Monthly Archives

December 2019

Don’t Settle for a Career that Doesn’t Make You Happy

by lemoncrushers December 18, 2019

Your career should make you happy. I don’t want you to settle for the mundane. That’s why I’m sharing Becky’s story with you today.

I don't want you to settle for the mundane. Click To Tweet

When I first met Becky I assumed that her journey to becoming a pharmacist had been a routine and predictable process. I pictured a high school student with goals of pharmacy school and a detailed plan on how she would accomplish it. When I learned the real story, I immediately knew Becky’s story needed to be shared with working women because her journey was nothing close to predictable and, more importantly, was fueled by her heart, not her head.

A Change of Plans and a New Career Path

Becky never set out to be a pharmacist.

“I was fascinated with science during high school. My high school teacher, Mrs. Ruble had such an impact on my life, she made learning about science interesting and fun. I graduated high school and set my sites on being a biochemist to find the cure for HIV and AIDS.”

Becky launched into her freshman year studies with eagerness, however, before the end of her first year of university she lost heart in her dream. She did not enjoy her studies. She knew she needed something new to focus on and was researching opportunities.

“My summer job between my freshman and sophomore was working the fire line. Near the end of the summer, when I was a couple weeks from going back to college, I struck up a conversation with one of my teammates. She talked about going back to pharmacy school. I knew nothing about being a pharmacist, nor what it took to become one. That single conversation changed my life. The more we talked, and the more I researched later that night, the more I knew I had found my future and I immediately moved forward to make it happen. Within two weeks I had changed my schools, changed my major and changed my future.”

Today Becky owns a small-town apothecary and serves clients with a holistic approach. “Apothecary is a historical word for healer, and that encompasses the scope of what we do at the pharmacy. We focus on whole-body wellness and I could not have a more rewarding career.”

Becky reflects on the choice to change her career

Reflection: “Do you wish your adversity had never happened; or are you grateful it did?”

“I am so grateful that I listened to my heart. I was not satisfied in my line of studies and had I continued I would not be in the role I have today where I can work to serve people in so many ways. Not that biochemistry is a bad thing, it is just not my thing.”

Two Lemon Crushing Characteristics We learn from Becky’s Career Story

1. She followed her heart to the career of her dreams

Becky was intentional about setting up her future. She did not want to waste time or energy on dead-end studies or a career that did not make her happy and give her joy and purpose.

2. She didn’t hesitate when the right thing came along.

Becky’s life changed in one conversation and she took action that day. In less than 2 weeks she made some significant life changes which included her major, her school and her future.

How many times do we as working women come across an opportunity and fail to act? Desiring something better is the first step to a better future, but desiring is not enough. Taking action and moving forward on a plan is how success is achieved.

Fear is a Trap

As I talk with working women about their careers and if they are doing something they really love, most women express that they are not really happy with what they do.

Women express that they have settled for a career that pays the bills, that is convenient, that may be the only job they can get. I find women frequently defend that they need to stay in the position they are currently in, even if they do not enjoy it, far more than they want to talk about moving forward to a better, more fulfilling, role.

What holds women back? Reluctance from moving ahead to progress can be summed up in one word; fear. Click To Tweet

Taking a leap, stepping away from the security of today’s job, changing a major as Becky did, all takes courage and that is often a characteristic that women need to develop.

Ruth Soukup, author of Do It Scared states “courage means taking action despite your fear.” Embracing courage and acknowledging that change is going to be difficult, is the first step to making progress. I can just imagine the courage it took for Becky to make dramatic life changes in less than two weeks, but, without stepping forward, she would never have achieved the success she has.

What can you take away from Becky’s story?

Have you settled for a career that serves your head and not your heart? What do you need to change in your life to be a more fulfilled, happier, joyous person? Does it scare you to make those changes? If so, you are not alone and you have the tribe of Lemon Crushing women to come alongside and inspire you on to your better future!

For more on making Lemonade Out of Lemons you would love Pearl’s book Lemon Crushers; A Working Woman’s Guide to Overcoming Adversity! There are stories about the qualities for success and overcoming your challenges. You’ll be ready to start crushing lemons after chapter one.

This post may contain affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, we receive a small commission at no cost to you! For more information, read our disclaimer.

Do you really love what you do?

by lemoncrushers December 11, 2019

We want working women to love what they do.

The Washington Post reported that “13% of people worldwide like going to work.”

