This week's musing is about work, which is rather comical since I don’t think I have stopped since Monday. Or at least it sure doesn’t feel like I have.
First, let's talk about what motivates me and my work philosophy.
Work is a means to an end, not an end goal. I am not defined by what I do but by who I am. Life, People, Family, and my relationship with the Creator are at my center. I am not motivated by money and fame. I am an inside-out person. I feed my soul and then give to others. Work is just a small part of that process. I have some essential, non-negotiable life-centering routines that I have made an integral part of my daily life. This keeps me centered.
I have a very strong work ethic. I typically over-deliver, but that is because I want to. At the end of the day, I rest my head and sleep well. I do my best each day. I have learned that my best changes. I am not in a contest with others or myself. We all have external factors that make our best different each day, which is ok. This ethic touch all I do, whether or not I get paid for it. It is a central part of me. "Do all things for God's glory" is my resonating word.
Honestly, I wish there was no such thing as money and the perceived value of things. I would work and be very happy sharing in a community of like-minded givers. I would live in a village of Team players. But reality makes the need to do something for cash real.
I have been self-employed for most of the past 25 years, with a few years of servitude in the middle. For the most part, I have not known when the next check or next client would come. It is a life of uncertainty but one I know how to live. It is not a life for everyone. You have to be disciplined and not fear-based to do this. I live a faith-based life. So, I don’t worry. I also learned years ago to live in a “Day tight Compartment” One question I ask is, Is there enough today? If the answer is yes (and it has been for 25-plus years… then why waste energy on worry.
I currently work part-time at the end of a path of Drafting and Residential Design. I am a specialist in traditional southern design. A few years ago, I was commissioned to write a series of pattern books for a small town's Gateway and historic districts. I wrote it hoping to inspire creativity in other designers. To help them see the patterns in good design that existed in the past and good design today. This led to me purchasing my first DSLR Camera. Today I am embarrassed by the documentary photography in the book, but it was my best at that time. As the sole author, content creator and editor, etc. It is what it is. We all start somewhere, right?
Photography has been a side project from that work, a diversion and heart-feeding process thru the oddities of COVID. But, this year, I am taking another leap. I am working hard to shift my secular focus from homes to nature photography, sharing more beauty with the world. There is a huge learning curve for me in the business aspects of this industry. It is a different beast but can be slain like all dragons! I have lived off the value of a good reputation and word of mouth with little to no need to advertise. I am training to fight this dragon of social media, ever-changing algorithms, SEO, and more and not waste valuable time.
So this week's takeaway is to ask yourself these important questions
What are your work values? Emotional fulfillment (being challenged, helping others, influence, etc.) or External things (high earnings, job security, having adequate time away from work, etc.) or perhaps a little of both.
Does a part-time or full-time position suit you better? Why?
What is your dream job?
Ask Why? Dig deep.
Another day I will tell you about my dream job, something I did a few years ago that paid nothing but was the most fulfilling and adventurous work I have done. I loved it with every fiber of my being. And it has forever changed how I see the world and its people.
I have promised myself and whoever reads these musings short. I am a woman of my word.
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Project - My thoughts and Ramblings
A 52-week Introspective Writing Project - Jan 2023
Week 2 - Work