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View Full Version : Brand new, clean slate, guidance appreciated


mglkensington
10-05-2007, 02:47 AM
Hi, I’m brand new to this site, and I’m only half way through the 4HWW. But I have some questions that are just totally distracting me as I read, because I feel a little unsure about how to apply some of the principles in the book to my own life, since I don’t really fit the examples. I am a 25 year-old woman and I have a bachelor’s degree in Field Biology. I did some graduate work, but I’ve had a major change of heart, I switched career directions, and now I’m trying to fulfill one of my passions as a writer. I am not in science anymore in a career-oriented way; I love the outdoors and spend a great deal of time studying the natural world though. However, this is not my concern. I am more than happy with my choices and my educational background. I know what my strengths are and I have very clear dreams of how I want my life to be.

So I'm completely starting over. I'm unemployed because I just recently got out of school, and I am in a rather critical situation with debt from student loans and living expenses. So, immediate income is vital. That's the downside. But the upside is, I have this kind of blank-slate. I’m dreamlining, and working through the book, but none of the examples seem to fit an unemployed and in-debt inexperienced person. Currently, I’m with a temp agency, but I could do temp-to-permanent, or apply for a higher-profile, more involved job outside of the temp agency. My idea with the temp work was that it was less involved, therefore affording me an opportunity to focus on starting a new business on the side. I have no idea what that business will bet yet and I have no business training whatsoever, and I have never even done bookkeeping before. But I’m not worried about finding inspiration or motivation. I just want to know what the best next move would be for me.

So, am I in a good position, because I’m already unemployed, and therefore never have to worry about extricating myself from a job in the first place, or, in order to fit the immediate need for income, should I take a job somewhere, anywhere, and if so, should it be any kind of job, or something really challenging? But I can also see how accepting an interim job that is unfocused might be a real step in the wrong direction for a number of reasons, one being that I would not want to lose momentum. But it would also be easy to leave such a position as soon as things picked up. If a large part of the message in the 4HWW is to free myself from such a job, do I really want to apply in the first place? That being said, I also realize that another emphasis in the book is working remotely, and not only just owning your own business, so I do understand that.

Am I at a good point to just try to tough it out, and do violin gigs (I play violin) to pay the bills and work on developing a business, or would it be better to just take a position somewhere and develop my 4HWW on the side? I plan on getting married within the next 2 years as well, so I want to solidify my business as soon as possible.

I have so much in my background to draw from, as it involves everything from music to science. I know I want to find a way to use them- in a way that is fulfilling and also provides freedom. I know and have known for a long time, that a cubicle 9-5 existence would not serve me, or others. I also have rheumatoid arthritis which is a limiting factor for how much stress I should allow in my life. I want to be in a place in life where I can give to others, play my violin, write, and my ultimate dream- own land and work with horses.

I am not afraid to work, and I am also willing to work that “cubicle” job for a time, and do what is necessary to accomplish my goals. I just don't want to be sucked in. I want to apply the principles in the 4HWW book, and I just want to make the best use of my time. I need some advice, because I’m about to make a move with accepting or declining a particular temp-to-hire receptionist job.

I’m willing to do my homework and develop a new career. I also have no idea about what kind of a business I should have (I'm enjoying this process in the book), but I know I can communicate, write, and interface with people, and I know as I continue to research and network I will know how to make it happen. So, there’s my situation. Thank you again so very much for your time. Any help is greatly appreciated.:) Since I'm new to the site, I will also be researching on here a lot too, and hopefully pick up a lot of good suggestions from other posters. Thanks again! :)

** sorry I just realized this should be posted in the other thread, for "getting started" and I didn't see it before. But- I'm open to suggestions regardless.

cynthie
10-07-2007, 05:45 AM
You are thinking too much. I understand where you are coming from. I have been unemployed. I have been employed.

Think on this:

What excites you? What is exciting for you to do? Don't do what everyone else expects.

Work temporary, bartend, or otherwise until you find out what you want. Do what you need to do to make ends meet, but work on your own definition of "work". You can start your own business - you'll learn or outsource along the way. If this is too much for you at the moment, you will gain experience from permanent work. It's the journey that counts. You sound like you may want something challenging to work on.

I'm speaking from a spot where I'm shackled to my job with obligations, expectations, and most everyone else running my life. I'm reading the book to create my own NR definition.

Good Luck with it!