I hated working for someone else.
So much so, I was bad at it.
Really, really bad.
I’m a boss now and I wouldn’t hire me as an employee.
Ya, that awful guys. Embarrassing really.
I assumed I was lazy. Figured that you kind of had to drag your ass through a job. I was uninspired. Bored. Over it.
Actually I’d go in the bathroom & work on my blog while there were customers at the bar…
I would stare at the clock. Counting the minutes until I was off. YAWNING.
The reality was that I was not lazy at all.
I just needed to recognize what makes me happy in the workplace.
Working for myself. Being my own boss. Creating my own strategic future.
For the record, I’ve had A LOT OF JOBS. It took me a LONG time to ‘do’ what I love. Some of these jobs include: working at a tanning salon, hostess, personal assistant, cocktail waitress, a little modeling, teaching Pure Barre, bartender, Pilates instructor, & merchandising in a boutique.
None of these jobs fulfilled me.
Finding something you love doesn’t need to be hard.
For a long time I was confused. Annoyed. Scared even?…
When I first told Michael my idea of a blog, there wasn’t much direction in the industry. The goal was to create a platform that brought women together. A community if you will. But not just with San Diego women. With women everywhere.
I wanted to share tips and tricks. You know the girl at the party that you ask innocently “OMG that shirt, where’d you get that?” And she replies: “this old thing? I don’t remember.”
…when she just bought it last week at Nordstrom?
I wanted The Skinny Confidential to be the opposite.
The goal was for women all over the place to SHARE their secrets. SPILL, TELL, SHARE THE WEALTH.
To show women they can be whatever they want to be with some hustle.
An inspiring, no bullshit space.
Not just about me because The Skinny Confidential is so much bigger than just me. It’s me but it’s also you.
NOW that fulfills me.
As I always say, everyone is different.
Some people love a 9 to 5 so much because of the structure.
Some women want to be a stay at-home mom.
Some go to grad school to become lawyers or doctors.
Here’s the point: you do you.
That’s the cheat sheet in a nutshell.
To get more specific, here are a couple tips for DOING WHAT YOU LOVE:
WRITE IT DOWN:
Write down everything you love. Write down everything you hate. Simple: stop doing shit you hate.
MIX THEM TOGETHER:
Mix the things you love together. For instance, I love to write. I love to talk. I love to create. I love photography. I love a good detail. I love engaging with people. I love branding. Put it together & whataya got? The Skinny Confidential: podcast, blog, brand, book.
GET WITH THE TIMES:
As James Altucher says: “If you loved games, what do adults who are into games do for money (they make them, they blog about them, they review them, they invest in stocks, they advise investors on startups for games, they use games to improve brain health, and yes, they have fun still playing games).”
The biggest takeaway here is to combine everything you love.
♡ | ♡ | ♡ | ♡ | ♡
Oh, don’t let ANYONE tell you can’t do something.
You can do whatever the hell you want if you cultivate it. I’m so bored with the narrative of “you have to do this, you should do that, by the time you’re this age you should ____________, I wouldn’t do that if I were you-bullshit.”
Like YAWN.
Do any of you have any tips to add to TSC Cheat Sheet For Doing What You Love? SHARE!
Ok taking a turn here: let’s discuss this outfit. It’s very much me. Nordstrom always gets it right. This flannel screams winter & can be worn under a leather jacket or by itself. These jeans are my new favorite because they’re kind of cropped flares. The shoes are also very festive & VERY comfortable. Also if you can’t tell I’m having a huge LONG, straight hair moment. Like sleek straight. Fun!
I’m off to eat hummus & grapes. Definitely a new obsession. Hope you’re all having the best week ever! x
X lauryn
+ Note: After reading this article I figured I’d make my own cheat sheet for finding something you love. A TSC-version if you will. The author, James Altucher, is always spot on with his articles so thank you James for inspiring this post.
SHOP THE POST: flannel | jeans | shoes | sunglasses | bag ( similar )
{ photos }
- This post is in collaboration with Nordstrom. As always ALL opinions are my own.
SCOOP THE OUTFIT:
I love this! You are always so inspiring, thanks Lauren!
Aw you babes inspire me. Thank you!! xx
Lauryn Evarts-Bosstick (sorry, I had to! Eeeek!) You are ALWAYS on point. You could have summed up this blog post in just these words “Combine everything you love, stop doing anything you hate.” Yasssss. Preach!
