http://www.smartbucks.info.

Keep up the good work on providing quality information!

gooffshore.

This search for one’s calling is essentially what the book’s about – I’ve worked with a huge number of people who are either too afraid to go after their calling or simply didn’t know how to start the process. And their experiences, difficulties and trials were much of the basis for the writing.

For me, finding my calling has always been a very personal quest – I grew up watching my mother slog through a job that she hated for many, many years. And it caused me to realize that we spend so much time at work that it’s crazy to spend so much of our lives miserable. (Think about it conservatively: we spend (minimum) 8 hours per day at work for somewhere around 40 years of our lives…it works out to no less than 10 contiguous years of our lives in a work environment)

As for my own calling, yes, I’m living it more and more each day… it involves writing, thinking and meeting interesting and cool people who inspire me to write and think about different things. I spend every day doing that in some forum, whether it’s working with corporations on information security, writing books on careers, blogging, podcasting or speaking at conferences, teleseminars or webinars. I have very much a kaleidoscope career, which is incredibly satisfying (if a bit insane) and I love every minute of it.

-Mike

“Seriously, I definitely know where my strengths lie but it’s slightly out of my current field, nor do I have the confidence yet to strike out and say “I’m an Expert. Pay me to tell you how”. I guess once I figure out a plan, I’ll be in better shape.”

Becoming a recognized subject matter expert is not as big an item as you may think. Many that subscribe to the idea of a having Vocation vs a job are very passionate and it’s been my experience that this passion is what makes it easy to increase your stature in the marketplace. Some suggestions on increasing your brand. Writing in trade pubs, publishing a book and public speaking (easier when you have a published work), establishes you as a “expert” and can help grease the skids toward pursuing the Vocation you seek. Good Luck !

As for a plan, many years ago my first business partner and I sat down to create our business plan because, you know, someone told us we had to. What we came up with was “have fun, make money.” Every month we looked at the bank balance and decided which half of the plan we had to prioritize. Worked about as well as any of the more elaborate plans I’ve been involved with since.

I feel with all my heart that everything I’ve learned about being a web worker, a graphic designer and a human being led me to this point, and this is what I was meant to do. It goes beyond a “calling” to something that I can hardly describe. The fact that I get paid for it is simply the excuse I give my husband as to why I spend so much time doing it. The blogging is what I do for fun.

I have personally found my calling in the combination of blogging on Web Worker Daily and doing IT industry analyst work with RedMonk. Now I just need to make it profitable financially. I think that’s one of the sticking points in going after your calling. Many vocations pay less well than regular old jobs.

Re: whether to have a plan or not… I agree with Matthew that you don’t necessarily have to (and thus changed the wording of my question from “what’s your plan” to “do you have a plan”). I’ve been taking it one step at a time, following where I sense energy, and experimenting with different ways of working. This can be difficult too depending on finances, so one thing we’d like to address on WWD is how you can move towards your calling while still paying your bills.

Dave: I hear you re: not having a plan. I don’t think it’s necessary, though… Your confidence will get you to the next thing, whatever it is. I believe it’s important to enjoy the ride, if possible, and to like the changes it’s making to you as a person.

Stephen: I think many of us have been there, but far fewer are aware of it like you are. That’s something important, and usually uncomfortable. However, I think it opens the door to change – for example, keeping your eyes open for finding or making something better happen.

Marc: Of course that’s the ultimate – being paid for something you love – good for you for creating it. I’d like to hear how you manage to not be drawn in 24/7…

Jennifer: I enjoyed your inspiring story. It’d be fun to hear the details sometime – how you took the plunge, risks/challenges, etc.

Seriously, I definitely know where my strengths lie but it’s slightly out of my current field, nor do I have the confidence yet to strike out and say “I’m an Expert. Pay me to tell you how”. I guess once I figure out a plan, I’ll be in better shape.

The third morning I was there, I followed my usual routine of stopping at Starbuck’s for a coffee, then walking to the front of the hotel (fabulous place BTW like all Kimpton properties) and the guy, who by now recognized me immediately asked me whether I was in town for work or play while we waited for a cab to come by.

“My work is my play,” I told him.

“That’s the best thing answer I’ve ever heard to that question,” he replied.

Most of the people I know who have virtualized their work and whose office is now wherever they happen to be feel the same way I do.