One Girl Revolution

Money, not love, is what makes the world go round, for the most part. Before money was invented, I could probably have offered a bunch of old clothes in exchange for a new pair of jeans, or turned over my old computer equipment and got myself an iPod Touch.

How can someone figure out which money-making path is right for them? There are a number of tracks available, and from where I’m sitting, it looks like most people believe it’s a trade-off between earning lots of money and not having to answer when Work shows up on your Caller ID at all hours of the day and night. I refuse to believe this, with all the young-person stubbornness I can muster.

I’ll let you all in on a little secret. Up until the age of around 16, the only career path I’d had in mind was to be an actress. Nothing else called to me like the stage and screen. Of course, living in the Armpit (as I lovingly refer to my hometown), with a scornful family, I couldn’t go to auditions, and so my dream died, to be replaced by “well, guess it’s writing for me!”

That was how I decided I wanted to be a writer. It was something I was good at, something I enjoyed and something I thought I could do at my own pace. Of course, now I’m actually trying to write one of the many children’s books I’ve had in my head for the last decade, I’m finding it much harder. The words just don’t want to come out. Yes, folks, this is why I have returned to blogging. Clumsily putting my fingers back to keyboard, and I’m so rusty at it that I practically creak. I will get better at it, I promise. Just got to find my rhythm.

Finding Your Own North Star: Cover

One career book I have been given and actually liked was Finding Your Own North Star by Martha N. Beck. You can find it on Amazon here, and rest assured that there is no Affiliates link lurking there. I’ve not signed up yet.

“Do you feel that your life has taken a wrong turn and you don’t know how to get back on track? This book provides a step-by-step programme to put you on course again. Aimed at everyone, it shows you how to recognise your deepest desires, examines why they have been forgotten and then gives practical advice on how to fulfil them. Helps you identify your dreams and goals. Lets you repair unconscious beliefs and emotional wounds that may be blocking your progress. Provides a map to guide you through your life changes. Takes you through every stage from recognising your dream to planning its implementation. Motivates you throughout with thoroughly tested case studies, questionnaires, and exercise. Written with inspiration, wit and wisdom, Finding Your Own North Star is a trusted companion for your new life journey.” – From Amazon.co.uk.

The exercises in the book are great. Here’s a taster based loosely on a task from the book: Write down your Worst Work Scenario. Think about the time of day you hate the most, the hours you find really draining to work, think about doing your most detested task, think about being surrounded by the people you really can’t stand. You know the ones. Write their names.

Now imagine that situation is the one you will be stuck in for the rest of your working life. Imagine it strongly. Now imagine those hated people expect you to actually just be grateful you’re getting a paycheck at all in these trying economic times. Feel that tightening? That’s how to recognise the job you just won’t fit in.

Now do the opposite. Think of your ideal work scenario. For me, it’s a bright, airy office with plants and even cushions. Think about your ideal colleagues – easygoing, willing to help… and the same for your boss. Imagine the people you love smiling at you, being happy that you’re happy. Imagine loving your work.

Pay attention to those sensations, mental and physical. That’s how to spot a job you’ll love.

I’m still a long way off finding anything resembling my dream job. I’ve got university to go through yet, and for the next three years will probably be sleepless and teary. But I’ve got my list and I know what I’m heading for.

Because I figure… when you’re doing something that makes your world go round… money is just a nice bonus.

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