A really good friend of mine (who happens to be super talented and on the edge of unadulterated greatness) was telling me last week about how she was contemplating getting a ‘real’ job.
I was totally blown away. This chick is not just good, she’s freakin’ amazing. If ANYONE has the mad skills to land herself firmly in the Rock Star category, it’s her.
So, after brow-beating her for an hour or so about why she was completely goddamn nuts for even uttering the ‘j’ word (my version of a pep-talk), it got me thinking.
I’m sure that MANY of us are on that very same edge.
The blogosphere is chock-full of people shouting at you about how they can teach you to have the monumental success that they have. At first, we believe, then after six months or so, we start to feel like maybe this whole business-of-our-dreams thing is going to be a little harder than those super-successful people made it sound.
Yeah, I had a feeling you could relate.
It’s this thought that has really inspired me to explore two questions:
Why do you stick with it? And, How can I help you not give up?
Today’s post is really special.
I asked the following question of some of the web’s most driven, successful, and up-and-coming thinkers:
Why do you stick with it and not throw in the towel and get a real job?
Johnny B. Truant
“I’m totally unemployable. I’ve never had a ‘real job,’ and employers would probably find it hard to manage someone who doesn’t understand how to sit in one place all day. The very idea seems absurd. So when you ask me why I never got a ‘real’ job, the answer is that it never occurred to me, in the way it’d never occur to me to sing to a fish if I couldn’t find the TV remote and wanted to change the channel.”
Johnny would like to share The Badass Project with you. I think that would be a pretty damn good idea, ‘cuz it’s pretty spiffy.
Mars Dorian
“Because the only way I can give value to this life is by working for myself. There’s no job in the world that gives me the freedom to create whatever I want, whenever I want. And no matter how hard the challenge will be, I will never never never return to the workforce and slave away – I’d rather die following my purpose !
Even thinking about someone breathing at my neck and telling my what to do makes me want to puke in my mouth !
My work or death, nothing in between !”
Mars has freakin’ unbound energy. His networking guide is one of my favorites on the subject. Check Mars out: The World Needs You!
Ashley Ambirge
“I will not throw in the towel and get a real job because now that I’ve proven to myself that I can do it, there’s no going back. It’s less about criticizing the 9-5 model, and more about consistently challenging myself to do work that’s meaningful, that energizes me, and that makes me feel proud of what I’m doing. How could you turn your back on that?”
Ashley Ambirge is a leader in teaching new entrepreneurs around the world how to leverage the internet in order to market themselves effectively, do work that matters, and make some money, baby! Oh, and she wrote this KILLER little book called, ‘You Don’t Need a Job, You need Guts!’.
Abby Kerr
“I will not throw in the towel and go get a ‘real’ job because I can scale my business any size I want to and that allows me to earn EXPONENTIALLY more on my own than I ever could working in a corporate environment.”
Check out Abby’s incredible signature service: The Lustermaker (I did it, and it was a killer look at all the things I was missing about my business -illana)
Sinclair
“Because…
1. I can best serve my client by designing my own structure to support them in.2. I swear like a trucker – worse actually, because I’m a New Yorker. I know.
3. I see gaping holes in the marketplace, and I can fill them best by working for myself.
4. I will never be dependent on someone else’s approval, or limited by someone’s small vision for me again.
5. Oh! And I will not wear pantyhose, ever again.
6. I don’t stay in one place – I travel at least a week a month, whenever, wherever I want, and I don’t plan ahead. (In the last 12 months: Paris, London, Ireland, New York, San Diego, Oregon Coast, Scotland, LA, Marrakech, Bath-Brighton-Norwich, Bend, Seattle, San Francisco, Maui.)
7. I’ve got world-changing plans, and I’m not going to let anyone stand in my way, least of all a boss.
8. Working for myself is the most challenging, lucrative, and riskiest thing I’ve ever done, and I’m an adrenaline junkie.
9. Entrepreneurs are my favorite people in the whole entire world – I was raised as one, it’s in my blood.
10. I have grown the most, and the fastest, in my interactions with my incredible clients. They’re beautiful human beings, complete powerhouses, and it’s a privilege and an honor to guide them in their businesses and personal growth.
My middle finger salutes you, corporate world. I adore you as a training ground, and as the big machine that spits out newly minted entrepreneurs, but my money’s on them. Us.”If that doesn’t light a fire under you, I don’t know what will! For more Sinclair-ness, check her out at Self Activator. A friend of mine went through her coaching program and says, ” Sinclair is the real damn deal!” Good enough for me.
