What makes us happy and fulfilled in our lives? It’s usually a collection of many things; our family, friends, hobbies, work. But work does not necessarily mean happiness and fulfilment in and of itself, and can mean the exact opposite for some caught in the rat-race in a job they hate, or with a controlling boss, or for someone being bullied or harassed in the workplace.
I did a poll recently, “What has transcription given you as a career?” Of the 25 transcribers who replied to this question, every single one listed freedom as one of the main benefits they got from working for themselves at home. Here are some of their comments:
“Freedom to work as and when I choose.”
“Freedom from 9:00 to 5:00 routine.”
“Freedom from commuting.”
“Freedom to travel and work.”
“Independence.”
“Fitting home life around work.”
“Sense of pride and ownership.”
“Self-confidence running my own business.”
“Not having to set the alarm every day.”
“Flexibility.”
“Ability to spend quality time with loved ones.”
“Unlimited opportunity to learn and grow.”
“Ever-changing topics to transcribe.”
I found these responses very powerful, especially this message of freedom: freedom to pick up the kids from school, or to attend a school event; have lunch with a friend or loved one; garden, or take a walk, while the sun was out; travel; caring for a loved one.
Time is the most precious thing we have. Anyone who has children knows how quickly they grow up and are gone. Our parents also grow old and then they, too, are gone. The time we spend with those special to us is the thing that most people feel they don’t get enough of. Being able to schedule your work around your loved ones is priceless. Being able to choose when and where to work, on your own terms, is a real gift.
I feel that true happiness stems from a sense of autonomy and liberty. When people start to feel powerless, trapped, or undervalued, their sense of self-worth and happiness declines rapidly.
So if your current career doesn’t fulfil you, or makes you doubt your self-worth, then maybe it’s time to explore other options and enjoy this life that we have to the full.
Happy transcribing!
