The Self, Employed
Almost 20 years it has been, since I last worked for an employer. And a few years longer, since the moment I decided I was going to take that step to independence. Actually it was a giant leap. Why did I take it? Three of my main motivations back then were:
Passion: I wanted to do something that was close(r) to my heart/self
Freedom: Working for an employer was fine for the first years, but I couldn’t picture myself doing that until retirement
Purpose: The field I wanted to move towards, was in high need of a different angle and approach. And I had (and still have) the conviction that I could contribute to that in a positive way
So no, this step was not a matter of days, weeks or even months. Study, education and honing the craft while still having to provide and pay the bills is not done overnight. Big mistake no.1 in an attempt to do a 180 was quitting the well paid job before having another source of income until my new business would open. A little overconfident that all would be ok. There is nothing wrong with trusting your heart and journey, but I could have been more cautious there. Even when your own business has started, it mostly isn’t profitable right away.
Fast forward
Once everything settled and business was up I told myself (and others) that I would never go back to working for a boss and being told what to do. This is a pitfall though and a potential big mistake no.2. A new space like Crypto/NFTs is volatile for sure, but don’t forget that global economy and your own business go through waves as well. So don’t consider yourself ‘too big’ to look for other sources of income like a side job, when business is slower for a prolonged period of time. It’s nothing more than means to an end.
It is a fine line you’re balancing there and not all black and white. A personal judgement call. Just don’t let your mind be clouded by a combination of only hope, pride & ego. I have been there and probably will be a few times in life. Because that is close to my character and in my mind I can deal with a great deal of stress and uncertainty.
Which is true, but I could have saved myself a whole lot of both, had I been more practical.
As much as I will deny that it happened to me, you do not want to have those financial worries or secondary stress taking away focus and joy from your craft and business. Especially because it is close to your heart and Self, clouding that can make you doubt both your passion and purpose. At minimum it will have an effect on your quality of work and presentation.
Passion? You have our full lack of support!
Though a shift is visible, following your heart and passion and the desire to generate income with that isn’t exactly motivated by society.
Isn’t that more of a hobby kind of thing?
Are you sure you gonna leave the security of a job?
But that’s a whole different direction. You are wasting your years of experience!
We are brainwashed into this idea of school/get-a-job/pay-your-bills/retirement/die. Preferably a job that society deems as fit and will look good on your resume. Spend 5 days a week in an office. And work your way up to a management position.
“Society doesn’t tell me what to do!” Well sometimes society is closer to us than we think. I am talking parents, relatives and yes even our spouses/partners. Often they are your very first Fudders. Sometimes they are only thinking from their own perspectives and the consequences it has for them. Mostly they are not coming from a bad place, but they have been as much subject to the brainwashing as we have. So the ingrained fear they have had themselves, is handed down to us.
Of course there are exceptions. Motivating parents* and partners who support you through thick and thin. The above is simply my experience and what I have often witnessed close to me and on a broader scale.
Ok, is this supposed to be a motivational blog?
Lmao, you are right. So to this very day I have been doing what I love and the other way around. Not a single regret whatsoever on taking that leap. Not buts, seriously living the dream. I am not even thinking about retirement. I hope to practice what I do until the day I die.
Doing what I am passionate about and having control over my own schedule gives me much freedom. And not unimportant, a decent living. Financial freedom? Not by a long shot. With the right mindset I am very sure I will gain that position with something else. Crypto or the Art and NFT-space? Very well possible. At least I enjoy exploring this route. Which has become an integral part of my journey at this moment.
Find your passion, walk your path
You do you. Whether you are an Artist or Collector, be brave enough to jump. Chase that dream. Yes, you will have to be willing to work your a$$ off. Do not give up when things don’t immediately go the way you planned. There will be failures, it will take time. Sometimes you will have to zoom out on what certain things mean. You are walking a path of dreaming combined with brutal honesty. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Witness. Learn from your own mistakes and those of others. But be especially inspired by the successes you see. Define what success is for you. Whatever your goals are, you can and will attain them.
Be flexible and resilient. But for God’s sake take that leap. Keeping all the disclaimers above in mind, do take risks. In contrast to SOL sometimes, you can’t really over-invest time, energy & care in yourself. The biggest gamble in life is whether you look back with a smile on your deathbed or regret the things you haven’t done. Take that bet on yourself and Roll The f*#king Dice.
* Listen for example to Neverland’s convo with Papa Moomoo in Malbec w Moomoo here
* Featured image Roll The Dice by Cendan Claiborne
* Second image Ego Bully by RedRabbitCult