An excerpt from the new post: "As a relative newcomer to the freelance world, I
realize that while I’m extremely lucky, my career is far from what the average
New Yorker would consider 'successful,' 'powerful,' or 'important.' It’s
challenging, exciting, liberating, unconventional - but lucrative? Glamorous?
Cosmopolitan? Not quite...There’s a reason I’ve chosen to sacrifice certain
things, however - a steady paycheck, employer-provided healthcare, the comfort
of a routine - in order to follow the path I’m on. It’s because in the
past year, I’ve thought seriously about what I want to prioritize."
See the post in its entirety at the Equals Record, here, and find more from my column, Looking Forward, here. Thank you so much, as always, for reading!
Photo: "Up!" by Aleksandr Malin. (I've used it before - I love it.)
It's strange that you write about this now since I'm having some personal qualms on my career change as well. Childhood description of a "career woman" was exactly the job I had until recently- high heels, pencil skirts, jet-setting business class travel. I recently just opted to do a drastic career change, and so far the experience has been exhilarating, nerve-wracking yet oddly freeing.
ReplyDeleteGood for you on knowing exactly how you want to live your life! It's courage to go against convention.
It took me a long time to figure out what is important... you are young and ahead of the game. What is "successful" can only be defined by you. Good luck! :)
ReplyDeletewhat timing. As the previous comment notes, the timing of this is great. look forward to reading entirety
ReplyDelete-soonjo
I went through much the same when I decided to stay at home and freelance after having children. However, waking up everyday and loving what you do is far more important than having that lucrative, glamorous and cosmopolitan job :)
ReplyDelete..also i was sent the famous Steve jobs quote this morning from my mom
ReplyDeletehttp://www.buzzfeed.com/awesomer/12-most-inspirational-quotes-from-steve-jobs
tenth photo down
Oh yes indeed. Kudos to you for recognizing this in yourself. It seems a lot of people never even reach that point. I think, because of this, you will be successful.
ReplyDeletenow's the time to be unconventional..especially when you're in a city like nyc.
ReplyDeleteI think it's so wonderful when you're following your dreams and doing what's right for you--so many people never get there! I'd say that, alone, makes you a success! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Shoko! Love this article - you are always so inspiring ^_^
ReplyDeleteI loved your article Sho. I have climbed the ladder, sat in the (extremely stressful) corner office and worn nice suits every day. But I made the decision that there are other things in life worth pursuing that are more fulfilling. Yes, it means living more thriftily but I have never been happier and more relaxed. That said, if the 'perfect' job were to present itself, I would consider going back, but it would be difficult to give up the lifestyle and freedom. I think we all owe it to ourselves to pursuit our own perfect situation, and it takes time to discover just what that is.
ReplyDeleteThank you all so much for your kind words! It's always such a pleasure to trade experiences this way - and it makes me so happy to know I'm not in this alone :)
ReplyDeleteI love your list of important things! It's great to have that perspective, especially in a city where I feel everyone is super ambitious and works insane hours to get ahead. I'm happy to work hard enough to fund my life outside of the office! :)
ReplyDeleteAs usual I can relate to you in so many ways. I haven't taken the conventional route either and the thought of click-clacking through hallways sounds enticing and horrific at the same time. Most of the time it's not how I envision my life, but I won't deny that a part of me admires those high heels and business suits at times :) You seem well on your path - not only are you a talented writer, but also a lovely and giving person. Your kind spirit comes through in everything you write and do. You're being you and if you ask me, you've already succeeded. xoxo
ReplyDeleteLisa, that is so nice of you to say. Thank you.
ReplyDelete