I was raised in an environment where one was expected to work hard at school, do well, study further and then move into a stable job. Even when I was at University, I didn't think much further than simply "working" or "having a career" - whatever that might mean. I followed The Plan (whoever's plan it was originally) and found myself working a hefty 5-day job with a monthly salary which didn't bring me so much excitement as exhaustion. To cut a very lengthy story short, this month I moved from working four days a week at a company to three days a week (same company).

Certainly many people I know - and have known - have been bought up in the same environment as I was, with the same beliefs and expectations of "work life". I am surprised at how strong these beliefs can be and how many people do not want to see anything different. In fact, some can be quite hostile or mocking if you live an alternative work approach.

I have been working a four-day week for over a year now. I'm going to list the typically responses to my set-up and give my views on what these indicate about where the respondent is at in terms of work freedom:

1. "That's not fair"

   This person is completely stuck in "the norm" as it has been defined. He/She is, in essence, saying "I have to work five days" and "one should work five days". Our society in general says "you must work hard" and "it is not right for you to do less." The "law" implies that it is not right to enjoy work. (Well, there are sacrifices, I'm getting paid for a three-day week, not a five-day week.)
   
   

2. "I wish I could do that"

   This person has no belief that they can move out of the work trap or move into the field of their dreams; switch to something they enjoy. There will always be something that is stopping them - money, career prospects, commitments, responsibilities etc. A love of work will always be something that others have.
   
   

3. "Won't you be bored?"

   This is a person who does not have a clue what they want to do. If you don't have a specific plan or direction, you will not manifest anything outside of your current status quo. I have so much that I enjoy doing, so many plans, so many goals to achieve. I am never bored for a moment (and I don't watch TV).
   
   

4. "You are so lucky"

   Luck has nothing to do with it. Affirmations, the Law of Attraction and manifestation does. So then, if you believe you are not a lucky person, you won't have any "luck" and you won't be manifesting.
   
   

5. "How did you manage that?"

   "I asked", is the simple answer. Behind that of course was setting my course and being definite about my desires. So, at the end of the day, I manifested it. Generally people do not believe that they will get what they want. I can see that they have absolutely no belief that if they asked for a four- or a three-day week, they would get it; that if they took a step to change their work environment, it would be successful.
   
   

6. "That is great!"

   This comment is great! They either aspire to following the type of path I am on, or accept it and are comfortable with their way.

I sometimes feel a little ostracized, sometimes a bit sad that this is how so many people see things and respond.

Turn each of these comments around and you'll have your main steps to work freedom:

1. Self-evaluation

   There is enough for all and options for all. Become aware of the beliefs you have around work, how it "has" to be, it's place in the world. What rules and limitations have you placed on work? Why do you have a negative response to another's way?
   
   

2. Belief

   Believe that you can have what you want, exactly what you want. Believe in change and that you have the power to change both your internal world (emotional world) and external world (your experience of life)
   
   

3. Decide what you want

   Tell it as you want it and exactly as you want it i.e. working x hours a week; doing y; earning z etc.
   
   

4. Manifest

   Use the method and tool of the Law of Attraction. Focus on your work freedom as you have specified it.
   
   

5. Take action

   Do what is necessary to put yourself in line with your goals, be it going to interviews, taking courses, starting a business on the side etc.
   
   

6. "Find a job you love and you'll never work a day in your life"

   - Confucius

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	Nomizana 1/2/2009 10:34:56 AM
	Hello there, I have recently found your blog through an indexing site. OMG I love your writing. The advice you offer is so well thought out, its like in each moment you speak about you were so aware, so in the moment. Am going through your archives. Keep it up
	LifeMadeGreat | Juliet 1/3/2009 4:19:34 AM
	Hi Nomizana So glad you found your way here and are enjoying it. Thank you for the comments; I'm pleased that you are benefiting from what I share . Juliet