EP10: Three Easy Ways to Make Money While Pursuing Your Regenerative Career
Money, it's a topic that can make even the most confident among us feel a little uneasy. When it comes to transitioning into a regenerative career, financial concerns often loom large, casting a shadow over our dreams and aspirations.
But what if I told you that there are ways to navigate this financial terrain while still pursuing your passion for regenerative work?
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Unmasking the Money Excuse
In my recent market research, over 80% of you said that money and paying your mortgage are the biggest obstacles holding you back from embracing a regenerative career. It's not just about numbers on a spreadsheet; it's about security, responsibility, and the quality of life for you and your loved ones.
But what if money isn't the only thing holding you back? Could it be that financial concerns are masking other fears or hesitations? Perhaps it's fear of the unknown, worry about what others might think, or uncertainty about your skills in a new field.
This isn't to diminish the very real financial considerations we all face. But by examining our relationship with money and how it influences our decisions, we can start to see a clearer path forward.
Three Strategies for Financial Stability During Transition
I want to share three practical approaches that can help you meet your financial needs while nurturing your regenerative career aspirations. Think of your current financial situation as the main stem of a plant, and your regenerative career as a side shoot. The goal is to nourish both simultaneously.
1. Stay and Grow
The first option might surprise you: stay in your current job. This might not be what you wanted to hear but by maintaining your current position, you will have a stable financial foundation from which to explore and develop your regenerative interests.
This doesn't mean staying stagnant. Consider having a conversation with your employer about flexible hours or reduced time. If you've already decided this job isn't your long-term future, you have more power in these negotiations than you might think.
2. The Bridging Job
If staying in your current role isn't feasible, or if you're not currently employed, consider finding a "bridging job." This is a position that meets your minimum financial needs while providing the mental space and energy to pursue your regenerative interests.
The key here is to lower your expectations. This isn't about career advancement; it's about creating a stable platform for your transition. Look for roles that are easy, close to home, or allow you to work efficiently without bringing stress home.
Pro tip: Calculate your minimum financial needs before job hunting. This clarity will help you make decisions aligned with your long-term goals.
3. Strategic Freelancing
For those with in-demand skills, freelancing can be an excellent option. This could involve continuing to offer your most valuable skills to your former employer or branching out to new clients.
The beauty of freelancing is its flexibility. You can often command higher hourly rates while working fewer hours, freeing up time and energy for your regenerative pursuits.
Nurturing Your Side Shoot
Whichever path you choose, remember that the goal is to create space for your regenerative interests to grow. This might mean dedicating specific hours each week to learning, networking, or experimenting in your new field.
It's crucial to approach this transition with patience and self-compassion. Just as a plant doesn't grow overnight, your regenerative career will take time to flourish.
Give yourself permission to explore, make mistakes, and adjust your course as needed.
Reframing Success
As you embark on this journey, it's essential to redefine what success looks like for you. In our society, we're often conditioned to equate success with financial gain or career advancement. But what if success meant aligning your work with your values? What if it meant contributing to a more sustainable and just world?
By shifting our perspective, we can find fulfilment and purpose in the process of transition, not just in the end result.
Remember, your journey towards a regenerative career is unique. It's not about following a predetermined path, but about creating a way forward that honours your values, skills, and circumstances. By addressing your financial needs thoughtfully, you're creating the fertile ground from which your regenerative work can grow and thrive.
So, I invite you to look beyond the money excuse. Identify your true fears, calculate your real needs, and take that first step towards nurturing your regenerative side shoot.
