I write this article on a day when I have finally decided to follow my dreams. Yes. It is time to burn the bridges and stop living somebody else's dream and vision for me. On this day, I say NO:-
-to societal perception.
- to the safe and boring life.
- to the blind pursuit of goals which were set for me, even before I could set my own.
So, to put it straight - I have
decided to self-employ myself. I will not go into details, as it will narrow the scope of the article. Let's just say that - I have decided to do what I love doing and earn my livelihood from the same.
Ans: Happiness.
PART1:-
Big pay, Respect among Peers, Risk-Free career and all the other such things often associated with fixed-paying jobs, will become irrelevant for you in a very short span of time.
The only thing that will mater is - Do you really enjoy doing what you do ?
Or let's rather see how most people end up spoiling their lives. By doing something they don't really love doing for 9-12 hours a day, day in day out for 30-35 years of their lives.
The philosophy that such people present is that of a safe career, assured monthly inflow of money and respect in society. They will never talk about the kind of work you are supposed to do for the best part of your life. I caution my readers that this description that you get- is from a third person angle !!
It feels nice to be praised for the things you do, the job description you possess. But unless you really like doing what you do, even a praise letter from The President of India, will not lift your spirits.
I will give you an example. Before I proceed, just a note that I don't have anything against Bankers or the Banking industry as such. I have referenced them just for the sake of example.
People tell you to become a PO(manager) in a bank. They give further arguments saying:- Its a First Class Officer Job, Will have good money with DA (dearness allowance) etc. etc. etc...
Have they ever talked about the work you are supposed to do? If you ask them, they will counter you saying - "It's a relaxed job. Lot of Free time. etc etc etc.".
As human beings, we have this basic tendency to observe, learn and explore. We were not made to be sitting free. It might look like a good life for a few days, weeks or even a few months. But as a year passes by, you get to experience the first signs of a "safe" job - BOREDOM.
You say to yourself - "I will do something part-time". But with a 10-6 job, you quickly realize the uselessness of such ideas. Then comes FRUSTRATION. And it not just comes, but settles down permanently in your life.
Not only this, when you are not happy from the inside, it will show up on the outside as well. The next event in the overall series of unfortunate events, will be, yes you guessed it right - "Strained Relationships! ".
Well......Do I have your attention now ?
So allow me to expand on the concept of "Strained Relationships".
You see, any person who is stuck in the drudgery of meaningless work for 1/3rd of his\her day, is bound to be a little "Off" when he\she returns home. The usual or humanly reactions that are expected from the person by his near and dear ones will not come. He\She will exude - "listlessness" and "lack of interest" in each and every one of his\her actions. You don't have to be a Business Analyst to predict the next event - Complaints from your closed ones resulting into Strained Relations.
You will feel helpless when it comes to the following things:-
Not only this, when you are not happy from the inside, it will show up on the outside as well. The next event in the overall series of unfortunate events, will be, yes you guessed it right - "Strained Relationships! ".
Well......Do I have your attention now ?
So allow me to expand on the concept of "Strained Relationships".
You see, any person who is stuck in the drudgery of meaningless work for 1/3rd of his\her day, is bound to be a little "Off" when he\she returns home. The usual or humanly reactions that are expected from the person by his near and dear ones will not come. He\She will exude - "listlessness" and "lack of interest" in each and every one of his\her actions. You don't have to be a Business Analyst to predict the next event - Complaints from your closed ones resulting into Strained Relations.
You will feel helpless when it comes to the following things:-
- Doing what you like.
- Earning more.
- Appearing happy when you really aren't.
- Appearing happy when you really aren't.
- Looking forward to an exhilarating day at the office.
All you are left with is a "safe" job. So, now it's your call.
PART2:-
Now:-
Let's see the other side.
You decide to gauge your strengths and likes and start doing what you like. You start your own business.
It can be anything:-
Product Manufacturing.
Software Development.
Event Management.
Teaching and Coaching.
Media and Advertisement.
etc etc etc.
I have already described the fate of those who do what they don't like doing. Let's move on to the more fortunate ones:-
1) I would like to take this opportunity to debunk the popular opinion that - "you will fail most of the times while doing your own business."
I beg to differ. As long as you like what you are doing and don't quit after the initial setbacks, you are bound to emerge victorious. Because:-
- You will bring in creativity.
- You will be willing to go the extra mile.
- You will be willing to learn associated new skills.
These things hone your skills and personality and make you better with each passing day. This is a sureshot way to success.
2) You have the pleasure of doing what you like. There are no compulsions. There are no half-hearted efforts. And of course there are no Monday-Blues !
3) You have the freedom of time. But of course, this freedom comes with the responsibility of time-management.
4) This point is for those (including me), who really do give a damn about their pay-package.
Let us assume that you decide to follow your dream. You are bound to become an expert at what you do. The quality and commitment displayed in your work, will separate you from the rest. You will soon find yourself as the most preferred person in your professional Ecosystem.And yes, the money will then flow and you won't even notice buying the AUDIs and the BMWs. Right now, they are parked somewhere, waiting for their worthy owners. :-).
Many would disagree with what I feel. Some would say that their family conditions don't allow them to pursue their dreams. In that case, the very fact that they fulfill a mission to support their families can become a source of happiness for them.Had it been the case with me, I would have worked the conventional way for a few years and kept a watch out for opportunities of my liking. And would have made career switch the moment I felt that there would at least be the minimum inflow of money to sustain my family. Risk and Temporary shortage of money (Please note that I have used the word 'shortage' and not 'absence'), should not deter you from taking the plunge.This is the way to go.
Depending on the seriousness of one's circumstances each one of us is entitled to make one's own choices.
But there is a difference between excuses and genuine problems. My intention is not to offend anyone who in any way is associated with the symptoms described above. I only want them to stop for a moment and think through their options. Do they really need to put themselves through all this? What's the end result?
I call upon them to make the right choice, not the best choice.
"Best" is only a perception that will fade faster than it takes this page to load on your browser.
All the Best,
Ashish Mishra