Thanks so much babe! Lol love that! xx
As a full-time lady reporter, I would love to see more transparency from bloggers about money. I think there is this impression that bloggers (and other writers/reporters/etc) maintain a certain lifestyle through writing alone, but there’s little transparency about whether there are alternative income sources from families, partners, etc. As far as giving advice about turning blogging or writing into a full-time business, that’s something that I think readers would find really beneficial. Your blog is always super real, so I imagine you would be into this. Thanks so much, keep up the awesome content!
Thanks for the idea Ella! xx
Thank you for writing this! I’m currently struggling to figure out what I want to do career wise. I’ve been working for 3-4 years post college (multiple years before that too :)) and I’ve figured out what I don’t like to do, but I can’t figure out what I actually want to do so this was extremely helpful! Do you have any advice for people searching in their career and “job hopping”? I don’t want to be unemployable because I switch jobs because I don’t know what I want to do, but at the same time, I don’t want to stay at a job because I don’t like it. Any help would be awesome!!
P.S. LOVING the flannel!
Thanks Lindsey! I worked at different restaurants and bars for years. I loved it and because the schedule is flexible it gives you time to explore other things you love to do too! xx
SO on point. I needed to hear this today. Thank you!
Thanks for the support! xx
Thanks as always for being so candid. Love this post!
Thanks Breanna! xx
Oh yikes, this post hit way too close to home. I feel like you wrote out my experiences & feelings over the years too – I was working with food / wine for a long time & had a scary realization that maybe I wasn’t as passionate as I thought or was lazy, but like you said, it was anything but, I wasn’t doing it the way I wanted to or how I thrive on working. Very much like you where I need to be my own boss (AND I CAN’T HANDLE PEOPLE TELLING ME WHAT TO DO, it’s a con of mine actually & has gotten me in a lottttt of trouble in various workplaces). Per usu, fantastic post! I think it’s something many can relate to, & have the same feelings, so it’s refreshing to know you do have that community of support all around!
I do have a biz question for you, but when did you know that it was time to take the leap from the corporate world to your own world? Like, when did you know you were ready? I know I’m not there yet, but I do see the end of the ledge getting closer, so I am curious as to when you knew you were ready to leap? With a lot of entrepreneurs, I hear a lot about the end of one ledge and the beginning to a new venture, but very rarely about the last preparations to jump & the actual leap itself. I remember following you since you were working too so it’s been so neat to really come along your journey! Is it lame that as a reader I’m so incredibly proud of you & how far you have come?!? xx
PS – LOVE your hair colour! 😉
What a great post! I would add … when you make your list don’t have the idea that .. it has to make money in your head. Sometimes you have to explore something to expand the true desire.
I agree! Thanks babe! xx
I feel like this post is relatable in so many ways!!!
http://paigemargaretblog.blogspot.co.nz
Thanks Paige! xx
Spot on. Couldn’t agree with these reasons more…and I’d be lying if I said I haven’t had my fair share of times to sneak off and work on my blog while at work. I think there’s something to be said about putting in your time, figuring out what you love and what you hate, and sometimes that takes a few different jobs to figure out. Experience is always better than none. I think the more we expose ourselves to different work environments and jobs, the closer we get to our dream.
Completely feel you with wondering if you’re lazy too. At my last job I started to doubt myself and wondered if I was the problem…but I knew deep down I wasn’t. When I truly enjoy what I’m doing, I give it my all and could do it all day without getting sick of it.
I started blogging for similar reasons as you. Motivate, inspire, and share with other women. None of that catty, ‘I don’t know where I got this’ bullshit. There’s room for us all to be our best self!
xo
Cori Scherer
http://www.corischerer.com
I’m the same way! Thanks for the support Cori! xx
Thank you Lauryn! A much needed post for me. I am in my fifth year of double majoring in engineering and guess what, I HATE IT. I am tired of people telling me how much money I will make, and the “job security” blah, blah, blah! How about making a difference in people’s lives? How about being able to share experiences and make an impact, no matter how minute, in someone’s life? How about the joy and thrill of living life?? I have been sucking it up for five years now with the end goal of “getting it over with” and graduating. I added a Nutrition minor to help ease my boredom and pain since I am passionate and invigorated by nutrition, but now that I am close to the finish line, I ask, “now what?” I love being creative, I love moving and thriving, I love giving advice to people that are invested in their life and want to better themselves. Thank you for helping me put these things to paper. I am on MY path. No one, but me knows what I “should” or “should not” be doing. You are the BOMB!
