Comments on: The weight of freedom a.k.a. what am I going to do with my life?

By: Sonya

Sonya — Wed, 26 May 2010 17:55:56 +0000

One of my writer friends bought a little RV and travels the country with her cats. A bit extreme and some people prefer to put down “roots” somewhere and become part of that community, but it works for her.

Checking out Fern’s links too…. Thanks, Fern!

Love your blog, PQ!

By: Zandria

Zandria — Thu, 13 May 2010 15:54:23 +0000

“The weight of freedom”…I like that. And I, like yourself (and many other people), have asked myself this same question over the years. I turn 30 in June and like you, I feel proud about what I’ve accomplished in the past decade. The difference is that, when I think ahead to being in my 30s, I think to myself: “Look at everything I did in my 20s. I’m really looking forward to seeing what I accomplish in my 30s, because I know it will be even better.”

I read your newer post about moving to North Carolina, and I think that’s really super. Good for you for making another big change! Moving to an entirely new state can be nerve-wracking, but also super exciting (and for the next few months, moving itself will be your “project”).

Best of luck to you. Can’t wait to see how it turns out!

By: Katharine

Katharine — Mon, 10 May 2010 12:48:15 +0000

PQ, you are intellectually curious, so something will come your way. Just stay mentally present through this akward-feeling time and let your mind roam where it will, and your next adventure will show up, I promise you.

By: Susan @WhyMommy

Susan @WhyMommy — Sun, 09 May 2010 22:09:38 +0000

True, true — but this is such a time of adventure!

If you can work for yourself, you can work for anyone. :-)

A friend mentioned you today, and I was so happy to shout out — hey, I know her! We met by accident at BlogHer, and she was delightful!

Wherever you go, I just KNOW you’ll succeed.

By: Bobbi Jo

Bobbi Jo — Sun, 09 May 2010 15:53:49 +0000

We were stuck in Venice (I know, one should not use the term “stuck” when one has a gelato in hand, but you get my drift) last month because of the volcanic ash cloud and I chatted up the lady behind me in line at the train station. She’s a Canadian who quit her job and was traveling the world for a year. I wish I could hook you two up. She made it all sound so EASY.

Except I didn’t think to ask where she stowed her cats…

By: Sheri

Sheri — Sat, 08 May 2010 13:56:48 +0000

I long to be full time self-employed, yet the income need doesn’t yet match. However, I can relate to what you are saying about sitting at work. I do work from home too, and I can also relate to your Ackmed statement ‘I KILL YOU!’ That mental procrastinator when I am home, the one who feels like they’ve already put in a full day’s work before working on the jobs at home, WANTING to catch up on YouTube videos I find entertaining or just reading blogs I enjoy, yet KNOWING I have to get the work done to both build my business and get caught up.

When there are no excitement blasting projects on my agenda I have been focusing on the fact that the last mouth watering project was great! But, that means that I’m open to even better projects, and I KNOW a better project is on its way down the pipeline to my desk where once again I will be busy and energized on learning, helping and sharing. While I wait I look at things I’m interested in learning but knew I didn’t have time when I was so busy but want to get in before busy comes again. Unfortunately, in the meantime I work the full time job wondering when the day will come that I can walk away from that and work full time for ME. I’m an independent Avon Rep and building business writing, editing and transcribing. I’ve called it Aspiration INK, and like my email address it’s because I’m Aspiring 4 More!

Jennette I hope you find the next project that tantalizes your work bug, fulfills your work drive craving and blasts you to successful new heights. You never know, maybe it’s time to write that biography about all you’ve learned in the last ten years and how it changed your life, something incorporating the weight loss and learning the publishing world that took your from that mundane full time job to personal freedom – From full time frump to full time freedom.

By: Mom Taxi Julie

Mom Taxi Julie — Fri, 07 May 2010 23:13:08 +0000

Pretty awesome you have another coming out!! Congrats!!

By: Quix

Quix — Fri, 07 May 2010 20:36:07 +0000

I definitely relate. While circumstances have made me hate my job a lot less (actually quite like it), I definitely suffer from the “enjoying being trapped by working for the man” thing because it’s easier. I thought for a while I wanted to work for myself, and still might someday, but honestly? It’s overwhelming to think about, and for now, I’m ok letting someone be the man (even if I am boss lady).

For a long time I’d make no personal progress because I’d get too overwhelmed with the choices and then just watch TV so I didn’t have to pick. Now, I’ve picked just a few things to focus on (work, triathalon training, blogging) and gave myself persmission to ignore the rest for a while (the novel, making necklaces, running a marathon, martial arts).

There is still way too much I want to do, but I’m slowly learning that I have more than 5-10 good years left in me if I take care of myself. Or at least that’s what I’m choosing to take from all the greyhairs passing me at races…

By: Deb

Deb — Fri, 07 May 2010 13:46:07 +0000

Dearest PQ,

Uh oh! I think I’ve just figured it out (for all of us)! Ready . . . ? Here it comes: figuring it out IS the job!

Smack!

In other words (not mine), enjoy the journey without worrying overmuch about the destination.

I have confidence (from all the evidence your actions so far have presented) that you will figure it out (again and again throughout your life). Embrace the unknown and the excitement of watching your own life unfold.

I have children in their 20s, and they hear this from me a lot too. No one else knows what the hell they’re doing either, BTW. (I mean they do [or look like they do], but not really.) We’re all just works in progress.

Progress . . . not perfection.

I so enjoy reading about your journey! Love!

By: Jolene

Jolene — Fri, 07 May 2010 02:24:37 +0000

I love this, “it can also be comforting to be trapped, because you don’t feel the weight of responsibility that comes when you have to make choices.”

That’s such an important statement and I think it’s the way most people choose to live.

You’ve not only chosen differently but you’ve succeeded (a lot of people aren’t able to say that). And still in your 20′s, Whoa! You’re doing great.

I identify with your thoughts in this post so much. I remember when I left my day job six years ago, it took a good 1.5 years to establish my rhythm, and I felt much like you do. I totally get the “next project” syndrome. For me there are times when it really is about creating and doing and finding. But other times the angst is about me remembering to just sit and be and enjoy.

You have the basics (good business sense, professionalism, book keeping, good risk taking vs. follow-through, responsible and you created a space where you’re NOT trapped) which is so important. From here just trust you’ll catch the waves when they come in – not knowing which wave you want/need to catch is okay – trust!

I still can’t believe you’re not even 30, I’m going to be 40 this year and I didn’t even start freelancing until I was 33. I can’t wait to see where this next decade takes you, I think it will be more than you could ever imagine!