I had a job that simply was not a right fit for me
It taxed my very soul, and sucked the life out of me. Yet, I fooled myself into thinking it was “wise and safe” to stay there (e.g. regular salary & good benefits), even though people were often fired because of new management or reorganization or…whatever. In other words, it was not necessarily really “wise and safe”. It was not as secure as I pretended to myself.
Unpredictable schedules
Hours were added or dropped or schedules changed so frequently that it was a good idea to only “pencil in” your latest schedule in your calendar, so it could easily be erased. We had to punch in and punch out…docked if a few minutes late, but not paid for a few minutes overtime.
Grateful I had a job
Don’t get me wrong. I was very grateful for a job, and I got along fine with my bosses, but I dreaded going to work. And I was often ill from the stress and lack of sleep because of the scheduling. Often working ’til 9 p.m. one night and having to be back and “punched in” and ready to work at 7 a.m. the next day. We never knew when the schedule would include weekends. That was ever changing as well. I was careful to work hard and to follow the rules, so I didn’t get fired, but I couldn’t SHINE there. Have you experienced any of those things yourself?
Afraid to make the leap
Why was I afraid to make a change? To do what I had dreamed of doing? What about you? Are you feeling the drudge of the daily-ness of your unfulfilling job? Many times the people around us encourage us to be “wise and safe”, so we just stay put…miserable and weary. Sometimes we even give up and stop dreaming altogether. And that is very sad! (I know missionaries especially struggle with the question of being “wise and safe” bumping against answering the call to leave what is widely seen as “wise and safe”).
Is holding on to perceived “job security” affecting you?
Maybe nobody believes in your dream. (First of all, that is because it is YOUR dream so they CAN’T really get it.) And maybe you are supposed to stay put. Maybe there are lessons to be learned no other way. But…maybe…just maybe there is another way. There was for me. There can be for you, too. Have you ever wanted to start your own business? Start a restaurant? Start up your own blog? Write a book? Start a day-care? Open a craft or sandwich shop? Have you felt drawn to travel to foreign lands as a missionary? Be a pastor? A pastor’s wife? Have you shared your dream only to been told it is impossible or silly?
Maybe you WANT to break free, but…
Where do you start? Is that what is preventing you? Not knowing? Or maybe you have already started something you’ve always dreamed of doing, but you are lacking the support system to encourage you to keep going. Maybe you quit on your dream and now feel trapped and that your life can never change. Our God loves the word impossible. I was 60 when I started this journey I have described…So it is NEVER EVER too late. NEVER EVER! Rise up and go for it!
Having a mentor coach is a great plan
First, I had to learn my strengths and then learn to actually embrace them. To stop fighting against my perceived weaknesses (I had to learn that my “weaknesses” are someone else’s strengths, so it’s OK. God’s got it all “covered”.) My mentor coach helped me to train and prepare myself and to plan wisely…walking alongside me to help me keep my focus on my goal and not lose site of my dream. Now–I’m living my dream–in my own business, doing for others what my coach did for me. (Can you hear my happy contented sigh?!) (That can be you, too!)
Quotes from some who took the plunge
”It’s amazing how unsafe being safe is. I think it often leads to such trade-offs of things we are missing out on that it is not perhaps so very safe after all.” (RM)
“You changed my life!” (CL)
Is it time to re-assess your life purpose?
Maybe it is time for YOU to realize being “wise and safe” is not necessarily wise and safe, but rather being stuck outside the realm of God’s best for you. Do you have Job security? Or are you in chains? Why not jump on board to discover what God had in mind when He created you, so you, too, can move forward more confidently into all you were meant to be and do.
I offer a very helpful tool toward discovery
Knowing what God intended when He created you, gives you confidence & courage while the future awaits for you to break forth into the real you. Having that confidence is a very restful/peaceful place to be. You can learn to be at peace with your life. It just takes the courage to take that first step. Remember: So often what appears to be wise from the world’s standpoint, traps you into a lifestyle that is “less than” your Father intended for you, His dear child.
John Trent (co-creator with Rodney Cox) has been on Focus on the Family, discussing Ministry Insights’ Leading From Your Strengths assessments. Prison Fellowship also uses their assessments, as do many others. That’s what I use, too! It is a proven tool to start the ball rolling.
If you want to learn what is RIGHT with you…
Click the red button. Ask me questions. And/or set up a free 1/2 hr. call.
Are you ready? I can’t wait to help you find a new path toward fulfillment!
Thanks for connecting,
Until next time,
God bless you bunches!
Awaiting His shout,
The MomCourager™