That is such a sad statistic and one that Lemon Crushers seeks to change. When a woman’s work is something that fuels her, gives her purpose and fulfillment, her whole world is better.

Women who love what they do: Ashley’s story of success

Today’s Lemon Crushing story about Real Women with Real Problems who achieved Real Success features Ashley. She wanted a job she loved and this is how she created her custom-designed career.

“I love art, and I love numbers. Finding my perfect career was a challenge.
“Selecting a college and a course of study was the first time that my two brains majorly collided. My heart and creative brain wanted an art school, but my science and math brain (and my parents) pushed for more traditional studies. I decided on a Science program at the University of Minnesota because I believed the phrase “you can’t make any money being an artist.”
I started studies, but within weeks I was miserable. Yearning to speak with someone who could walk me through my challenges, I ended up in the career counseling office at the university. I discovered that a degree in Retail Merchandising combined my love of art and business and I switched majors.
After graduation, I worked for 6 years in display merchandising with a large retail chain company when two different situations dumped lemons in my life. The first issue was the years of the heavy lifting was putting strain on my lower back and causing significant pain and the second was the company I was working for announced they were going out of business.
I faced an immediate future with a painful back and no job.”

“This set me up for a life change. “

“My Doctor asked a question which became a turning point for me. As she was working on my back, she asked: “Do you REALLY love what you do?”
The reason she stressed the question is she made it clear unless I stop my intense activity and heal my back, I would always have back issues. She wanted me to evaluate if being a display manager was worth the pain.
My back pain and the elimination of my job allowed me the opportunity to regroup and strategize what I wanted in my future, and my perfect career path then took shape.
To fulfill my love of art, I took over a Wine and Painting business which fuels my creative side and then a buying job opened in a local sporting goods business.
My current perfect career is a combination of leaning into my strengths and creating what I love to do. During the day, working as a buyer for a retail store I am analytical, using my education and connecting with team members. Then I get to host Wine and Painting events that juice my creativity. What I have found through this unique approach is I am whole. This may be an unorthodox approach to earning an income, but it is one that is true to me.”
Ashley

Ashley reflects on her adversity.

“Do you wish your adversity had never happened; or are you grateful it did?”

“100% grateful. Without the store closing, without throwing my back out and without the opportunity to help my girlfriend with her art business, I would not be where I am today.
Today I have a job I love, I own a business, I am more confident, healthier, happier and I have so much more to look forward to for my future. I am actually grateful adversity came my way even though it is hard when we are in it.”

What can we take away from Ashley’s story? How can we love what we do?

1. She was intentional

Ashley focused on the end in mind. She did not want a worthless degree and she proactively sought to find a solution early on in her first semester. I have met far too many college students who have a degree but no career. No vision for what they want their future to be. My advice is to align your studies with your vision of your future.

Don’t have a vision? Then the Lemon Crushers Vision Board is the perfect place to start.

2. She was willing to change things up mid-career.

“Do you LOVE what you do?”

We all need to be asked that question about our current occupation. Do you really LOVE what you do? Is what you do worth it? Is your current job building you up for a better future? If so; stay focused.

If not, then be like Ashley and evaluate where you are and where you want to be. If that means changing careers and taking some big, bold steps, then do so! There is no law that we must stay in the career/line of work/job, where we started.

Life is about progression and learning and advancing and your better future is waiting for you!

This post may contain affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, we receive a small commission at no cost to you! For more information, read our disclaimer.

A Side Hustle Saved Her from a Dead End Job

by lemoncrushers December 4, 2019

Do you have a dead end job? Are you desperate for a better life? A better career? More pay? Do you want a job that inspires you; not depresses you? A side hustle just might be the answer.

Today’s Lemon Crushing story about Real Women with Real Problems who achieved Real Success features Alex. Alex found herself in exactly that position. She hated her job and her future was bleak.

Be Inspired by her Lemon Crushing story!

Alex needed a job she actually enjoyed

Back in 2010, the thought “Why can’t I do that?” ran through Alex’s mind.

Alex graduated from college in 2009 and entered the workforce while the economy was still in a deep economic slump. Finding any job was a challenge. In 2010, desperate, she took a job working at the call center for an adult product company. She was making a whopping $14 an hour. To say she was on the bottom rung of the economic ladder was an understatement.

It was a very, very depressing time.

