Being responsible

I’ve been observing with interest all the back and forth about the occupy Wall Street protesters and Herman Cain’s response to them. It reminded me of an exchange I had a couple weeks ago with a United flight attendant.

She and her fellow attendant were grousing about how hard their work is: “my back hurts, I don’t know how long I can keep this up.” He lamented about limitations in the job: “it’s tough to get the schedule I want.” She replied about how tough the job market is, so she doesn’t want to look for another job. The line was backed up and I was privy to the entire conversation.

I turned to them both and said, “as a self-employed consultant for the past ten years, I am constantly looking for the next job. Everyday I must reach out to people to ensure I have new assignments, billable time, which means income and food on the table.”

It’s true. Those of you who are self-employed know it. There is no rest from the constant job hunt. Now, I will say, I actually enjoy that hunt. I’m certain I’m in the minority.

For me, it is a way to take control of my own destiny. To be responsible for myself and my family. It’s a choice I made ten years ago and I’m sticking with it. Working with amazing companies and clients on interesting work makes it an especially shiny brass ring.

Entrepreneurship isn’t for everyone. I get that. But taking responsibility for yourself sure feels better than the alternative of being taken care of.