If you have a job, and you haven’t suffered a pay-cut, I hope you realize how fortunate you are. Many of my friends are seeking full-time employment, and they’re frustrated because they don’t know how to spend their days.
I am lucky enough to have a part-time job, but I spend almost all my free time working on side projects. The more time I spend seeking a full-time job, the more time and energy I want to devote to my websites and writing. By pursuing these activities, I am not only doing something I enjoy but also making myself more marketable in the process.
So what’s the problem? I think I caught the entrepreneurial bug in the process. Most employers aren’t necessarily thrilled by employees who like to pursue their own endeavors. Even when I’m at my current job, I can hardly wait to go home and do more work – for myself.
Am I sabotaging my chances for a stable full-time job even though I’m working so hard to develop my skills and passions? Twitter user @CanterburyVines writes, “I’ve heard many stories about people following their dream now that their higher paying corporate jobs have disappeared.”
In many ways, the ailing economy is stimulating creativity and ambition. Not having a full-time job has forced me to be creative in new ways; I have to buy and cook food with a strict budget in mind and must think of alternate (inexpensive) forms of entertainment.
Luckily, writing and making websites cost me nothing except my time, and I’m happy to give it! I have fun, learn a lot, and save money in the meantime. Applying to jobs all day and not hearing back from prospective employers makes me wonder which activity is a better use of my time and energy.
(Photo by zoutedrop)
Great post. I see your point on employers not liking employees pursuing their own endeavors. On one hand, you’re learning a lot and being creative. On the other, you spend less time working for them.
I think you’re doing the right thing but pursuing other interests. I know a few people that are struggling to secure jobs.