She was living with her parents as that was all she could afford. Her car was held together with duct tape. The heater had broken and she did not have the funds to repair it. Living in the midwest, she frequently endured freezing temps as she drove to and from work. The anticipation that she was going to field calls from complaining clients as she headed into work did not warm her heart or her fingers.

With the dismal economy, her schedule and her lack of resources, opportunities for Alex to find a better job were bleak.

The option of going back to school was not one she wanted to entertain. “Many of my friends were going back to school but I just couldn’t make myself do that. I was already drowning in student loans and I just couldn’t see the point in going back and getting an MBA. What I needed most was a job I enjoyed. Something HAD to change.”

A blind date turned her life around

While on the date, her date said he built websites for a living; (back in 2010 that was a unique and unusual venture). He also mentioned that after he built the websites his clients often wanted him to do the advertising using Google AdWords platform but he was not able to handle those requests. He went on to say that if someone was good at Google AdWords, there was enough demand to turn that service into a business.

Alex says she doesn’t remember much more about the date after that. The words about starting a business had resonated with her. She found herself thinking “Why can’t I do that?”

That night Alex started her research on AdWords. She found there were free online courses to learn the AdWords platform. She immediately launched herself into learning the necessary skills.

For the next 2-3 months, she worked all day at the call center and then studied all night. When she passed the certification and became an official AdWords Freelancer, her very first customer was the guy from the date. Not only was he a customer, he also sent a continuous stream of referrals her way.

The first months of freelancing were spent enhancing her skills and building a base of clients. Alex commented, “I charged so little in those early days, but for me, anything over $14 an hour was a fortune.”

6 Months later, her side hustle turned into a full-time job

Within 6 months the small side hustle had exploded into a full-time job. Each day Alex worked her full shift at the call center and then worked her marketing business into the wee hours of the morning.

“The day I realized that I was making more money with my freelancing business and having a lot more fun, was the day I gave my notice at the call center. It was a wonderful feeling to know that I was in control of my future and doing something I really enjoyed.”

Alex has been an independent freelance digital marketing expert ever since. As an extra bonus, the man that introduced her to AdWords, is now her fiance. The two of them enjoy a lifestyle of working where they wake up each day. Alex comments that the freedom they have to work anywhere in the world is a gift. None of this would have been possible without diving into a side hustle.

Looking for a side-hustle? Alex has two pieces of advice.

1. The Internet is Rich with Job Opportunities

Alex comments, “A college degree is not the only solution to a well-paying job. The internet is rich with opportunities and is open 24/7 which allows many people to adapt their schedule to fit in side hustles to start.”

2. There is something to learn at Every Job; even ones you Hate.

“At the call center, I did not necessarily like the complainers, but the sales reps were awesome. I met some of the most dedicated, smart, purposeful women during my time there and they inspire me today. There is always something to learn, even at dead end jobs; look for the good.”

There is something to learn at every job; even the ones you hate. – Alex Webb Click To Tweet

Reflection: “Alex, do you wish your adversity had never happened; or are you grateful it did?”

“I would have never had the desire to study and learn a new skill if I was not fed up and miserable. The more I hated the call center job, the more determined I was to succeed at something more fulfilling. So yes, as much as I was not happy, it was because I was not happy that I pursued a new and better career.”

Two Strategies to Find a Side Hustle and/or Create a Job that you Love.

1. Pursue your Calling

Oprah has an Insightful perspective on your career versus your calling. Our career/job is necessary to pay the bills, and as Alex, we often start at the bottom of the economic ladder. Yet, through our job experiences, we learn more about what fuels us and we can channel that fuel to push us to seek positions more aligned to what we like to do.

How do we know we have found our calling? When we run “to” our job/career because is gives us joy and energy, not “away” from it because it drains us. When you find yourself waking up, eager to do whatever it is you do; that is a sign that you are working inside your calling.

2. Start a Side Hustle

Alex found her solution through a side hustle. A side hustle is earning money on a project outside of your primary source of income. Some people call it a Plan B. Today there are vast amounts of side hustles that one can start. Entrepreneur Magazine features a story on 50 Ideas for Lucrative Side Hustles which may spark ideas for you.

No woman needs to settle for a dead-end job. Abundant opportunities exist for those willing to seek them out and Alex is a prime example of success.

This post may contain affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, we receive a small commission at no cost to you! For more information, read our disclaimer.

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