Peace and love,
Emily.
Wow I love this! So glad to hear you are inspired by this. A list is a great way to start your new journey! xx
I couldn’t agree more! do what you love and life will lead you to the sweet spot!
http://www.theeyetraveler.com/girls-weekend-vandal/
Exactly! Thanks for the support! xx
I love everything about this post! I’m a big fan of James Altucher as well, especially his idea of mixing your childhood hobbies into ‘adult versions’. I think the ultimate point is “don’t listen to the naysayers” – so many times it’s as *simple* as realizing it’s our fear holding us back and not a lack of ideas!! Xx
Thanks Sigute! Just have to push the fear aside and GO FOR IT! xx
Thanks for sharing, this just motivated me to stay on top of my game!
Thanks Luv
http://www.bloombyshaniece.com
Glad to hear babe! xx
Amen, sister! I couldn’t agree more with your post. I can totally relate to the fact that you thought you might have been lazy or uninspired. I felt the same exact way! I just left my career as an attorney to start my own business because I wanted to be my own boss, help others, and have more flexibility and diversity in my future. I am SO worried and scared, but it’s worth a shot to live my life the way I really want to. I’m getting judged left and right and I don’t give AF — which is how I know I’m doing the right thing. lol ; )
Wow you go girl! Keep doing you! xx
This post really hits home right now. I am so over the “by this age you should be doing x, y, and z” bs. I recently decided to go to medical school and I have been getting a lot of negativity because I will be 25 starting and I am “supposed” to be having kids and getting married by the time I’m 30 and be financially stable. It took me a while to realize that just because my path is different doesn’t mean there is anything wrong with it and I have to just find what works for me.
I’m glad you are doing what you LOVE. Dont play by other people’s rules! xx
Yes!! Just like you said, I used to think I was lazy! For a while I tried working a ‘traditional’ 9-5 type of job but was miserable. I found a job doing things I enjoy when I started working as a personal assistant: shopping, organizing, meal planning, decorating, event planning, travel planning… When I was in college, I would have never considered being a PA because it seemed to me like “bitch work” and something I would be overqualified to do, but I sort found myself this niche clientele working for very high net worth, young families who split time between NY and LA and I have so much fun! I get to travel back and forth between both cities (I’m based in LA now but used to live in NYC so I get to see friends there a lot) and I spend half of my time shopping- I’ve been to Barney’s twice this week and it’s only Wednesday! Plus I get to enjoy the perks of my clients lifestyles (i.e. spending 2 weeks in the Bahamas in January to assist with decorating a home there!) I think a lot of people who are PAs are just doing it to get by while perusing other things such as acting- especially here in LA- but because this is what I do professionally, I can charge $50+ per hour and I schedule my time with my clients myself so I set my own hours and control my income. Sometimes when I was around people who were on more traditional career paths I would feel sort of embarrassed to say I was “just” an assistant, but then I realized I was one of the only people I knew who were my age (I’m 27) making the income that I do and who actually likes their job and I started owning it. I can honestly say that I love being an assistant!
That sounds like such an amazing job and experience! Never be embarrassed if you’re doing something you love! xx
This was everything I needed to read and more! Thank you so much
xo, Alisha Ricki | Life(Style) &Travel,
Aw great to hear babe. Thanks for all of the support <3 xx
Glad to hear babe! xx
Thank you Lauren!! This is exactly what I’m going through- I have so many passions that I want to find a way to mix them! I def agree that combining the things you love will help with fulfillment. This post also reminded me of the book that I’m currently reading and obsessed with: “You Are a Badass” by Jen Sincero. I highly recommend it!!
Can’t wait to check out the book Yana! I appreciate the recommendation & suggestion!! xx
That was my problem! But once you start doing what you love it is such an amazing feeling. I’ll have to check that out! xx
I feel like me and you would be best friends if we lived closer lol. Everything you just wrote is exactly me, uninspired and a bad employee.. Thanks for the inspiration thou, Im motivated to be my own boss. xo
LOL I love that! No better feeling than being your own boss 🙂 xx
Got a new, scary, intimidating job offer and I’m so lost with what to do: leave my current, comforting post or move on to this new place? This was GREAT inspiration.