Corbett Barr
ThinkTraffic.com & CorbettBarr.com
“There was always a little voice in the back of my head telling me, “you’ll never be happy until you give being an entrepreneur a real honest try, to see if you can do it and if you like it.” Once I jumped in with both feet, I found that trying to be an entrepreneur isn’t nearly as scary as it seems at first, and that I’d rather fall on my face a hundred times working for myself than sit in come comfy chair doing work I don’t care about for a giant faceless company.”
Corbett is a super cool dude and a great teacher. I took his Affiliate Marketing for Beginners course and found it to be unbelievably useful.
Jade Craven
“I’ve been at breaking point this past month. If I didn’t start earning an income, I was going to pack it in and get a job. In between worrying about how long it would take to get projects released and earning some moolah, I went on the job boards.
I learned that, due to circumstance, I was ridiculously under-qualified for traditional employment. I would have to train and beg for jobs that would aggravate a mental illness and make my life a major suckfest.
I’m not going to have a normal job, or normal life, and that’s awesome. Self employment is the one way I can contribute to society and be happy. I now have the potential for an effing amazing life. I’m never giving that up :-)”
Jade is offering a KILLER deal to get a nifty little taste of her brand of relationship marketing. So, Want a quickie? Jade is offering $35 email consults. Get in now.
Catherine Caine
“I do not believe that there is a Day Job in the world that allows me to reach my full potential. There would always be some crappy politics or red tape or interpersonal friction that would stop me from being as TOTALLY FREAKING AWESOME as I was meant to be. I’d rather scrub floors than go back to Comfy Deadville.”
Catherine has recently launched a fabulous new course called DIY Magnificence. If you would like to be more magnificent, I suggest you check it out. Catherine is pretty much the expert.
Matthew Kimberley
“OK, so here’s the thing: I will throw in the towel and get a real job, if it’s the choice between not feeding my family and stubbornly ploughing on ahead because I’m determined to “make it on my own.”
I will absolutely go back to serving beer, or selling timeshare holidays, or pumping gas (all of which I’ve done in the past) if it means that my son gets food to eat and shoes to wear.
There is no way I will put professional pride ahead of the welfare of my family. Not ever.
But pride is a strong motivator. And although there’s no shame in washing dishes or de-beaking chickens or entering data into a computer, I’m proud of the work I do today, and mean to stick at it.
When you’re working with the right people, and you’ve got your pricing right, and some structure to the day, and happy to put in the hours and the sweat to get results that you can call your own, there’s little chance of failure.
If your market exists, and you know who they are, and you’re not afraid to tell the world what you know, then you will succeed.
But you can’t always do it on your own.”
Matthew Kimberley is the author of How To Get A Grip and helps small business get more clients, so they don’t have to jack in their dreams and go back to the day job. Call him for a chat. He can help you. Seriously… and he’s really nice. Don’t let the British thing fool you;).
I thought that was a killer final word from the guests, as it really hits home with the one fact that we can all overlook sometimes: Occasionally, things just don’t go as planned. To me being an entrepreneur is as much about taking personal responsibility for our lives as it is about doing our own thing. Personal responsibility means we don’t let the people who depend on us suffer for our pride.
As for me? So glad you asked.
I will not throw in the towel and get a day job because:
1. Selling my time for less than I’m worth doing projects that added zero value to the world felt like a betrayal to the people that have supported and encouraged me all my life.
2. I am not a morning person.
3. My boyfriend is quite amazing. He got an extra job to support me while I got my business off the ground. How could I give up now?
4. I really like being in charge.
5. I have this thing inside me. It’s like an angry little biker chick cross-bred with a teeny tiny little toddler. She throws a tantrum when she doesn’t get what she wants and will beat the crap out of anyone who tells her what to do. I call her Sheila. Sheila would like me to do something amazing with my life. She’s allergic to cubicle wall fuzz and will kick my ass if I ever give in.
And finally…
Life is too short to spend it NOT doing something that makes me feel wonderful.
So, what stops YOU from throwing in the towel and getting a real job? Leave a comment… inspire more people!
Experienced 3 layoffs from 2007-2010. Relocated my family from MI to CO for a job. Traveled every week, first 4 of 16mths (M-F away from family). Turned around their CO site in every measure. Terminated with 2 days severance, based on fabrication, in retaliation for my Whistle Blower claims. Searched for 3mths, offered a job last wk, emailed request for higher base day aftger offer (though indicated would take offer), after 5 days no reply, they rescinded their offer. This from a $20B multi national co. Message delivered from a 25yr old internal recruiter, who’s tone “were going in a different direction”, made me sick.
