posted July 31, 2009 03:18 PM            

Rest of post deleted, I should not have ranted here.

posted August 03, 2009 03:53 AM            

I think a lot of people come to these career crossroads at some point.

It has helped me to sit, analyse what i really want to do, the way in which i am uniquely gifted and try to see what career options that leaves me. Its not going to always be supported but trying to please anyone else is also a losing battle.

As for money and self worth, its society's way of identifying with something or the other. Some people confuse their identity with being partners in a relationship or as parents, as their career designations etc. So when these don't work out, there is an identity crisis of sorts. It is really hard to break out of the mould when you're subconsciously conditioned.

I think most of us cave in and give in to keeping jobs that aren't really our thing, to pay the bills. I admire people like Robert Kiyosaki (Rich Dad, Poor Dad Series author) who had the courage to not do that.

To answer your question, as i said above, i've been trying to consciously break away in baby steps. I try to not live in debt. This is by separating my needs from my wants and allowing myself the occassional, affordable luxuries. I don't own credit cards (despite the bank giving them to us for free when we open an account and no charges for the first year) and spend based on what i can afford with money i do have.

I do not place satisfaction in material acquisitions, rather i try and focus more on comfort. That way, while i live in a comfortable house, own a comfortable car, its always what is within my means not even what i can afford so i try to save something aside.

Dearest LEXX, sorry to hear things aren't great, I pray that things change for the better and you are graced with strength to deal. From your posts that i do read, i believe you are a remarkable woman & your take on life - to be thinking of people in worse situations - is remarkable. Your lexigramming skills are awesome.

And i think your old pics are beautiful LEXX.

posted August 03, 2009 09:00 AM            

With that background on me - I have been feeling like how am I going to do this on my own. I have a job I like that is steady and it pays well. The job is not me It is not my career - it is what I do because I have to right now.

My self-definition is not what I do. my worth extends well beyond the amount of money I make and how I make it. In some of my darker moments when I feel scared of the what is, I remember who I am, what I am. I am kind, compassionate, loving, intense, stubborn. My value resides in how I treat others and myself.

I would go to great lengths to ensure my kids well being. I actually thought of pole dancing. It is great excercise and good money but the hours suck and the clientele can be ify. I find that doing what I would need to do to make ends meet out of love is part of my worth. Love is the key there. Many people would frown upon my choice but my life is my life not theirs.

Who we are is not the amount of money we make or have. So Paris Hilton has a ton of money - does that make her a better person? Is she a more worthy person because she has all that money?

Money, the job are externals. Worth is internal.

LEXX - My thoughts are with you. I read in another forum that prayers p*ss you off so I'll keep those.

posted August 15, 2009 10:44 AM            

I have found, personally, that we all walk our paths, exactly as we should and maybe, certain nudgings from the universe come our way, from time to time to encourage us to take another path.

I do not think success (per US terms) is relfective of real, personal success....how many financially successful individuals are horribly unhappy, unfullfilled?

Personally, I love my job as a RN. I make good money, but I have issues with where I practice and I have issues with healthcare in general, but I see my "job" as my contribution to the workings of the universe..a tithe, my place to go 36 hours a week and pay my debt to the human condition.

My be-loved on the other hand is on disability, but he shares and contributes in his own way, just as much as I do. Surely what he attratcs financially is far, far less than what I do, but I see us as equal in our contributions to all that is.

He is a muscian and together with the other band members they make people smile, relax, etc....They work largely for no money, just to have a good time and share music.