This isn’t new territory for me. I’ve been judged and questioned my entire adult life for my choice of employment. Brief stints in the corporate 9-5 world in the last ten years only solidified my desire and drive to work independently. I am self employed. A freelancer. A contract worker. I don’t just do one thing and I feel totally ok with that.

I’ve never been one to conform to societal norms so perhaps that’s part of it. I’m a full time mom without a partner or immediate family nearby to assist before or after school hours on a daily basis. I am a cancer survivor. I am also multi-passionate and will likely never be fully satisfied in my work unless I am expressing both my creative and analytical sides:).  I am happiest doing many different things, and have zero qualms holding more than one title, job or position in order to make things work.

That’s me. It’s who I am. But I am not my job and my work does not define me. What you choose to do to earn a living is your choice and nobody has the right to discriminate.

I enjoy the flexibility of setting my own schedule, of bringing my daughter along with me when necessary, of being home before and after school, during holidays and for sick days.

I pay my rent. My bills are always paid on time. And we eat home cooked meals.

My salary varies from month to month but I always make it happen. Maybe my lack of pursuit of a large salary means lack of ambition to some?  But I’ve never valued chasing high pay cheques or climbing the corporate ladder. Especially not at the cost of my health or of freedom to spend time with my nearest and dearest.

 I value time to breathe. I value continued education and evolution. I value contributing to society and making a difference in this world. I value receiving income for meaningful work.

Because I don’t have just one title. Because I continue to pursue artistic endeavors and contract health and wellness jobs … my contribution is seen as worthless.

The happiness and health of myself and my child are top priority. In my eyes, that equals great success.

So what exactly is a real job…? Is it one in which a pre-determined predictable pay cheque is deposited into your account on a regular basis? Is it one that looks great on your resume and sounds impressive in conversation? Is it one where you work in an office cubicle? Is it one in which you have only one professional designation or title? Is it one where a specific number of years of training or education were required to be considered?

Or does it have to qualify as something you go to every day only wanting to quit so badly because it sucks your soul dry as you try to chase the weekend?

What makes a real job then? And how is it that one job can be more real than another ?

I hold many titles. Have many years of training. Many diplomas and certifications. But somehow my job (s) are a target for discrimination because they don’t fit a certain narrow definition of “normal”.

If normal equals misery then I don’t wish normal on anybody. I will carry on in my non-traditional pursuits and be happy!

Perhaps it’s the acute awareness of the ephemeral reality of life… but I know that  chasing other people’s definitions of success will not bring me joy.

Life is short… do not listen to anybody who won’t be your champion along the way. Follow your heart and make it sing whatever it takes.

Find your bliss ❤️

**Edited**
This post has sparked many a lively conversation, and because of this I am adding an edit.  I respect and honour each and every one of you. Whether you have a job, or many jobs,  whether you pull in a large salary, or none at all. Whether your work generates income or does not, or whether your work fits into the traditional hours of 9 and 5. It truly does not matter. It was not my intention to diminish anyone’s position or choice or lack thereof. It is important that I make this clear.

I recognize that the type of work and hours of work are not always a choice. If you work a job you dislike, it may not be so easy to leave. Sometimes paying the bills and putting food on the table requires jobs that are not so gratifying (I’ve been there, and may again- there is no shame).

If you have a bountiful full time career, blessings to you. You are one of the lucky ones! I would feel fortunate to have a full time job that payed well, and provided comforts such as medical & health benefits, parental-leave, sick days and holiday pay. It would also be a tremendous blessing to earn enough to cover the cost of before & after school care and/or babysitting.

I think it would have been a tremendous blessing to have a solid job to ‘fall back’ on after pregnancy, or after cancer! It likely would have been MUCH simpler if I did. So when I say that I found a way to make it work for me in this non-traditional way, it is really something that came out of necessity first, much more than my drive for independence and freedom and my quest for doing things I love.

Ultimately, I am a mom trying to be a present parent. And trying to raise a kind and respectful growing child is no small feat. I do not have everything sorted, I certainly don’t have it all figured out. Finally as I see it, my income, lifestyle, relationship and parenting choices are not for you to dissect or discriminate against. It is not acceptable for me to question yours either. Let’s be respectful, peaceful and kind to one another.

**(End of Edit)**