Recently I had the honor of working alongside my mentor, Dr. Karen Wolfe, who flew in from California to present wellness presentations to eager audiences in my town of La Crosse and then we drove 5 hours to Green Bay Wisconsin to do the same.
We were truly “road warriers” and I was reminded of how much more fun it is to do my work without walls, than it is to be confined – or shall I say – chained to a desk in an institution.
We were on the move at all times but were still working using our smart phones and stopping along the way to take a break and do some writing. Notice Karen behind my car at a picnic table doing business while I start enjoying my “flurry”. Now that’s what I call doing business!
We were in conversation the entire time planning, making decisions and sharing insights. It was truly running our businesses “on the go” and it was fun and exhilarating.
Here are some of the comparisons I see between having a traditional job at a business (which I did most of my career), and my job now as a solo-entrepreneur. You decide which brings more joy and fits you best!
Traditional Workplace
Confined to a desk in a room or a cube with no windows
Being disconnected from the outdoors and nature.
Phone and computer anchored to desk so after multiple meetings have to catch up returning calls and emails which is inefficient
Set work schedule of 8-12 hours so miss important events and activities that occur during work day
Power thru the day without a rest break
Boss dictates what I do and when I do it
Independent Work Without Walls
Many work spaces – home office, car, coffee shop, outside at a picnic table, sitting in an airplane, in a hotel room, at a restaurant
Outside whenever I want to re-energize, take walks, clear my head, restore creativity
Smart phone and lap top are always with me so I’m always connected and can respond immediately to requests
Flexible work schedule so I don’t miss special occasions, appointments, programs I want
I can take a power nap every day to refresh.
I am my own boss!
Would love to hear your thoughts on this comparison. Email me here. carol@carolebert.com
Be well on your journey toward independence!
Carol