Do you know what you love to do?
Claire does. I met her last week when I spoke to an auditorium full of students at the University of Oklahoma.
When I asked Claire about her career plans, this bright business manager said something I’ve heard from countless young people before…
“I love helping people so, I’d like to go into human resources.”
All I could think was, “Oh, honey — do you understand what HR is?”
Separating Fantasy from Reality
It’s one thing to know what you love to do.
It’s quite another to find the right match for actualizing that passion. 
Claire imaged herself sitting in her large private office eagerly helping interesting employees find interesting solutions to their interesting problems.
In reality Claire will spend the bulk of her time managing the “administrivia” of the employment world… hiring and firing… benefits and payroll… promotions and grievances.
Claire could have just as easily said she wanted to become an attorney or a pharmacist or a nurse and the fact would remain the same… most jobs look different from the outside.
Any kind of work has its highs and lows. Parts you love and parts you’ll find… less fun.
And, as my last post on running a bed & breakfast proved – it’s true for businesses too.
You May Find That a Depressing Thought – But It Should Be a Totally Liberating One
It’s why I devote an entire section in my workshop to freeing you from thetyranny of this (and three other) misconceptions that can keep you from experiencing the freedom of being your own boss.
I’m a huge fan of looking before you leap. Understanding the pros and cons helps you do just that.
So here’s five super simple ways to stick your toe into the information pool.
Talk to people already doing what you love
Find out what they love – and don’t love – about their work.
Ask what a typical day is like?
Find out what they’d do differently if they had to do it all over again.
Never talk to just one person. There are negative Nellie’s and Ned’s in all professions, so always get a range of opinions.
Finally, make sure you talk to people who are actually successful in that business.
Read “how to” books
Search Amazon for “how to start a landscaping business” or “how to start a pet treat business” and you’ll find dozens of books on these and hundreds of other small businesses.
Of course, not all books are found in bookstores.
After years of running a thriving home-based plant business Mike McGroarty wrote a manual to teach his system to others with a green thumb.
Not into reading an entire book? Then start with an article.
For example, here’s one I found for a client who was considering starting a food truck business.
Take a Class
Are you a foodie?
The Institute of Culinary Education in New York City offers short, less formal courses on how to do such topics as how write a cookbook, breaking into food writing, and how to be a food stylist/photographer.
There are classes on virtually every subject. Check with your local adult education program or do a search for schools specializing in your area of interest.
You never know what’s out there until you look.
Join an industry association
Professional or industry associations offer a host of opportunities to learn from and connect with people in your prospective line of work.
Everything from small newsletters to big glossy magazines. On-line seminars and self-paced classes. Local, regional meetings, and national conferences.
If, for instance, you’d been among the thousands of people from 20 countries who attended the last Romance Writers of America conference, then you’d could have learned from any number of the whopping 800 published authors in attendance.
If you missed it, there’s still plenty of time to sign up for this year’s conference in beautiful San Diego where I’m honored to be delivering a keynote on confidence.
You don’t necessarily have to join an association to attend their events. You will of course, pay a higher non-member fee. But once there you may be able to join at a conference-goers discount.
To find an organization search [your interest] and [association]. If you want a local experience, add your state or province.
“Hang out with people who are already doing what they love
There are lots of way to spend time with self-bossers – even if you’re not yet one yourself.
For instance, you don’t have to be an established inventor to join a local inventor group.
Groups like DCInventors.org in the Capital area also have a Google Group.
The U.S. Patent and Trademark office has a list of networks by state. If you live in Canada see Enterprises Canada.
Remember… Small Steps Really Do Add Up
There are so many low cost, low effort ways to explore your passion.
For me it began when I sent a check for $39 for an audio cassette (remember those?!) on how to break into the newsletter business. That was over 20 years ago.
Since then the Changing Course newsletter has helped thousands of people just like you to live and work on their own terms.
The key is to just begin.
Imagine what it would be like if you could go from “wishing” you could work at what you love… to living the dream.
If you had someone to take you by the hand and guide you a step-by-step through a proven process.
What if in literally in a matter of hours you got answers to burning questions like…
How do I figure out what you love to do?
I know what I love to do, but how do I make money doing it?
Is there help for a “scanner” like me who’s paralyzed by the thought of having to choose just one gift or interest?
I have a great idea but where do I begin?
You can have all of this and more. It’s called…
There are two ways you can show your dream some love this Valentine’s day weekend…
For an intimate online workshop experience — including live Q&As and brainstorming sessions — join me this weekend LIVE at the virtual Work @ What You Love workshop/retreat.
Or, act now to pre-order the recordings so you can take the Work @ What You Love workshop on your own schedule — your choice!
But don’t wait too long because registration ends Friday.
See what past participants had to say at WorkatWhatYouLoveWorkshop.com
There’s never been a better – or a more affordable – time to start creating the life you really want.
