How To Make Work Fun and Earn More Money… The Easy Way

by Colleen Seward Ryan

“What you can do, or dream you can, begin it
boldness has genius, power and magic in it.”
Johann von Goethe

Work and fun in the same sentence? It is possible to love your job, if you know how to create your ideal environment. Do you enjoy the camaraderie of walking into an office every day and seeing the same smiling faces? Or do you prefer working independently of supervision? Do you enjoy going to the same place every day? Do you like a job with routine where you perform the same tasks day in and day out? What about your risk tolerance? Is it important to you to work for a large organization where you receive lots of perks and benefits? Or are you more of a maverick? Are you a risk taker who prefers to be your own boss, with the freedom to set your own hours, and possibly travel? Are you more suited to a work environment where you are moving around in different locations each day? What matters most? Freedom or security?

These are the questions I was asked on multiple questionnaires when I visited a career counselor and motivation coach years ago. What came up for me was a need to work independently, free of supervision, and with flexible hours. Self-motivation comes naturally to me. I love what I do for a living so it’s easy for me to work without supervision. If I won $50 million in the lottery, I’d still continue with my work. How about you? What are you passionate about? If you won the lottery tomorrow what would you want to do? What would you try if you knew you absolutely would not fail?

These are questions to ask yourself. No matter how much money your career provides, you will not enjoy it unless it’s in line with your core values.

If you’re bored with your work, find ways to recreate it. Life is too short to stay “stuck” in a job you can’t stand. You may be in the right field, you simply need to “fine tune” your values. For example, freedom, creativity, travel and flexible hours are important to me. I don’t like working in an office. Being able to spend time with my dog at the dog park in the middle of the day is a core value. As I write this, I’m sitting inside a Starbucks in a Aiken,  South Carolina suburb where outside there are gorgeous views of the Cascades and Mt. Hood. What a great way to work! You get the point.

Ask yourself…what is my risk tolerance? What are my core values? What is something you are passionate about where even with a financial windfall you’d keep doing that thing. It may be a hobby that starts as a side job. You may have to keep your “real job” for a while to fund your dream. Figure out what you love to do and find a way to get paid for it.
October 16, 2004

You are free to reprint or repost this article for use in your newsletters, association publications, or intranet provided Colleen Seward Ryan’s contact information (name, website, and email) is included with the article. Colleen Seward Ryan is a Aiken, South Carolina keynote speaker, trainer, & co-author of “The Masters of Success ,” featured on NBC’s Today Show, along with Ken Blanchard and Jack Canfield. For free articles, video clips, and e-newsletter, visit http://www.ColleenSpeaks.com. Colleen’s area of expertise are leadership, managing people, life balance, difficult people, presentation skills. Colleen is available for keynotes, breakout sessions and seminars.

She can be reached at contact information listed below:
Colleen Seward Ryan
(971) 212-0479
Website: http://www.ColleenSpeaks.com
email: colleen@colleenspeaks.com
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