Fire Your Boss

Notes from the book by Stephen Pollan: Fire Your Boss
a very interesting counter-viewpoint to "do what you love the money will follow"

--Stop living to work and start working to live
--get your challenges and satisfaction out of life, not work
--It's about the money, not a "career"
--Always be "fishing" for new jobs and opportunities
--Fire your boss means taking charge of your own job life
--no one hires a stranger (mine your personal life for jobs)

--Important factors in evaluating a position, in order of importance:
1)Income
2) Proximity
3) Paid time off
4) Unpaid time off
5) opportunity for learning

--Factors which MAY be important:
disability insurance, health insurance, life insurance, retirement plan, tuition reimbursement

--Factors which are no longer important in today's job market:
amenities, auto, challenge, culture, enviornment, expense account, advancement stability, status, title

Since I technically work for myself, I should fire myself.

Sycamore, you're fired!

*sob* Now what am I supposed to do?!

I think you're already there

Did you pay yourself any severance, syc?

I might have to take myself to court over it...I'm consulting my attorney.

Seriously...here's where I'm at right now: I am an independent contractor that makes decent money. Could be better, but it pays the bills. If I worked harder on my other business concepts, I could be in great shape. And I'll have great health insurance in November, thanks to April.

But I'd like to go back into the corporate world for a little while at least--maybe 2 or 3 years...soak up some more knowledge, pilfer some training, start a 401(k), meet and network. There's nothing wrong with being on your own at any level...I totally respect UT and anyone else that runs their own small businesses. And I want to do it some day. But I just spent $19,000 to get my Masters...to not try and put it into practical use in the "working world" for at least a little while would make it a waste of money to a degree to me.

education is rarely a waste

I could see that, syc. I think that is a solid approach.

I, on the other hand just let go of a 9 year career to stay home and switch my focus.

I think it all just depends on your perspective and where you are with your career...(oh, and whether you enjoy it or not.)

Congratulations on your Master's, syc, if I haven't already told you. :)

Thanks!

Now I just need to find that real job...

As long as you give yourself time-off, vacations, decent medical, allow yourself mistakes, turn the phone off from time-to-time and take breaks you don't need to be fired.