The Self-Employment Leap of Faith
Feb 25th, 2011 by Val Nelson
Many people wonder how to handle the lack of income security that seems to come with self-employment. I’ve seen people stop themselves from going for their dreams for that reason.
The trick is to stop expecting to find that sense of security that a job seemed to promise.
Wake up and smell the coffee, people. That job “security” was never real. Let’s face it. We were lulled into a false sense of security and it’s time to wake up.
Even with the jobs that remain, notice how the benefits, security, and sanity keep dwindling? Health insurance hikes, no retirement plan, lower pay, overwhelming workloads, or just plain bored to tears. When you’re not in control of your own employment, it’s not as secure as you would like to think. Quit hitting that snooze button on the alarm.
Stop Waiting for that “Safe” Feeling
Self-employment may offer more security. (Not to mention more creative fulfillment in many cases!) But it won’t feel the same as your old friend “Job Security.”
The new feeling that comes with self-employment is an awake feeling that requires a big dose of faith mixed with some math homework. Once I got that, I finally began to relax. Even my “financial insecurity stomachache” went away. (Ever notice how money stuff hits you in the gut?)
It’s a beautiful ride if you’re willing to pull up the anchor and go sailing. (Thank God I went to sailing camp.)
Owning vs. Renting Analogy
A perfect analogy for making this perspective shift is when you go from renting to owning your home. When I used to rent, I felt glad that someone else took care of repairs and things I didn’t need to think about. Or so I thought.
What about when my landlord didn’t take care of the furnace and I was woken by a smoke alarm one cold night in February? I lost my apartment and most of my belongings to a fire. Serious wake up call!
You bet that despite that financial setback, I eventually scrounged up money for a down payment and bought the only decent house in my range because I needed a new kind of security. Yep, I had to be the one to think about the furnace, so I found help.
When I started my own business, I had that same feeling of when I bought my house. Scared as hell — but excited enough to make up for it.
When you’re in charge, it’s kinda fun.
You can learn to love the self-employment ride. Because you’ll learn to live on faith instead of false security.
But Where Do You Get the Faith?
Faith is a muscle that gets stronger as you use it. Maybe that’s not what you wanted to hear, but it’s true.
In fact, stronger faith is one of the gifts of self-employment.
I finally understand what Helen Keller meant when she said “Life is either a daring adventure or it’s nothing.”
I learned to ride the waves of that daring adventure because I’m doing what I love in a way that a job could rarely offer.
It actually works out kinda magically. If you’re following your passion, you’re probably already experiencing those seemingly magical moments — if you pay attention.
I don’t mean it’s 100% faith and you don’t do anything else. You do the footwork. You crunch the numbers. You get support to make sure you’re choosing a sound business plan. And you make sure you’ll be doing something you love (why passion is a key to success). Don’t take the leap without those pieces in place. (More on how to know when you’re ready.)
I’m all about combining the practical footwork with a big dose of faith. Think of the Serenity Prayer:
Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
the courage to change the things I can,
and the wisdom to know the difference.
Money and Faith Resources
I was fortunate enough to be talking about these ideas on a panel called “Get Real About Money” recently. I was joined by two wise people, who offer these related resources:
- Free: “Money Journal: 21 Days to Wealth from Within” by Jean Gran (Holistic Money Coach)
- Favorite Free Budget Template by Nunzio Bruno (Financial Coach/Consultant)
And here’s an article for those wondering about the magical part:
- 6 Steps to Manifestation That Serves a Greater Good (and Why the Law of Attraction is Bunk) by Maia Duerr
What do you think about money and faith? Please comment below.
