Don't Jump
by Justin Lukasavige

Most of us become very comfortable with our lives, and yet fed-up at the same time. Our jobs do not pay enough, the hours are too long, the management does not have a clue, and it's just boring every day! It seems that we become comfortably numb with the cards we feel have been dealt to us, and thus we never make a change.

Along comes the unfair boss or wicked coworker who throws a wrench in the works and we find ourselves on the street without a job. Always the eternal optimist, I am under the impression that things happen for a reason. While being out of a job may seem unfair and overwhelming, often times it can also be a blessing in disguise.

Although it is not the easiest thing to do when you feel down in the dumps, you have to look at both sides of the coin. On one hand, yesterday you were working at a J-O-B that you hated, did not pay well, but yet you had no plan to leave. Today you were forced to design an exit strategy, and that is the positive side of the coin.

Many people argue that it is unwise to leave a job they do not like for something that uses their passions in a constructive and profitable way. I argue that it is unwise to waste the gifts that God has given us to help others every day.

"Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms." (1 Peter 4:10)

Talk about letting our Maker down.

Do not stop reading yet; this is very important. If the previous part of this article motivated you to make a change, do not jump yet!

First, there are plans to be made and controls to put in place. If you are running down the pier at full speed to catch the boat, make sure the boat is still at the end of the dock before you jump. Throughout this process, make sure you are actually jumping to something, rather that just away from something else.

A strong plan not only sets you up to win, but also leverages your strengths to their fullest. At this point in your life, the last thing you want to be worrying about is how to take care of your family. This part is extremely important.

Throughout this process you should be planning to at least match, if not far surpass your current income. Amazing things happen when you follow your passion and work with a purpose.

How long should a plan like this take? With the help of a good friend or coach, it should take no longer than 2-3 months to fine-tune your plan and move into the work you love!

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