Making A Living & A Life

One of life's big unanswered questions...

How do I make a living while still trying to make a life?

I don't know that anyone has the answer to that one.  But I do have a suggestion.
What if instead of trying to "make a living," you work on "living the life you've been making?"

I worked a job for nearly 5 years where I spent all of my time at the job, and then the frustrations of the job were so taxing that I couldn't leave them at work. Thus, work became home and home never felt nice.  But, to pay the bills and "live," I had to continue to work.  I asked myself, "Why am I working so hard just to make a paycheck and in the end still feeling miserable?"

Simple answer...It wasn't what I wanted.

For some, their job may be perfect.  It may suit their needs and challenge them enough to feel fulfilled.  For me, it was the opposite.  It didn't help me meet my goals.  It didn't help me become a better person.  It didn't give me the freedom to still be Mom.  I was so exhausted, mentally and physically, that at the end of the day all I wanted was to see and spend time with my family, but I didn't have the energy for it.   I struggled with that.  Just about the only thing I could manage to do was pay the bills, yet somehow still, I always felt financially strapped.

Finally, I found my "calling" and pursued it.  Once my company got going I again asked myself, "Is it possible to make a living while still trying to make a life?"

For those non-entrepenuers out there, starting your own business isn't cheap.  It isn't a "get-rich-quick" scenario either.  It is a long road of blood, sweat, and tears.  And it doesn't come without deep sacrifice.  So once I became established and started, once again, "making a living" I was reminded of a quote I thoroughly reflect on.

Seth Godin once wrote, "Are you obsessed, or just making a living?"

Now, from a professional stand point I ask myself this and believe that I am truly obsessed with my profession.  It's not just a job for me.  It's a way of life.  It's a gospel I preach to my clients, my friends, and my family.  I understand that not everyone has the means to just pick up and start over, but ask yourself, "What can be changed to make my life more livable?"  Physically being there just isn't enough.  How can you change and improve?  If you don't love what you do, does that reflect outside of work?  Your attitude, your demeanor, your patience-those all become compromised no matter how hard you try.

Now, from a personal stand point I view this much differently.   So, for me, by becoming "truly obsessed" with my profession-becoming the best I can and then bettering myself-I go home to a loving family where I can reciprocate positive feelings and behaviors, because I feel good about myself and I what I do as an individual and professional.
I can earn a paycheck and still have the freedom to be there on Halloween for my kid's class party.  I may not have $100k in the bank, but I don't stress about the little things anymore, and the bills always get paid.  I can leave work at work.  I can slow down and enjoy the life I have and stop taking it for granted.  I can take time for myself and still make time for others.  I may not be able to take long and elaborate vacations whenever I want to, but when I go home after work I can spend long and devoted hours to my family.  And I'm happy to be doing it.

I may not be rich, but I'm making my life...and I'm living it too.