Quest for Something More

posted 24th July 2009    Written by: Robyn    CATEGORY: All Posts, Quarterlife Crisis, Robyn, Season 1

By now you probably realize that I do not like my job. Lately I have been using time at my “9 to 5” to work on more enjoyable freelance projects and explore other ideas I have about starting my own business. My goal is to transition to working for myself while still working my full time job so that when I quit I never have to deal with a time when I have no income.

While I know these are the first steps to moving towards something better, and while I have confidence in this plan, I still seek the approval of my family and friends when it comes to these kinds of decisions.

My biggest pet peeve as of late is when people respond to my plan with doubt, saying: “You should just be grateful to have a job in this economy.”

This a slap in the face not only because it’s not exactly supportive, but also because people who I want to be happy are encouraging me to be unhappy and settle for a job that leaves me unfulfilled and just plain grumpy.

I think this kind of response tends to take over a person’s life, leaving them less than happy and settling for all kinds of things that are not worthwhile.

Ask yourself these questions:

If you were starving and ordered a juicy hamburger with mushrooms and blue cheese and got a bowl of cold oatmeal instead, would you just be happy just to have food in front of you?

If you have been unhappily single for a long time and start dating someone who lives up to zero of your expectations and desires, would you stay with him or her just to have company?

If you ordered the perfect pair of jeans online and then realized you needed a size smaller, would you keep them and gain weight to make them fit you?

I’m hoping all answers were “no.” Why settle for something, someone, or some job that does not make you 100% happy?

I don’t believe it’s idealistic to think there is a job out there that could be fun and have meaning and, on top of that, (Shock! Disbelief!) allow you freedom to do other things you love.  So I’m off to find it!


photo credit: monicamüller

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Comments (5)

5 Responses to “Quest for Something More”

  • Lauren Says:
    July 24th, 2009 at 1:21 pm

    Robyn, I loved this post. Short yet sweet. I’ve found myself in bed trying to fall asleep for hours lately and realizing that im continually stressing about a job that I have. The saddest part is that its minimum wage, part-time, yet still causing me this much stress? I’ve realized that for now it will do but I will only allow myself to stress about it WHILE im there. NOT at home. As things come together I will move onto to something that brings me more joy. I’ve found a company that trains you to work with autistic children… it sounds amazing. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. :)

  • the beast girl Says:
    July 24th, 2009 at 1:38 pm

    Go and do it Robyn!

  • Lacey Says:
    July 26th, 2009 at 10:18 am

    Someone told me that the other day… With the unemployment rate so high, shouldn’t you be thankful just to have a job. I was fuming inside, muttered, you gotta love what you do and do what you love. Later I found out he had some hopes and dreams of his own. Just because the world isn’t overflowing with jobs doesn’t mean we can’t starting taking steps towards a life we will love.

  • Christina Says:
    August 12th, 2009 at 5:46 am

    Great post! I recently put in my 2 weeks notice at a job that I have had (and not been happy at) for 3 years–since I graduated from college. I will be moving from my hometown in Ohio to North Carolina–with no job. I have had numerous people ask me things like, “Aren’t you worried about money”, “Why would you do that in this economy? You were lucky to have a job.” Well, yes. I do worry about finding a job, and I have been lucky to have a job that has supported me financially. However, I am convinced that I will find something I love, in a place that I love. Sometimes you just have to do something scary, yet exciting, in order to make yourself happy…even if it seems crazy to other people.

  • Molly Hoyne Says:
    August 16th, 2009 at 2:56 pm

    @christina I hear you sista! Crazy to one is brave to another. I admire your courage.

    Do what you need to do to show up in your life on your own terms. Even if that means moving to North Carolina with no job…

    Stay in touch!

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