Ah SO exciting Kelsey! Congratulations!! I hate comfort – always push yourself to grow and expand! xx
Literally, the most annoying thing when girls say they don’t remember where they got something!!! I’m so glad you point this out a lot, because THEY EFFING REMEMBER! Besides that, thanks for sharing tips on doing what you love!
They ALWAYS remember! I don’t get it LOL. Thanks for reading babe! xx
This article really spoke to me. Thank you for writing this and putting in to words what many people feel. It’s always nice to know that there are others that feel the same way about the 9-5 job. Thanks for being so real.
There are so many of us who don’t thrive in 9-5s. I appreciate all of the support Zo! xx
thanks lauryn, this post is very close to home today. ps, love the flannel!
It’s SO comfy!! Really glad you enjoyed this post Kaeleen! xx
This is so inspirational! Thank you for writing it and being so real. x
Thanks for reading & all of the support Kristin! xx
lauryn, I have followed you for years, but “never have i ever” commented on a post. Now, at this moment,I feel guilty that I have not. Not because you don’t have plenty of followers that support and praise your work, but because I wish I would have told you earlier how much I appreciate your content, your attention to detail, and your hustle. YOU ARE SO GOOD AT YOUR JOB! It is so transparent in the way your blog is organized— the graphics, the layout, the branding. I could not have a more different lifestyle than you— I am in the military and deal with people constantly telling me what to do. However— this is what makes me tick— and Im glad that what makes you tick–your blog/brand–is something that you put out there for us all to read/ponder and feel like we are “in” on the inside scoop! (even if we just bought it from Nordstrom’s last week..hehe) Anyway, thank you, for always being my “guilty pleasure” to read your posts at the end of the day in bed snuggled up with my tea–peppermint of course.
Thanks so much Amanda! That means so much to me and is what I want my blog to be for everyone that reads it! xx
Word! XoXo
Thanks Devz! xx
Lauryn, I love your blog so much bc you are not about empty positivity and “just do what you love” — but you add in the “if you cultivate it” & the “hustle” part. I love health & wellness and all the little tips & tricks too! Another thing I would add to the cheat sheet is just that you don’t have to go to college right after high school or at all. College isn’t for everyone = there are SO many other ways to be successful!
I completely agree Jess! College definitely wasn’t for me but there are so many ways to get to do what you Love 🙂 xx
Love your story! Keep it up! I can relate a lot to everything you’re saying !
Thanks babe! xx
This is such an inspiration! I’m currently going to university and studying something that I’ve totally fallen in love with but I’m working at part time/slowly turning into a full time life sucking hell of a job. I know that I can be creative and create a life out of that! I am totally going to make a list of things I love and things I hate. Thank you for showing the world that it’s not harmful to your own gains to share tips and secrets with others! It is such a breath of fresh air!
P.S. Congratulations on your marriage! Your wedding looked to die for!
Thanks so much that means a lot! I LOVE that my blog can be a platform for women to help and inspire one another to achieve their goals 🙂 xx
“Like YAWN” hahaha
I love how I can sense your personality in your writing! This is the first post I’ve come across of yours and I definitely plan on checking more out simply because of how authentic you sound in your post!
Thanks Sam! I definitely say what’s on my mind LOL xx
some inspiring insights I did not expect, thank you!
plus – I wear the EXACT same outfit as a total lazy-oaf, didn’t ever think of glamming it up the way you did, nice job!!
Thanks! Sometimes adding just a little GLAM really changes a whole outfit! xx
Very inspiring, you gave me the nudge I needed to write today. Thank you!
Klaudia xo
Glad to hear babe! xx
If I need a large loan to do what I want – how would I go about that? I have terrible credit too. I want to buy property in a certain area and make modern renovations. I love real estate and turning crap into beauty.
Hi Lauren, I absolutely loved this post, so inspiring! Thanks for sharing and for pointing us towards James!! Judith xx
http://www.talesofjude.com
Thanks Judith! xx
Hi Lauryn, you’re absolutely amazing and so inspiring. THANK YOU for being so real always xo
I know I’m late to the game…but I LOVE this blog post! This is so inspiring and I really needed it today. I’m going to immediately start my LOVE list to figure out what I am truly passionate about and how I can turn it into a career. I have also had some amazing jobs but I just get so burnt out so quickly and it makes me feel like I am a failure… when in return I think it is because I am not passionate about the positions I am in. Thanks for the post!! -JZ