Whether you are a contractor, actor, business executive or anything else, do you wake up each morning with a smile on your face because of how you are going to spend your day?
I used to sell cell phones (check out that link by my buddy in the Phillipines). I was one of those guys in the mall that yells out to people, “Hey, do you like your cellphone plan?” Yeah, that guy. I made pretty good money at that job. Working part time I made enough to get myself through college, but there were many days that I did not like the job, or the stress, or, well, any of it.
I have a great job now. I really love it and it’s helped my marriage in the following ways:
Low Stress Level
When I worked at the cellphone store I was always stressed about how much money I was making. On a straight commission basis, there were guys who were making tons of money, but I was always worried about whether or not I would make it. I like technology, but I didn’t like the environment of retail, or the hours, or the people that I worked with. I detested going to work.
My current job is a commission based job selling internet marketing services as well as being an actor/director. My stress levels are significantly lower now because I’m doing something that I am really passionate about. I firmly believe that Blogging, Search Engine Marketing, and Social Media are the future. I also love performing and being involved in the theatre community.
Because I wake up each day and prepare to do something that I can get really excited about, my stress levels are the lowest they’ve been since I started college. I have little free time still, and my income is still commission based, but it’s easier for me to accept because I like what I do.
Increased Energy Levels
Being stressed out produces tension. This is something that I studied intensively as an actor/dancer. When you are unhappy that energy is held in bad posture, slouched shoulders, clenched teeth, and other energy stealing habits. Also, people who are unhappy tend to consume more simple carbohydrates to get that “sugar high” that makes them temporarily feel better, but which resolve in a sugar crash later that can take a long time to recover from.
Conversely, being happy allows you to release unnecessary tension from your body and your life. People stand up straighter, move faster, and laugh more – a sure way to release endorphins into your blood stream. This all translates into being someone who is easier to get along with, someone who is more able to listen and more able to care about his spouse.
Financial Success
When I didn’t like doing what I was doing, I always thought about the money. I was constantly assessing where I was financially and because I was always worried about not having money, I did not.
What I have noticed since I started doing the work that I enjoy doing is that I am doing better financially. Since I enjoy my job, I put my heart and mind into my job and I am more effective in the time that I spend at work. I am also willing to put in time to make up for deficiencies in my job.
General Happiness
When I like what I am doing and feel that I am receiving an appropriate financial renumeration for my work I become confident and more secure. My wife feels more secure as well since she knows where we stand and feels that confidence coming from me.
The thing is, with the way the world and the internet are operating now, there are so many opportunities to do something new and totally different, or to at least work from home. I am working on that myself right now, and it makes me happy to do what I do each day. I can honestly say that since I turned the corner a year ago and started really pursuing what I love doing that my life has been immeasurably happier. I highly recommend that each man out there figures out what he really wants to do with his life and then pursue it with great vigor.
I would love to hear from any of you on what things you have pursued career-wise that have brought you great happiness. Please share!
