather, I believe it comes to one great core principle:
PASSION
Who can fault the man or woman that get up each morning with a smile to teach his or her 2nd grade elementary school class skills that will impact them the rest of their lives?
Who can fault the man or woman who works for corporate America and eats, breaths, and loves everything that comes with such a lifestyle?
Who can fault the person who gets up each day and is thrilled by installing swimming pools that will provide laughter and smiles for a family for years and years to come? (I’m biased regarding this one)
Everyone can have passion about their work, it’s just a matter of finding their right job—their calling. It bothers me when I read other bloggers who seem to misunderstand this incredibly relevant concept.
We are all different. We have been wired with completely unique schematics. The idea that one lifestyle, perhaps the ‘adventurous’ one, is better for ALL is utterly ridiculous and nearsighted.
So instead of talking about how good or bad certain jobs and lifestyles are, maybe we should just focus on passion, and making sure each and every one of us can find that job—the one that brings us smiles, happiness, and fulfillment each day—no matter how ‘unliberating’ it may appear to others.
So during this time of independence celebration, it is my wish that other than remembering the incredible founders of this country, each and every one of us can find freedom in our lives by living and breathing the activities that bring us the most joy and happiness.
Agree or disagree? As always, your comments are invited and appreciated.
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
Excellent point Marcus!
It isn’t the work itself that is the problem, the fact is that a 9-5 job can be at least as fulfilling as a private business.
One of the largest problems today is that we have gotten into a habit of complaining, we complain about our jobs but we don’t do anything about it.
It’s not as though we are complaining because we think it is going to make a difference, usually we complain just for the sake of complaining.
I love to see a person really passionate about their job or business.
The fact that they have chosen to be happy (and yes it is a choice) is one to admire.
.-= Daniel M. Wood´s last blog ..5 Things You Can do Today to Start Increasing Your Income =-.
‘Complaining for the sake of complaining’…..isn’t that the truth Daniel! And what a cancer that can be…..and YES, it is a choice…well put my friend.
I agree with both you and Daniel. While certain passions might lead to a person being more productive, having more free time, or whatever else, the ideal really needs to be a movable target. Americans tend to associate freedom with having a lot of choices…do I want to work 9-5, every other day, night and weekends, whenever I choose, etc, etc, etc? That being the case, choosing 9-5 because that is what you feel is best for you should be seen as no less good or bad than choosing one of the other options.
Have a great 4th, Marcus!
.-= Eric Pratum´s last blog ..Personal vs Career Brand- Why I Switched =-.
Hi Eric,
I think you just hit the needle on the head.
The most important pursuit in life is the pursuit of happiness.
.-= Daniel M. Wood´s last blog ..5 Things You Can do Today to Start Increasing Your Income =-.
Thanks for stopping by Eric, much obliged and your comment is on-point:
Choices does NOT necessarily equal freedom…..well said my friend.
Great one Marcus and great comments guys! I was changed forever by the book “Man’s Search for Meaning” by Vitkor Frankl, renowned psychologist who spent a great deal of time in Nazi concentration camps. He founded the school of logotherapy in psychology that essentially states that a persons degree of happiness in this life correlates with the meaning they ascribe to being here. Goes to show that the passion we have for this life goes a long way in determining how we spend it. Thanks again!
Jason, thanks for your thoughts brother. Frankl understands the words ‘happiness’ and ‘fulfillment’ I believe as well as anyone that ever lived. Great stuff!
I think we often look at our “occupations” as the make or break to our happiness. Life can become a lot simpler for me when I live by a simple rule: Love God and Love others. I think I read that somewhere. For me, this is something I can do in all areas of my life especially work. When I concentrate on this ideal it is always a win. This is how I choose to find happiness whether I am loving “the work” or not. It has been amazing to meet people working in factory style 9 to 5ers that have found amazing happiness by being the person of positive influence to those around them. It is infectious and awesome to be around. Our gifts can be used in any occupation, if we keep our eyes open to the opportunities. Thanks for ideas Marcus!
Amen Justin!
Love what you’re saying here and your Motto rocks as well. Like you say, we just gotta keep our eyes open to the opportunities.