"Your calling doesn't have to pay the bills" really resonated with me. For years, I pushed aside my dream of becoming a novelist in favour of pursuing a career in marketing, because I was good at it and could make a good income through it, whereas there was no guarantee I would ever make money through my writing. Eventually, I started writing again because I needed to for my mental health, and I haven't stopped since.
Amelia, this is beyond beautiful. So inspiring, and so much to think about. (The way you write about paying attention to our feelings, energy levels and emotional responses, has echoes for me of the Ignatian spiritual practice of noticing feelings of desolation and consolation, too.) And all that you share with regards to early trauma response - and how it stays with us, for all the different reasons this can happen- thank you so much for sharing, all of this. You certainly do so much with your beautiful gift for writing, through the power of storytelling, in encouraging and helping others to create lives of happiness and joy. 💝🙏
oh wow, Jen, thank YOU so much for reading and taking the time to write this thoughtful note! paying attention to my true feelings has been a hugely transformational lesson for me in building a better life - amazing the difference it makes but, and how it can be deceptively difficult to do!
This post came at the perfect time for me. It took me a while to accept that one: "Your calling doesn't have to pay the bills." I'm still looking for the right balance between what pays the bills but still leaves enough space for me to explore purposeful things. I don't think I've found the perfect answer yet but I've changed jobs recently and it definitely helped me move in the right direction.
Thank you for this post and all the practical advice. You're definitely making an impact ❤️
Thank you Aurelie! ❤️ Paying the bills and having time to explore meaningful activities is a huge challenge - I didn't say it in this post, but I also think a lot about how it's very difficult to even think about purpose when earning money is most urgent. I'm so glad you have more time for yourself now!
Part of my purpose is helping people find their passions in life so I loved every word of your newsletter this week. You are so right; it is not always easy but it is worthwhile.
PS immediately after reading your reading hack last night I started saving all the screenshotted books in my new Books to read folder, and I even made a To watch folder with shows I’d taken screenshots of. I predict that this tip will change my life 🥰
Bravo Marcia! So thrilled that you like the books to read folder - and I'm starting a what to watch folder - what a great idea - thank you for sharing!
My 4th grade English teacher left me this inscription in my yearbook "someday Jenny, you'll put it all together and be outstanding." It has only been since I've started writing that I actually believe this might happen. Thank you for this gorgeous post. Xx
Kind of shed a tear here. This hit. If you're wondering, you ARE making an impact here.
Another lapsed attorney here! We need a support group. I worked when my kids were little and cried every night. Finally my husband said "no one looks back on their life and says 'I wish I worked more when my kids were young.'" I QUIT. Then I struggled with identity--is raising kids my purpose? And now I've got an empty nest, and it's kind of exciting to circle back to me. I am now the center of my universe and it's a bit of a thrill. ;o)
I agree that purpose doesn't have to be the job. My lil Substack brings me immeasurable joy and not immeasurable dollars. But it's bringing me back to myself.
Lapsed attorneys unite! Although I got a law degree and never even practiced! The money vs. purpose conundrum is so tricky + the expectations of motherhood and gender roles confuse things too. At this stage in my life I'm committed to the idea that we can make money to live while not putting that pressure on what gives us purpose and meaning. ❤️
Ahhh - I needed this today, thank you. Funnily enough I have recently imploded my career of 20-odd years in London and am fighting against my known purpose because I’m not convinced it will make me money… (because it’s not a “proper job”). Your point about doing it anyway is really helpful - I’m a writer, I’ve always been a writer, I wrote as a child and I’ll write as an old woman even if I get paid nothing. So why not at least try before slapping myself down?! Wild idea…! Thank you 💕
Oh wow, Annie, I know how you feel. It’s a wonderful thing that you know what your purpose is - don’t let go of that knowledge! I'm cheering you on! ❤️
"Your calling doesn't have to pay the bills" really resonated with me. For years, I pushed aside my dream of becoming a novelist in favour of pursuing a career in marketing, because I was good at it and could make a good income through it, whereas there was no guarantee I would ever make money through my writing. Eventually, I started writing again because I needed to for my mental health, and I haven't stopped since.
