Shilpan, welcome, I agree with your observation regarding the false hope and false security. These are also lies that folks tell themselves so they won’t have to make their move. I feel the same way about my freedom – once there we just can’t imagine going back.

Cheryl yes the elation and the concerns are both present but that’s what makes it worth the ride. If the fear wasn’t there we might not buckle down and focus as much as we need to. I like what you say about knowing it. There is a big difference between what we believe and what we know. Knowing is stronger hold onto that and take action from its strength!

Slade I appreciate the depth in your comment. It is funny how so many think that self-employment is less work. I guess they assume that from looking out at the freedom from their cage of employment.
I agree I have sometimes worked more being self-employed but the freedom to call ones own shots gives a different feel to the “work.”

Readers, check out Slade’s blog post on procrastinating and dreams. I did and it was excellent. I love what he said about procrastination being a way for us to preserve our dreams.

Ali yep it can be hard fitting it all in, especially while working a full time job. Yet I believe that there is an optimum transition path for you and everyone. Of course you’ll put some things at risk. But there is always a way. Stay open to that possibility and begin to look at various scenarios that could work. Just the right way for you exists, keep looking until you find it and then make your move.

I’m working in a job which I quite like (bit boring, but by no means unpleasant, and pays well). I took it as a “pays the rent” type job when I graduated from university about a year and a half ago, without intending to stay for more than a couple of years.

But, my line manager and boss are both keen for me to stay with the (very small) company and progress towards management. Part of me wants to — but I know it’s the “easy” option. What I REALLY want to do is write (non-fiction and fiction) and design websites for a living. I’ve made a start (my blog, http://www.theofficediet.com, paid writer for http://www.diet-blog.com and http://www.dailywritingtips.com and doing a couple of free websites for church groups) — but it’s HARD fitting it in round the full time day job.

I know I could just take the plunge and quit, but if I fail miserably and have to slope back home to live with my parents, that would ruin my boyfriend’s university chances (he’s currently an undergraduate), as we’re sharing a flat. Also, I’ve got a place on a part-time creative writing MA from this September. So my current thinking is that I should stay in the job full time till September, then try to cut down to 3 days/week (which I could afford, but I’d no longer be putting any money into savings.)

Sorry, that ended up FAR longer than I intended. Kudos to anyone who read the whole thing. Any advice welcomed…

I have to wonder how many of the people who say they want to be their own boss really on some level think that means they don’t have to work anymore, or don’t want to work at all.

You still have to work – in some cases, you have to work more. I’m my most demanding boss ever; I also ultimately answer to my own clients in a way I never had to answer to a boss or company.

It’s also easier to “lose” a job in which you have less comparable spiritual and emotional investment. You can’t afford to fail, on a greater level, at something that is near and dear to your heart and soul. I written about my theory that procrastination can work unconsciously as a form of dream preservation. (link to that article on my name above)

There are more unknown factors in working for yourself, so I think for many people the hesitancy may come from an instinctive response to “better the devil you know…”

This year I am learning all I can about internet marketing, blogging, social networking, and affiliate marketing. Whether I am successful doing any of these things remains to be seen, but no matter what I know that I’ll be ok. I just know it. I have to follow my bliss, my heart, whatever you want to call it. Life is now.

Shilpan

As for the disparity in the numbers, I still think it’s about responsibility. Most folks would love work freedom, but don’t want to take responsibility for creating it. They think they can’t, so they don’t.

Interestingly – having been one of those “think they can’t” people, myself, it’s quite an adventure to realize I can…and have…and will continue. The “think I can’t” part of me is still here, but today I thank her for her input and go on, because as we know – what we resist persists.

@Will thanks for the mention in your blog. Yes proactive and conscious is a mighty fine combination.

@Akemi congratulations on following your purpose. You’re right it’s often not easy but once evolved we really can’t go back to living with our head in the sand. Yes those survey results blow my mind. So many complain about their work and then act as though they can’t make their move. They can of course. They just need to see a way to stick their toe in the water.

I read that USA Today article too. Isn’t it interesting to see the gap between what people say they want and what they actually do?