You’re different.
We all are.
We make choices that many poeple don’t understand.
We challenge the status quo because, well, it irritates us.
Does that ever make you feel irresponsible or flaky?
The Entrepreneurs Decision
We’ve made a choice to step out on a limb and do something that matters. Maybe it matters to someone else, but mostly it matters to us. We feel called to do something awesome.
Either way, we’ve done something that is different from those we are closest with.
Occasionally, I’ll hear about someone who grew up in a family of entrepreneurs. That’s all they know and all they want to know. I’m not talking to those people.
I’m talking to those of us that may have had a little influence to that but more so are the ones that most people don’t understand. They don’t “get” us and our decisions.
That’s okay though, we’re not mad about it.
What is irritating is when we feel flaky about our decisions.
Maybe it’s our own mind that’s tricking us or maybe it’s unsupportive words from those around us. Or maybe both.
The only thing I do know is that it’s not the norm for someone to bounce around from job to job or from dream to dream.
That makes us seem flaky.
But, I have to tell you, we’re not
I was talking with a friend the other day and she brought up this point. She said that she feels irresponsible because people keep telling her to “just go get a job.”
What if that job doesn’t fulfill you? What if it will add to your depression? What if it will drive you over the edge you’re teetering on anyway? What will they say when it all comes crashing down?
I’ll venture to say that those that pushed us to do something we aren’t called to do would never admit that they were wrong. It will probably end up as some medical condition that normal people can never pronounce.
Through that conversation, I realized that it’s something many of us struggle with.
We think that people see us in a different light because we aren’t “stable.” Maybe so.
But the thing is, we want to change the world.
It’s really difficult to change the world when you’re doing the exact same thing as everyone else and holding your fresh ideas in your own head. No one can get in there, except maybe your phsyciatrist. And maybe they can tell you a shorter name for your “condition.”
In any case, here are 7 ways making a new choice seems irresponsible
- We stop doing something even though it’s “good money.”
- We turn down security of a steady job for that of the unknown.
- We decide that we don’t like our path and change it.
- We burn out and try something new.
- We do something crazy like quit our job without planning (not recommended)
- We struggle with bringing in steady income.
- We decide we want to do something we’ve never thought of before today.
All of these can seem irresponsible at the time. Some more than others, sure…but all have some degree of uncertainy to them.
The point is this.
Just because we have decided to go another route than the one we started out on, doesn’t mean we’re irresponsible.
It means we made another choice.
What are you thinking of doing that would push the status quo? I never advocate quitting your job on a whim, I did that all wrong. But I do advocate pursuing your dream. Share with us in the comments!
Very good post Jared. I had in fact made a big change this year; left my job, went in to semi-retirement and moved to San Diego. Now, I did have the finances to do just that, but the point is I made a choice and so happy I did. I hope folks take away to not be afraid of change, or be afraid to be the igniter of that change in their lives.
Glad to hear you did it right! It’s great to hear that. Thanks for stopping by and I wish you the best in your new endeavor!
Leaving my teaching career at the end of this school year to move south and pursue some dreams! Can’t wait!
Awesome! Where abouts are you headed to? And what are you planning to do, if you don’t mind my asking.
“What is irritating is when we feel flaky about our decisions.” – Incredible, isn’t it. Questioning our own plans and decisions. Had plenty of those days last week :). I keep re-discovering that it’s really a mind thing – Get the thoughts in order and the rest kinda pans out. Great post
Yes, it is. I think others make us feel that way. probably not on purpose, it just comes across that way sometimes. Thanks so much for reading!
Last week i dealt with alot of these ‘outer voices’. I agree, it’s not always purpose – some just want to genuinely understand you and the road you’ve taken (not easy to explain on any given day!) and others are just genuinely concerned. I think it’s crucial to know where others are coming from sometimes. helps one avoid unnecessary heartache and headache 🙂
I am feeling guilty, and I haven’t even done anything reckless yet (still have my job, still doing freelance work, still taking care of the family). But I am allocating some time to pursue my dream of developing a blog/brand/message that I can someday develop into a business, and I even feel guilty about that. Plus I am questioning what I am doing/why I am doing it just about every day. Not productive.
Gaye
I think we can all feel guilty at some point for dedicating time to something outside of work or family. The thing is, I believe we are called to do something specific and we will never fulfill God’s plan for our life if we don’t do that.
It would really surprise me if your spouse didn’t support you in your endeavor. There are few things that you must do though to prepare for that. I didn’t and it has cost me time and heartache.
A few things I’d suggest and if anyone wants to second or add to it, please do.
1. Pray. Make sure you are doing what God is calling you to do. We will never succeed in anything enough to make us satisfied if we aren’t working for the right reasons. Your questioning tells me that maybe you haven’t taken it up with Him and are going off your own thoughts. Maybe I’m assuming, but would that be accurate?
2. Be financially responsible. That means having an emergency fund and getting out of debt (and stay out). Check out DaveRamsey.com if you haven’t.
3. Have patience. I’m horrible at this but it’s key to succeeding. Remember that most people quit right before the inflection point. Don’t dig yourself in a hole but use prayer and good judgement to confirm your path.
4. Be Flexible. It’s easy to get caught in a rut. Sometimes changing is the best choice.
I hope that helps. Please feel free to engage here again or you can email me via the contact page if you want. There’s no need to feel guilty if what you’re doing is for the right reasons and with the right intent.
This is some VERY WISE counsel Jared! A great post!
Thanks Mike! Glad to hear you like it!