Exit Strategy

“Deprived of meaningful work, men and women lose their reason for existence; they go stark, raving mad.” – Fyodor Dostoevsky

Finding that Meaningful Work and More Meaning were popular posts with readers, I wanted to pass along another relevant article on the topic. Alyse Hart is “a corporate exit strategist and agent for change” and her advice appeared today in a Women In Technology newsletter.

Here’s an excerpt, “Like many, you were probably seduced by two big urban work myths. They’ve been promoted in business journals and through families and well-meaning friends, so you didn’t even think to question them. In America, hard work offers a medal of honor; it’s the antidote to depression and low self-esteem. And it promises that financial success will erase whatever ails you. It’s not completely true.”

“Work is just one aspect of your life. It’s not the panacea for all that ails you. Don’t defer living your life in favor of working more hours. If you believe you’ll be more interesting, marketable, or loveable after you get your next promotion, you’ll remain in a holding pattern without any satisfaction. Because after the promotion you’ll get restless again and chase after something new, postponing your life once again until no one’s waiting for you anymore.”

“You’ve got to love and appreciate yourself and your life right now. If that’s a stretch, consider yourself “under construction” and accept yourself as is. Commit yourself to adventure and start cultivating interests: take extension classes, participate in recreational activities, and cultivate relationships. If you can’t imagine doing it, punish yourself with pleasure, and force yourself to do something light, exciting, or fun. After awhile, you’ll get used to it, and your life will become more robust. It’ll be easier to be with yourself.”

If you really are considering getting out, then Hart offers a quiz over at her website to help you determine if you’re too attached and if it’s the right time to leave. If you failed the quiz… and still need to buy time with the corporate grind then as Alyse suggests… start cultivating interests. This was the number one reason why I created Sitting Pretty. Need help with ideas?

The March 2006 issue of Kiplinger’s offers suggestions with an article called Passions Pursued. Not yet available online, it is still worth the purchase price of the magazine. They sent writers to four popular camps for adults and found one common denomination: joy. “At adult camps, you put the icing on the cake, rake in the chips, learn to jam and even throw a wicked left hook. Camps for adults are about having fun.”

Still stuck in serious mode and rather use the time defining your next pursuit? Perhaps, Vocation Vacations is a better way to spend the week away from the office. Either way. Be interesting. Your boss will notice!