I’ve never read a blog, tweeted or joined FB. Your’s is the first. Thanks for doing what you do…Lee
Sorry about all the strife… unfortunatly, it’s a common story these days. In any case, welcome to the blogosphere! How did you find lil’ old makeness?
Thank you, Illana, this is awesome. Excellent timing, too, as I’m reminding myself every day why I would rather sell my furniture than give up. I have something people need and want! And I love what I do. And I want to do more of it.
And my mom reads my blog, too. :)
Hey, Illana.
Okay first:
Sheila scares me a little.
Okay. A lot. (me not making eye contact.) :P
Second:
Reasons why I won’t throw in the towel and get a real job:
1: My wife believes in me, and in my potential.
I know entrepreneurs who don’t have that support from their spouse. It makes ALL the difference.
2: I’ve stood at the edge of the cliff several times. And backed off, rather than leaped.
Even though I’ve been an entrepreneur since college (graduated in 97), it was always my “side hustle”.
So I never gave it my all. Even if I thought I was doing so.
After the 3rd layoff in 6 years though, I knew that I simply would never work for someone else again.
We can give people logical reasons as to WHY they should not throw in the towel.
But everyone has to travel their own journey. And reach that level of inner certainty, on their own.
No one can make the decision for us.
It’s only after we’ve made the decision as to which path we belong on, that fellow travelers can chip in with resources to help us travel that road.
Great post – very valuable.
Bolaji O.
Bolaji.
Well put Bolaji! I really connect with what you mean about finding your own path. Inspiration and advice only goes so far. We all have our own set of have to’s in life that are sometimes valid and sometime not. I think the key is separating the ones that are fear based from the ones that make us responsible adults.
Liking your site, btw:)
Great post Illana – again! The timing is perfect for me. I’ve been working my butt off developing and launching a new product and I’ve been thinking to myself “Is it worth it? I could make more money in a couple of weeks in corporate land! Wouldn’t it be easier to just get a J.O.B.?”
Then I read your blog post and gave myself a good slap around the head!
Being a business owner is bloody hard work and anyone who tells it different is either not being honest or not making any money!
The thing that makes me stick at it rather than throwing in the towel is the freedom of choice. I decide what, when, how and who. If I feel like having a nap at 2pm, I can. Sure there are consequences (like, I might over-sleep & miss school pick-up!) but if I want to I can. I don’t have to get permission from anyone. I just make a choice.
Thanks
Sing it sister! …those 2pm naps are worth a hell of a lot more than Casual Friday! ….do they have that in Australia? Seems like a lame American thing…. Corporate America wears khakis instead of suits on Fridays. LAME!!!
Oh yes we have Casual Friday too and yes it means swapping suits for Khakis or wearing a suit but…NO TIE!!! ;)
lol… Dumbest. Thing. Ever. If that’s not motivation to stay out of the job market, I don’t know what is.
holy effing crap. words of amazing awesomeness from most of my favorite bloggers i follow. man, you guys are really the ish.
i still work at a job. i think i have been trying to escape that reality for about 10 or so years now. i am a single father, so, although i have thought about it several times, up and quitting just doesn’t feel safe.
oh but how i wish to.
and the more i read things like this, the more the vision of what i DO want my life to become crystallizes.
thanks again for the inspiration.
Stick to your path dude! You’ll get there. And kudos for being a good dad! All of our circumstances are so different, and being there for family always comes first. You’ll get where you’re going when the time is right.
Thank you for this post, Illana. Here’s to staying strong, being patient and persevering! :)
Enthralling post, Illana! Sometimes getting a barista side job is almost tempting, but then I’m like, what the hell am I thinking, crazy hours for that little pay? SURELY I can put the time to better use and investment in creating my own value? Yeah… I’m bookmarking this for future reference :P
TOTALLY! I mean I spent a LOT of years making some perfect cappuccinos for total ass-bags…making $8.00 per hour. My dues are paid. Time to make dreams happen, right?!?
I’ve been struggling lately with this predicament – Do I go back? It comes down to the lifestyle I want to have. Going back gives me the $ for the lifestyle I want, but not the time. Continuing to be an entrepreneur gives me the time, but not the $ (yet). What’s more important at this stage in my life? The time.
It’s hard when I am contacted to go back to my old industry – I become tempted – but ultimately I always reject. I know what I want and that is a beautiful thing. I can’t do what I want under corporate rule.
