I was delighted to hear this story on American Public Radio with management consultant Charles Handy, where he talks about creating your own work — which is what I’ve been advocating for such a long time. I encourage you to listen to the story in Handy’s own voice, or certainly to read the transcript. For efficiency, I’ve highlighted the key points here:

1. There’s a difference between a “job” that’s for an employer, and a “job” that’s for a client — in other words, a project or a gig. In this economy, we need to be more entrepreneurial and look for the latter.
2. The world is full of potential clients — for something. Value your own skills, talents, and abilities, and you’re likely to find a way to have others value them. Get creative. Do you make something you might sell? Can you help people? There are some pretty wild ways to make money, including one of my favorites, Sarah’s Smash Shack, where you can pay to break plates. It’s cheap therapy, and Sarah’s got a wild business model!
3. Most of us are not born entrepreneurs, so we have to practice it. The younger, the bettter. Personally, I’ve seen people in their mid-50’s put themselves out on a project basis for the first time, ever, and succeed. Maybe not instantaneously, but it’s totally possible.
4. Find someone who will pay you money for something you make or do for them. My suggestion? Try this while you are still employed. Do a project on the side for someone. That used to be called “moonlighting,” and it’s more important than ever that you learn how to market yourself and your services. In fact, I’m a big believer in calling it something other than “marketing,” because that can sound big and scary and ultra-corporate. How about just referring to this exchange as connecting your talents with someone else’s needs?

So, what are you doing to go beyond working for someone else, and start being your own boss? What resources have helped you to make that transition? Got a story to tell about your own journey from employee to being your own boss? Share it with us!

On the job,

Dr. Susan Bernstein
Life/Work Transition Expert
www.WorkFromWithin.com