Q: During the years that I have been raising my children I have been fortunate to be able to work in a direct sales business that has allowed me the flexibility to put my children’s needs first and still earn an income. It has not always been easy but it has worked well for the family as a whole. My youngest son just started Middle School and I’m wondering if it’s time to make some changes. How do I know if and when it is time to do so?
A: I find it amazing how fast the elementary school years fly! I would encourage you to look inward as a way to decide how to move forward. Often we know exactly when it is time to make a change, but we resist doing so because of outward pressures. My guess is that people around you are telling you – “look at how much time and energy you have invested in this business, how can you change directions?” or maybe you’re hearing, “you don’t need to work, why not just relax and enjoy the fruits of your labor?” Be sure to listen to your inner voice. It is not wrong. Or it may be that you want to stay right where you are, but those around you are encouraging a change. As you make your decision, do pay attention to a few areas.
1. Choose to focus on your true skills and abilities, not just the ones that you have learned to use effectively out of necessity. Focus on what you love to do. For example, you may have become a very effective sales person, but what you really love to do is train others to sell.
2. Be aware of your personality style. Our personality style truly affects how much joy we get out of life. Someone who is a true extrovert most likely will not enjoy a career with very little person to person interaction and vice versa.
3. Most importantly, chose to follow your dreams and passions. This is where you will find the most joy.
Joseph Campbell said, “The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are.” So in any decision you make, be sure it is based in who you are so that you may live a privileged life.