Exiting The Rat Race

A couple of years ago, I sat in a hotel room in an unfamiliar city nowhere near family or friends. I had had a long day, but

it wasn't over because there were still reports to review. I called home to chat with my husband for a bit, but when you have

been married for a long time there is not much to talk about on the phone. Trying to decide what to eat for dinner from

take-out menus, I had a thought: what is the point of it all? I spent more time away from home than I actually spent at home.



Yes, I was making money, but I was miserable. I wondered how I was contributing to the greater good. How was I investing in

my important relationships? How would the second paragraph of my obituary read? Right then, I decided to exit the rat race.

I asked myself: What would you do if money wasn't involved? I started brainstorming. There were only three things that I

genuinely loved doing: writing, and helping others. I made the decision to put more effort into my writing and in helping

others. I finally feel like I am following my dreams.

So, how can we exit the rat race?

> Get started. In your free time, begin praying, brainstorming and researching what it is that you truly want to do with your

life. This will lessen the stress of the daily hamster wheel.

> Action Plan. I create action plans for everything. It could be as simple as a list for my monthly meal planning or as in-

depth as a business plan for a new idea. It's my blueprint, and I feel naked without one. If there is no plan of action in

place, then there is no direction in your project.

> Have a Plan B. It's nice when everything falls right into place, but sometimes things just don't work out that way. Make

Plan B as intricate as Plan A because you may just have to use it.

> Predict potential pitfalls. This can be done through a S.W.O.T. (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis.

You can use a S.W.O.T. Analysis chart to help with your planning.

> Save money. Start socking a little, extra money away each month toward your goal. Investing money into your project helps

with your follow through.

> Visualization. Start thinking about what you want your outcome to look like, and place this on a vision board. Place your

vision board next to your work station to remind yourself what it is you are trying to accomplish and to keep you on track.

> Gather the troops. Gain the support of friends and family. Get them excited and involved with your decision to exit the rat

race and pursue your dreams.

> Stick with it. Maybe you enjoy your career, but you have become so consumed in your work that you have forgotten what's

important. Reflection may be all that you need to exit the rat race.

> Education. If you want to enter a different field, look into obtaining the necessary training to snag the job you want.

There are many financial options to further your education so check with the educational institution you are interested in

about their financial assistance options.

We are only here for a moment. Do something to make your time count!

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