Maybe we should all become bicycle couriers?
Listening to the radio yestereday I caught up on a thread about bike couriers which had apparently started the week before. The comments seemed to confirm that the had the ideal job because
- they turned something they love doing into a way of making money
- they kept fit in the meantime
As a template it cannot be faulted apart from taking the Health and Safety aspects into account . A number of callers had commented that – as drivers – they found the behaviour of some bike couriers frustrating and dangerous. So on the bike side of this there are some dangers that need to be acknowledged.
Maybe there are three groups of how to make a living
- doing what you love – regardless of how much ( or little ) that pays
- incorporating what you like to do into your spare time to balance out your day job
- doing what makes you most money regardless of whether you like it or not
Where do you fall in that?
Is there another category I have missed?
Oct 23, 2008
Jackie, I’d rather do what I love and make a little less money, but I don’t think I’d want to go all the way to bicycle courier. That probably puts me in the middle category. Great way to think about work!
Oct 23, 2008
Geez…I like this. I think you nailed these 3 groups.
I love to learn about people using what they enjoy to make a living. I would have to say I see more people in the second category.
I think the third option is an early career approach, that quickly gets old. I have worked with enough new college graduates to see this first hand.
Many career reentry folks really go for category number one. Wisdom will do that to a person, I guess. (;>
http://bullseyeresumes-careerreentry.blogspot.com
Oct 24, 2008
Hi Brad
I am lucky that I am now doing what I love to do… and it is not physically dangerous. I am too much of a scardy cat for that.
I heard lots of stories of people who fit in the middle category who have got the balance pretty much right ( for them). It is such a personal thing …
Oct 24, 2008
Hi Marcia. Many of my clients speak to me when they are coming out of the third category and are aiming to move into the middle stage. Sometimes that is an early career moment -sadly too many are people who have waited far longer than is ideal to take the step. Real life impacts here though – bills have to be paid, families supported – and changes in what you do to earn a living have to factor those in too!
Oct 24, 2008
Hi Jackie
I think I fall somewhere between the first and the second.
The problems with the first category can be two fold: first, having to do what you love for a day job (particularly if it is a hobby) can make you fall out of love with that hobby and may restrict your avenues for switching off; second, you can become resentful that you are not being paid what you feel you are worth for the job, just because you enjoy it. In fact, I’ve been told by employers in the past that they don’t need to pay me so much because I enjoy the job, which begs the question as to whether everyone else should hate theirs!
I supect many people move in their later career from option 3 to 2 or even 1 because they have worked hard and achieved financial security, which enables them to make the move downwards with the benefit of all the experience of life and work that they have gained. The first option may be a brave one for a young person starting but I’m sure that often it’s not the wise choice. It takes a particular type of person to make this work.
Oct 24, 2008
Thank you for this GPM. I have no idea why any employer would think that you deserved lower financial reward for a job well done because you were enjoying it! An interesting model that one that I might try out with my HR blog buddies…
It is my experience that the ages and stages in people’s lives give different opportunities. I know some early 30 somethings who move into other careers but very few who go straight into something they love. Some of that might be down to needing to pay off debts, meet parental approval, get something on the CV – that sort of stuff.
Oct 24, 2008
I’ve also been told that there is no need to thank me for doing a job well because I’ve been paid for it! I have kept that letter…
Oct 25, 2008
Now then, GPM – expecting thanks for a job well done. What on earth were you thinking? I am hoping that keeping this catalogue of experiences with previous employers empowers you now!
Oct 27, 2008
I spent about 8 years somewhere in the middle and finally decided to go for the first group…I’ve never made so little money and been so happy:) Doing what you love is under-rated
Cascade Couriers
Oct 27, 2008
Thanks for coming by and giving us a real life view of being a bike courier, Daniel.
Your new blog looks great too – will be following your progress with interest.
Oct 27, 2008
[...] couple of days ago I published this post and Daniel of Cascade Couriers commented from a real life [...]
Nov 27, 2008
We are talking about bicycle courier, and nobody’s talking about bicycles…come on guys ..:)
jokes apart
Well very true, i would do what i love to do and would make less money , but atleast i would live happily, this way is far better than doing things which are of not your interest
Nov 27, 2008
Thanks for the comment from someone who is immersed in all things bike related. I like the idea of a cycle coach – what an interesting blend.
Me – I am to scared of other road users to get on my bike. I prefer the safety of pavements. But then I am a woose!