Why Career Freedom Is Important
Many people live entire lifetimes without ever getting to do what they love in their jobs. They are forced to endure the drudgery of a career that seems to them like an endless slog, with no hope of ever finding a job that offers satisfaction and fulfillment.
But it doesn't have to be this way! You can pursue your dream job and experience renewed purpose in every moment you spend working on something you truly care about.
What Does Career Freedom Mean to You?
For some people, career freedom means starting their own business and avoiding the corporate world. For others, it's the ability to set their own hours, or work from home.
Freedom can mean a lot of different things, but essentially it comes down to this: having power over your own life. It's working on your own terms, in a way that feels right for you.
But what does "work on your own terms" really amount to?
It's one of those phrases that sounds great, but it can be hard to imagine what that would actually look like. And when you're actually looking for a new job, it's hard to know where to start.
So here are some questions you might want to ask yourself as you think about a career that includes working on your own terms:
What values are deal-breakers for you when it comes to your job and workplace?
What do consider to be "Engaging" or "Meaningful" work?
What's your ideal work environment?
What do want in terms of work pace and expectations?
What kind of personalities work best for you?
How much control over your calendar do you want during the workday?
Learning to Put Your Career Freedom First
I’ve got one simple rule, and it’s really important. I call it the “Career Freedom First Rule.”
The Career Freedom First Rule is: If you don’t prioritize your career freedom, no one else will.
I hear people say they are burned out and unhappy with their work all the time. They want to be doing something different, but they don't know how to get started or where to even begin thinking about it. Sometimes they tell me that what stands in their way is student loans or a mortgage, a spouse or partner who doesn't support them, or a family situation that makes them feel trapped in their current job. They might tell me that giving up some of their salary would be too difficult for them financially.
Most of these people share one common problem: They are prioritizing money over career freedom—and happiness.
Here's the thing: The importance of career freedom can't be underestimated. When you have career freedom you are happier, more productive and more successful.
By contrast, when you don't have career freedom your life can get blurrier day after day until something happens that forces a change on you. I know it sounds dramatic, but I've seen it happen too many times.
Choosing money over career freedom can make you feel like a prisoner in your own life—like there's no escape from work that feels meaningless and unsatisfying but pays well enough (or just barely well enough) to keep you feeling stuck.
Building a Support System Around Your Career Freedom
As you pursue career freedom, one of the most important things to keep in mind is that you can't do it alone. In fact, people who have successfully achieved career freedom often attribute their success to a network of people they rely on for help and support.
It's exactly why we created A Life Unleashed.
We know how important it is to have a network of like-minded, ambitious people who will not only encourage you, but also give you the right tools to achieve your goals.
By surrounding yourself with supportive people and reaching out when you need help or advice, you'll be able to navigate challenges more easily than if you go it alone.
Staying Flexible in Your Approach to Career Freedom
The journey to career freedom isn't just about finding a job that pays the most or allows you to work from home. It's about finding your own personal and professional happiness.
To find this career freedom, you need to remember one important thing: be flexible. You have to stay open-minded and willing to change course when needed.
Be willing to take risks. If you're unwilling or unable to pursue what excites you, it'll be very hard to find career freedom. The only way to figure out what works is by trying things out, even if they seem scary at first. Be willing to take advantage of opportunities that come your way even though they weren't exactly what you had in mind for yourself at first.
The golden rule of entrepreneurs is for everyone who wants a fulfilling life and career: go with the flow and follow where inspiration leads them!
The bottom line: be adaptable enough so that other options may present themselves when none previously existed.
Takeaways for Finding Career Freedom:
Define what Career Freedom really means to you.
Learn how to prioritize your own Career Freedom, because no one else will.
Stay flexible in your approach to Career Freedom.
Get support, advice, encouragement and accountability from a team of like-minded professionals who are also on the journey to find more professional freedom in their careers.
Curious about finding your own career freedom?
Join the Community of Professionals Finding Career Freedom Right Now.
Learn how to take control of your career and life, so you can get the freedom you deserve - not just for a day or a week, but for the rest of your career.