Comments on: Know Why You Do What You Do

By: Maketta

Maketta — Tue, 21 Feb 2006 16:25:46 +0000

I totally agree with you about enjoying what you do. I also wanted to say that you have a really nice blog and it is put together so nicely.

By: Teli

Teli — Wed, 28 Sep 2005 16:24:55 +0000

Debbie,
I’m glad to hear you’re taking the bulls by the horns - life is definitely not a spectator sport :D.

I’ve been doing web design (for free) for the past ten years or so…

Remember - there is nothing wrong with being paid or fairly compensated for your services/skills.

I do quite a bit of pro bono work, but I also have a firm understanding that I still need to be able to take care of myself.

I always remind myself of what a flight attendant says before we lift off - if the mask drops, put it on yourself before you assist someone else - you can’t save someone else’s life if you’re dead. Drastic, but accurate.

Make sure you’re fed, clothed, and taken care of because you can do far more good for the world if you are well off.

It really is a balance game - all things in moderation (to include giving away free web design) ;).

By: Teli

Teli — Wed, 28 Sep 2005 16:17:35 +0000

Hi Andrea,
I’m actually glad to see your face here (virtually of course) - I’m a lurker on your blog :). And I’m also glad that this entry was able to help put some things in perspective for you.

Life is definitely what you make of it, so there’s no reason not to enjoy yourself!

By: andrea

andrea — Mon, 26 Sep 2005 06:31:24 +0000

hi teli -

you know, i’m so relieved to hear you say this.

last year, a person who was a pretty key mentor in my business told me that i was like ’sarah the pie maker’ - this is a character in michael gerber’s emyth book.

and while i know it was meant to encourage me, when i finally read the book i realized it wasn’t exactly a compliment… you see, sarah was a pie maker and her business wasn’t doing great. one observation is that sarah loves what she does - she loves to make pies.

so what was the tip? i think it was basically a message to say (to me) that I shouldn’t love what i do as that was too much about the task vs. making money.

but i want to enjoy my life - and i think you’re right. even if i had a million dollars (like the bare naked ladies song)… i think i would still do what i do (like you - drop the pita clients) and just enjoy things a little more

thanks! you made my day

By: Debbie

Debbie — Mon, 22 Aug 2005 05:17:06 +0000

I completely agree with you. I quit my job as an environmental planner in June to go back to school, and simultaneously launched my website design business on the side.

I’ve been doing web design (for free) for the past ten years or so, but yes, I do love it so much that I’d do it even if I were rich. It’s the perfect blend of artistry, technology and helping people and is the best job I’ve ever had.

By: Hock

Hock — Wed, 10 Aug 2005 11:54:59 +0000

Hi Teli,

I like the design of your blog. Very cool. Let me know when you become a bazillionaire. I’ll have some design projects for you then.