Today I was walking through the hospital. I heard one employee say to another: “I get the fancy title, but where’s the money? I don’t want the work if I’m not going to get paid”. Have you ever felt like that before? More work but no pay? And what is your reaction?

I can tell you that in the past I’ve had a similar outlook on life: not good.

But what does that mean? How come we don’t want more responsibility, more prestige, more recognition if we aren’t going to get a pay raise?

To me the answer is simple: we are ‘working’ not enjoying.

I have these universal law CDs (yes, I have mentioned them here before… so if you’ve been following along you’ve heard me speak about them). The one that I had on the car on my ride to work today said: ‘Work is work when you aren’t enjoying yourself.’ (Or something to that effect).

What is your ‘work’ like? Do you love it? Is it fun? Would you do it for the same rate, adding more on? Or (gulp) for a lower rate? Would you even work for no money just because you enjoy it?

These are scary questions. Maybe even uncomfortable questions. Because many times we don’t want to admit the answers: to ourselves.

To be totally transparent, I work. I have a part-time job. To me, it feels like work. I was off last week for the business building conference that I attend every September. Being at that event, around successful entrepreneurs, in that energy made me wake up to something really, really important.

I am ‘working’ in my j-o-b. I would much rather enjoy work, via play.

When I put on a workshop, teach a webinar, lead a class, or host a program I am totally involved. I am energized by the group, by my creativity, and by the content. I love creating material, teaching it to others, and then getting that recognition for the work I’ve done.

How can I ‘work’ less and play more? How can I continue to transition and transform my life from j-o-b to self-employed? These are questions only I can answer. But I promise you this… over the next few months you will be seeing some major growth, development, and renewed dedication to my business.

I challenge you to do the same in your life.

What is it that you enjoy? Will your desire for enjoyment outweigh your ‘need’ for money? Can you do what you love and not work a day in your life?

I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment, question, or reflection below. If you’d like to process this further and receive some help transitioning your own work environment, consider a strategy session with me. I am moving into new territory and plan to help nurses successfully become entrepreneurs just like I am! Contact me at (410) 929-0081 or coachscala (at) livingsublimewellness (dot) com for more information. Have a healthy day!