by Welcome back! Last time we chatted, we explored the path to discovering what truly makes you happy. Today, we’re taking the next step on our journey: uncovering your life’s purpose.
The Corporate Cubicle Conundrum
In 2007, I found myself in a cubicle at a well-known corporation. While the company’s mission was admirable, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was missing. Was this how I wanted to spend my life? The fear of letting life pass me by without making a meaningful impact gnawed at me.
The Alchemist: A Turning Point
Seeking answers, I picked up Paulo Coelho’s “The Alchemist.” This deceptively simple tale of a shepherd’s quest for treasure became my guidebook for discovering my own purpose.
As I savored each page, I reflected on what truly felt like “treasure” to me. (Spoiler alert: Excel spreadsheets didn’t make the cut!) This is where having my “Top 5” list of what makes me happy proved invaluable.
Kittens and Babies: My Unexpected Purpose
Somewhere between pondering the importance of a good meal and meaningful relationships, it hit me: My life’s purpose is to help children and kittens. Looking back, it made perfect sense. I’ve always been drawn to protecting the vulnerable and ensuring they have the best possible life.
Childhood Roots of Purpose
This realization transported me back to my seven-year-old self in Lithuania. I’d bring home stray kittens, begging my mother to adopt them. When that wasn’t possible, I rallied the neighborhood kids into a kitten-saving squad. We built shelters, shared food, and protected them from bullies.
One bittersweet memory stands out: a mama cat giving birth in our makeshift shelter. When one kitten was stillborn, we held a solemn burial in the kindergarten yard. These experiences shaped us into more compassionate adults.
Bridging Purpose and Reality
Back in the present, I faced a dilemma: how to turn this purpose into a sustainable life? The solution wasn’t immediate, but it eventually crystallized:
- Leverage my business skills in the corporate world (temporarily)
- Save aggressively to achieve financial independence
- Dedicate my time and resources to helping children and animals
This plan aligned with my skills and allowed me to work towards financial freedom without sacrificing my values.
The Importance of Enjoying the Journey
A crucial point: I didn’t hate my corporate job. If you’re pursuing a short-term goal for long-term freedom, it’s vital that you find some enjoyment in the process. Life’s too short for prolonged unhappiness, especially in areas you can control.
Freedom to Pursue Purpose
Today, having achieved financial independence, we have the freedom to focus on what truly matters. I’m homeschooling our daughter and volunteering to teach English to immigrants. The adventure of living out my purpose has only just begun!
Your Turn: Discovering Your Purpose
Don’t worry if your purpose doesn’t reveal itself immediately. The pursuit itself is rewarding. Here are some tips to get you started:
- Reflect on your “Top 5” happiness factors
- Read inspiring books like “The Alchemist”
- Recall moments from your past when you felt most fulfilled
- Be open to unexpected revelations
- Remember that your purpose can evolve over time
A Call to Action
Now it’s your turn! Take some time this week to reflect on what truly lights you up inside. What would you do if money were no object? Share your thoughts in the comments below. I’d love to hear about your journey towards discovering your life’s purpose!
Thanks for the article!
I have found the when doing something related to one of my life’s purpose for paid work, it seriously detracts from the joy I take in it. Eventually, I can actually grow to dislike it and have changed careers before as a result. This article made me do some serious thinking/meditation on why this happens. I came up with the following: 1) I cant do it my way; how I feel is the best, most efficient, and creative way. I have to follow the “rule book”, put in place by the corporate/gov’t bureaucracy. 2) Doing something related to my purpose isn’t actually doing my purpose. Either I’m only doing a small part of the whole (the part designated to me by the company) or I’m being forced to do other superfluous things, hence wasting life energy. 3) I cant choose who I get to do it for. 4) I am forced to do it on someone else’s schedule and probably more often than I would choose to do it on my own.
All of that being said I am happy I get some semblance of fulfillment from my work, but I don’t want to do it forever!
Jake, first of all thank you for reading and sharing your own perspective on the subject! I definitely see your point. I have considered going to work for a non-profit that would align with my purpose, however, I stopped myself for a few reasons. The main one was that I’d have to work longer to reach FI due to a paycut, and while it’d be a for a good cause, I would still have a 9-5 and a cubicle to deal with. The reasons you list are valid points as well, and I could see how having to work versus choosing to spend some time on my life’s purpose are very different approaches. I am glad to hear you get some fulfillment from your work, but I hope you have an FI plan to get your to your freedom. What is your life’s purpose, if you don’t mind sharing, and how are you planning to get a to a point where you can fulfill it?
Cheers,
Tanya
I’d love to hear more about you would like to better children’s lives!
Thanks for asking, LM. This is something I’d like to invest my time in when we reach FI. No concrete plans yet, as they will depend on the circumstances, including where we will live at the time. Some ideas include teaching kids who can’t afford school, whether it be on the subject of math and finances, or how to make a living if they are struggling. All of my corporate consulting experience can be put to good use then. We’ll see what we come up with – all I need is more time to focus on it. I’ll keep the Enchumbao community posted, of course.
Cheers,
Tanya
Love this:) now I’m curious and want to read the book!
It’s a definitely a powerful book, Jessica! Anything that can make you stop and think about life is an experience worth having, and good books are jewels of wisdom. Let me know what you think about it after reading it.
Cheers!
Tanya, L.D.