Excuses, Excuses

When I talk to people about working less and earning more, I hear some of the same excuses over and over.  Excuses like…

1. It’s not a good time to make any changes with the economy in recession
2. It’s too risky to follow my dreams with a spouse and kids at home
3. I’ll never get medical benefits if I leave my job
4. My corporate skills don’t translate outside of a traditional job
5. I’m not the entrepreneurial type, I’m better suited on the slow, steady track

Since I hear these excuses time and time again, I thought it was officially time to answer each one so we can all move on together.  Here goes:

1. The same people who tell you not to make a move in a recession will also say it’s crazy to make a move in a great economy.  They’ll tell you the bonuses and stock options are too good to pass up.
2. Change always feels risky.  But staying in your rut won’t make you a better spouse or parent.  In fact, it just may wear you down to the point you can’t be there for your family emotionally and mentally.
3. Take a closer look at what your company is deducting for medical benefits.  Costs continue to get pushed onto employees.  Benefits on the outside are no longer that much more expensive.
4. If you’ve spent at least 2-3 years working in a corporate job I find it hard to believe you are yet to accumulate any skills that could be repackaged in the outside world for profit.
5. Working less, earning more is not about starting the next Google.  You don’t have to be a risk-taking entrepreneur to start a new life.  Just someone motivated to make a change.

Now that we’ve got our excuses out of the way, let’s get to work… or should I say working less!