“Hi, Dan. I’m almost 34. For over a year, I’ve been a stay-at-home dad (four kids 6 and younger). I worked as a marketing copywriter for almost a decade with little success, even being let go from my last two positions. My last employer said he thinks I don’t like marketing. He was right, but I hesitated leaving the career that filled my resume. During the time I lost my last job, we tried finding lower rent to no avail, and my family went couch surfing for a while. My “American Dream” was becoming a nightmare. I believe this was part of God’s plan to address materialism in my heart. Nevertheless, I’m weary of dreaming again or taking risks that might harm my family. I’ve considered starting a business, going back to school, or writing novels, among others. What do you recommend for moving forward? Thank you.”
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Ouch – I grieve for you and your current situation. But your comments say more about your mindset than about your
circumstances. You have got to Change your thinking about money. Having enough money to have a place to live for your wife and 4 children is not materialism – it’s being a responsible husband and daddy. And when you don’t have a job, the solution is not to find a place with lower rent; it’s to get a job. Don’t wish for not having dreams – embrace those dreams fully and then create a clear plan of action. If you don’t take a ‘risk’ your family will continue to see the results you have now.
“Success is never an accident. It typically starts as imagination, becomes a dream, stimulates a goal, grows into a plan of action – which then inevitably meets with opportunity. Don’t get stuck along the way.” Dan Miller, author 48 Days to the Work You Love.
I understand you’re weary right now. But you’ll find new energy when you have a plan and even a little bit of success. The emotions you describe tell me clearly you’re looking back at what has already happened. As soon as you become clear on what you want your life to look like six months from now, and the steps you are going to take to make that a reality, you will experience an explosion of confidence, boldness and enthusiasm.
Please watch this 5 minute video explaining why it’s impossible for us to serve others well when our own cup is empty. Serving from a full cup.
Also, I sent you a copy of Rabbi Daniel Lapin’s book Thou Shall Prosper. Absorb the Biblical principles there to realign your thinking in ways that will release God’s abundance into your family.
