Comments on: 10 Scary-but-Exciting Reasons to Work for Yourself

By: Ali

Ali — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:35:36 +0000

Cheers Jon! Glad you liked the title. And wow, congratulations on being a working-for-yourself veteran … I’m a year-and-a-bit in (can’t imagine going back, though). I think I work harder too, though part of that is being able to take on more non-work activities, in my church and my university.

I don’t believe that self-employment is the right choice for everyone, but I think it works well for a lot of folks, and it can be hugely enriching and empowering.

By: Jon

Jon — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:08:22 +0000

Hey Ali, I don’t think you could have come up with a better title! I’ve been working for myself for the last five years or so. It was hard getting work at first but it all came together in the end. I work harder than I ever did as an employee but I’m much more motivated and that’s what counts for me. I’ve huge respect for anyone who can make self-employment work for them!

By: Ali

Ali — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 19:30:47 +0000

Thanks Dianne (and gosh, good discipline on the different folders there, I may have to try that!) I love the way your pastor puts it, that’s very much how I think/feel about/approach my values. I had several friends at my old job, and I got on very well with my line manager, so I felt like a bit of a traitor handing my notice in. I was incredibly nervous about it all, but it was all over in a few minutes. You’re NOT letting your friend down by pursing the things you’re wholehearted about … it’s what any good friend would want for you!

By: Dianne

Dianne — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 11:06:10 +0000

Great article (I’m only reading it now because it shows up in my Weds reads folder but it was not easy waiting)! The values thing really resonates with me. One of my top values is creativity and I see that driving my direction over the past year. As my pastor would say, I want to “live into that” value. This is perfect timing because I’ve been preparing for the last year to take the leap and escape the corporate train. My feet have gotten a wee bit cold as I think about handing in my resignation (my boss used to be one of my best friends at work before she became my boss but we’ve managed to stay friends and I feel like I’m letting her down). So this was a timely read and I’m off to enjoy Part 2!

By: 10 Scary-but-Exciting Reasons to Work for Yourself – continued — Aliventures

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:12:24 +0000

[...] This is the second half of “10 Scary by Exciting Reasons to Work For Yourself” with points #6 – #10. If you missed the first part, points #1 – #5, jump back and read it now! [...]

By: Ali

Ali — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 17:17:55 +0000

Thanks Omar. Yes, I miss paychecks at times … it was nice and simple when all my money came in an even, regular lump sum!

There’s definitely a difference between “existing” and “living” — and I think working for yourself (when you approach it with a willingness to learn and grow and occasionally go through some rough patches) is a great way to get more of the “living”!

By: Omar

Omar — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 16:47:53 +0000

Great article. When I stopped working full time I felt freer. I missed the paychecks but it gives you the incentive to find creative ways to make money and follow your passion. At first I didn’t take it seriously. I was just existing, living day by day with no hope and ambition. Then I began reading personal development blogs and inspirational articles and my life transformed. I’m striving to be the best by going hard with my dreams and creating a wonderful lifestyle.

By: Ali

Ali — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 07:00:27 +0000

Armen, I know exactly what you mean about energy sinks. I find that I get a lot of “bounce” from people who seem to be on the same wavelength as me, with similar values and interests: conversely, I end up feeling very drained by people who tend to be angry or pessimistic.

Kelly, thank you! Coming from you, that means a lot to me: I really admire your writing and your blogging philosophy.

Alex, I think even if you never blog full time (and frankly, I’m not sure that it’s THE holy grail of blogging!) you’re getting a lot out of it simply through that learning process. Also, as one of your readers, I really appreciate your commitment to sharing on a deep level.

By: Alex Blackwell

Alex Blackwell — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 12:29:48 +0000

Tremendous and thoughtful list Ali.

The first reason, You Learn About Yourself, speaks the loudest to me. Since starting my blog and devoting time each day for writing, I’m discovering more about myself than I ever knew. Not sure if I will ever be able to blog full-time, but I am sure I will continue to learn more about myself in the process.

Thanks for sharing,

Alex

By: Kelly Diels

Kelly Diels — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 19:55:20 +0000

Ali,
This is good. Really, really REALLY good.

This is substance. This is it.