I enjoyed reading this, Maia. "It’s about finding a livelihood that brings me joy and self-sufficiency and a sense of contributing to the world.” -- This resonated closely with me. I left my job in December 2023 for this reason. The job I was in wasn't bringing me enough joy anymore and writing provides me sustainable joy so I've gone that route. Money matters but it's not #1. Your wellbeing is.
This resonated with me a lot, as I’ve also changed fields a few times and found the benefit of focusing on the verbs rather than the nouns. In fact, I’ll be teaching a new course to my high school students in Pakistan this Sept on university prep (not just getting into college but also being socially/emotionally ready for it, as well as knowing how to be self-reflective and figure out their purpose/career). Was wondering if your book would be a useful resource for such a class, not just in terms of providing food for thought and discussion, but also exercises. Would love your feedback. Thanks! And congratulations on the royalties (read your note!)!
For sure the book could be a good resource for a class like that. It includes lots of exercises, experiences, and practical tips that can help guide the reader toward a more fulfilling design for their work life.
I have found that the book tends to speak most to those who have some kind of spiritual orientation to their lives (or aspiration to live life in that way). Not that these folks are 'better' by any means, it's just a particular point of reference. Without that, the book may not resonate as much. If you're not able to view the table of contents through 'see inside' features on Amazon, let me know and I can share more specifics about what the book covers.
thank you, Stephanie! The book has a lot of thoughtful passages : ) But also really practical exercises as well... I like to think it's a combination of aspiration and tangible support.
Yes! The 8 Fold path is the path of wisdom! Right living is definitely a challenge in the mechanized modern world we created. Not always easy but nothing worthwhile ever is!
Ahh, congratulations! And thanks for offering this excerpt. I became a mental health professional for similar reasons, and I also left being a therapist for similar reasons. I’m still exploring myself and figuring out my exact next steps… may have to purchase your book! ❤️
Precious essay ! Definitely worth reading and re-reading at every stage in life.
“A liberation based livelihood with consciously connecting to the core intention of work” - a wonderful way to reflect and meet our work each day with humane intentions, irrespective of what we do , also choosing to remove oneself from harmful work situations 🙏🏻🌸
Congratulations! On the recommendation from Sharon Salzberg 🍀
I enjoyed reading this, Maia. "It’s about finding a livelihood that brings me joy and self-sufficiency and a sense of contributing to the world.” -- This resonated closely with me. I left my job in December 2023 for this reason. The job I was in wasn't bringing me enough joy anymore and writing provides me sustainable joy so I've gone that route. Money matters but it's not #1. Your wellbeing is.
"Sustainable joy" is such a wonderful thing, isn't it?! May it continue to be a joyful path for you Niall.
Sustainable joy is a wonderful fuel source! Thank you for the kind words :) Wishing you well on yours!
Thanks for this, Maia! Much food for thought for someone planning a career change...
thanks for reading and commenting, Kate!
Congratulations!
thank you, Cyndi!
This resonated with me a lot, as I’ve also changed fields a few times and found the benefit of focusing on the verbs rather than the nouns. In fact, I’ll be teaching a new course to my high school students in Pakistan this Sept on university prep (not just getting into college but also being socially/emotionally ready for it, as well as knowing how to be self-reflective and figure out their purpose/career). Was wondering if your book would be a useful resource for such a class, not just in terms of providing food for thought and discussion, but also exercises. Would love your feedback. Thanks! And congratulations on the royalties (read your note!)!
Hi Nida, Thanks for reading and commenting!
For sure the book could be a good resource for a class like that. It includes lots of exercises, experiences, and practical tips that can help guide the reader toward a more fulfilling design for their work life.
I have found that the book tends to speak most to those who have some kind of spiritual orientation to their lives (or aspiration to live life in that way). Not that these folks are 'better' by any means, it's just a particular point of reference. Without that, the book may not resonate as much. If you're not able to view the table of contents through 'see inside' features on Amazon, let me know and I can share more specifics about what the book covers.
Wow! A Sharon Salzburg recommendation! That’s soooooo cool! Congratulations🎈
Yes, Sharon was very generous in offering that. Also received blurbs from Roshi Joan Halifax, Diana Winston, and others. You can see them on the Amazon page: https://www.amazon.com/Work-That-Matters-Livelihood-Intention/dp/1941529682
This is awesome! Some of my favorite meditation teachers/ authors
Thanks for sharing this incredibly thoughtful passage -- and congratulations!
thank you, Stephanie! The book has a lot of thoughtful passages : ) But also really practical exercises as well... I like to think it's a combination of aspiration and tangible support.
Yes! The 8 Fold path is the path of wisdom! Right living is definitely a challenge in the mechanized modern world we created. Not always easy but nothing worthwhile ever is!
as my Zen teacher says, 'simple but note easy' ; )
Amen
Ahh, congratulations! And thanks for offering this excerpt. I became a mental health professional for similar reasons, and I also left being a therapist for similar reasons. I’m still exploring myself and figuring out my exact next steps… may have to purchase your book! ❤️
Precious essay ! Definitely worth reading and re-reading at every stage in life.
“A liberation based livelihood with consciously connecting to the core intention of work” - a wonderful way to reflect and meet our work each day with humane intentions, irrespective of what we do , also choosing to remove oneself from harmful work situations 🙏🏻🌸
Congratulations! On the recommendation from Sharon Salzberg 🍀