There is a huge difference between can’t and won’t. I choose won’t.
I SO hear you. It wasn’t so long ago that my boyfriend alternated between… “PLEASE go get a job!” (when bills were due), and, “STEP AWAY from the Craigslist!” …when he remembered how awesome I am…lol:)
You can do it…just stick with it sister! Time is worth SO much more than money. There is always more money, but never more time.
DAMN! I loved reading this! You “young world changing whipper-snappers” are my kinda people! I gotta say somethin’ here….Illana was my reason for being an entrepreneur. No, it wasn’t reading her wonderful writing that turned me into a go getter, although, I love her writing. It was because she was 7 years old and needed to eat. I was a single mom and painting signs in a small town. So how does a mom who wants to be home, as much as she can with her wonderful kid make a living and have her cake too? She hustles her ass off! Some things are in the genes, some are in the motivation, like all of you have stated. Sometimes it’s fear of no food on the table, sometimes it’s fear of letting your loved ones down, sometimes it’s that burning sensation that gnaws at you telling you how great you are, and the list goes on and on. I almost gave in once, after about 10 years! The economy took a tank and I went for a job interview. As I drove to the interview, I imagined myself doing it everyday to the same place at the same time. I made it to the interview and it was over in 5 minutes. On my way home I stopped and hustled a new client. That was 15 years ago. You guys rock. Keep rockin’, keep pushin’, keep doin’ what your doin’. But try to plan for some kind of retirement. My small words of wisdom from someone who never had enough earnings to do that. I’ll be workin’ til I drop dead or this next biz plan works …with the help of Illana’s wisdom and yours.
My mommy loves me. How cool is it that my mom reads my blog? Does your mom read your blog? My mom is cooler than you mom! HA!
Thanks Sweetie…It’s nice to know the apple hasn’t fallen far from the tree. I am proud of you and what you are doing. I always thought you’d look at me and never want to do what I do because you saw how hard it was. I’m honored that you are goin’ for it…in your own way.
I’m not a morning person either! And while I occasionally grow wistful for the days of blowing money on crap at Target, I’d much rather enjoy my morning coffee in the company of my cats and get to work when I dang well feel like it.
I’ve also a bit of Frank Sinatra in me and will ALWAYS do it my way, so that’s a heck of a lot easier when I’m the boss. My clients appreciate that about me and hire me because of it. The fact that I don’t wear a suit has gotten me more clients of the ilk I’d like to work with than silly jargon and sales pitches.
Thanks for a great post!
Well put. I shall call you Blue Eyes from now on.
Great post, a reminder I really needed right now… Thanks so much!
I’ve been a freelance writer and photographer most of my life. Every time I’m almost lured away to the comfort and security of a “real job,” I come to the conclusion you nailed here: “Selling my time for less than I’m worth doing projects that added zero value to the world felt like a betrayal to the people that have supported and encouraged me all my life.”
I couldn’t have worded it better. I believe I was put on this earth to do exactly what I’m doing right now. I believe I have a shot at making a difference in the world. I wake up excited to begin the day, because I’ve carefully chosen my projects to dovetail with my interests and core beliefs.
I have nothing against the 9-5 world, but in my heart, I know I’m where I’m supposed to be.
Well-put yourself, Lady! And judging from you STUNNING work, I have to agree with you! Just spent some time on Your website… thanks for the eye candy!
I love every minute of every day that I get to work with my amazing clients or on my business. I have never been this happy in my life. I was successful in corporate – and even liked some of my jobs – but I know that I could never made the kind of contribution that I do now on a daily basis.
Illana,
This is an awesome post! My philosophy on life is exactly what these folks are talking about! I love it..
Thanks for bringing these bloggers together for this post, they are crushing it!
My pleasure Steve! Totally digging your site’s vibe! It was a fabulous little collaboration, glad you enjoyed it!
Getting a job is not my thing. I always feel that I’m building my dreams. Working for somebody will be building somebody’s dream.
For many people it’s hard to do what we do, but in my case I think it’s harder to do what they do.
Every time somebody ask me what I do, they tell me that I’m lucky. For me that means I’m doing something right.
Great post, I really like it.
Hey Ricardo! Thanks for the comment. I think that it’s a great point that when you work for someone else, you are helping them make their dream happen. I SO hear that!
Nice site, btw… now I know who to but the next time I break my blog!
Thank you.
I don’t remember where I got that quote, but I love it too.
No problem, shoot me an email if you need anything :)