Oh Jess, I’m so happy to hear you’re writing! Money vs. purpose is so tricky because I believe we need to find ways to have enough of both…
Amelia, this is beyond beautiful. So inspiring, and so much to think about. (The way you write about paying attention to our feelings, energy levels and emotional responses, has echoes for me of the Ignatian spiritual practice of noticing feelings of desolation and consolation, too.) And all that you share with regards to early trauma response - and how it stays with us, for all the different reasons this can happen- thank you so much for sharing, all of this. You certainly do so much with your beautiful gift for writing, through the power of storytelling, in encouraging and helping others to create lives of happiness and joy. 💝🙏
oh wow, Jen, thank YOU so much for reading and taking the time to write this thoughtful note! paying attention to my true feelings has been a hugely transformational lesson for me in building a better life - amazing the difference it makes but, and how it can be deceptively difficult to do!
Oh yes!!! (Hard relate!!) XO
Everything you said, lived , learned - Yes. Thank you very very much ♥️
I'm so glad this is helpful, Suzie!
This post came at the perfect time for me. It took me a while to accept that one: "Your calling doesn't have to pay the bills." I'm still looking for the right balance between what pays the bills but still leaves enough space for me to explore purposeful things. I don't think I've found the perfect answer yet but I've changed jobs recently and it definitely helped me move in the right direction.
Thank you for this post and all the practical advice. You're definitely making an impact ❤️
Thank you Aurelie! ❤️ Paying the bills and having time to explore meaningful activities is a huge challenge - I didn't say it in this post, but I also think a lot about how it's very difficult to even think about purpose when earning money is most urgent. I'm so glad you have more time for yourself now!
Truly excellent advice here!
Thanks so much, Claire!
Part of my purpose is helping people find their passions in life so I loved every word of your newsletter this week. You are so right; it is not always easy but it is worthwhile.
PS immediately after reading your reading hack last night I started saving all the screenshotted books in my new Books to read folder, and I even made a To watch folder with shows I’d taken screenshots of. I predict that this tip will change my life 🥰
Bravo Marcia! So thrilled that you like the books to read folder - and I'm starting a what to watch folder - what a great idea - thank you for sharing!
My 4th grade English teacher left me this inscription in my yearbook "someday Jenny, you'll put it all together and be outstanding." It has only been since I've started writing that I actually believe this might happen. Thank you for this gorgeous post. Xx
Wow, Jen, what a wonderful teacher!
"Looking for clues in childhood passions"--brilliant advice! So appreciate your authenticity and wisdom.
Thank you Kendra!
“The trick is to pay attention to what energizes you.” AMEN 🙏!!!
Not as easy as it sounds! 😉
Kind of shed a tear here. This hit. If you're wondering, you ARE making an impact here.
Another lapsed attorney here! We need a support group. I worked when my kids were little and cried every night. Finally my husband said "no one looks back on their life and says 'I wish I worked more when my kids were young.'" I QUIT. Then I struggled with identity--is raising kids my purpose? And now I've got an empty nest, and it's kind of exciting to circle back to me. I am now the center of my universe and it's a bit of a thrill. ;o)
I agree that purpose doesn't have to be the job. My lil Substack brings me immeasurable joy and not immeasurable dollars. But it's bringing me back to myself.
Lapsed attorneys unite! Although I got a law degree and never even practiced! The money vs. purpose conundrum is so tricky + the expectations of motherhood and gender roles confuse things too. At this stage in my life I'm committed to the idea that we can make money to live while not putting that pressure on what gives us purpose and meaning. ❤️
Ahhh - I needed this today, thank you. Funnily enough I have recently imploded my career of 20-odd years in London and am fighting against my known purpose because I’m not convinced it will make me money… (because it’s not a “proper job”). Your point about doing it anyway is really helpful - I’m a writer, I’ve always been a writer, I wrote as a child and I’ll write as an old woman even if I get paid nothing. So why not at least try before slapping myself down?! Wild idea…! Thank you 💕
Oh wow, Annie, I know how you feel. It’s a wonderful thing that you know what your purpose is - don’t let go of that knowledge! I'm cheering you on! ❤️
Beautiful piece Amelia - thank you for sharing your wisdom.
Thank you so much, Amy. That means a lot! ❤️