Saying NO to the Rat Race
Have you ever felt like you were running just because? Because you can. Because it’s the “in” thing, or because you’re running, sprinting just to keep up? That’s the rate race.
According to Wikipedia, the rate race is described as endless, self-defeating or pointless pursuit. It conjures up the image of the futile efforts of a lab rat trying to escape while running around a maze or in a wheel. In an analogy to the modern city, many rats in a single maze expend a lot of effort running around, but ultimately achieve nothing (meaningful) either collectively or individually.
Today I took an hour away from reality focusing on my family, specifically my 19 month old daughter, Ryleigh to experience our first swimming lesson together. I watched her and the joy, wonder, and fear she experienced of doing something new and different with complete and total trust in that one person you love. And that one person was me. . .
Ten months ago I made the decision to leave the rat race and start working for myself as Xceptional HR but lately I’ve felt the seemingly endless pursuit of the endless pursuit rearing its ugly head.
I’m saying NO to:
- Putting my work before my family.
- Conference calls about conference calls.
- Shopping for suits and business attire.
- Running someone else’s race.
- Surrounding myself with negativity and people who are self-consumed.
I’m saying YES to:
- Setting realistic goals personally and professionally.
- Picnics, swimming, and time with my daughter.
- Running my own race.
- Doing my best with my family in mind.
- Celebrating. Crazy celebrating.
- Saying yes to mimosas lots of mimosas.
How are you saying NO to the rat race or are you? Leave your comments, suggestions, and ideas below because it’s summer and the world always needs another mimosa. . .
I’m saying no. Are you?
Photo Credit Worldsenz.
Hi, Jessica!
I’ve been out of the rat race for half a year, and while I’m looking to get back in because I’m currently unemployed, I’m trying to find a job that will allow me to support my family AND let me maintain the delicate balance between work and home. I’m glad to see that you have put yourself in a position where you can do that. I hope to be there, too, some day.
Thank you,
Dieter
Well there are rats and then there are rats. The endless treadmill lab rat who runs, eats, sleeps and drinks at the “beck and call” of the lab director is the one who runs the “rat race” as we think about it. But the wild rat, runs where they want, eats what they want, congrates with whom they please, sleeps with whom they want, and “stops to smell the roses” as they please. Sometimes they have to move quick to avoid getting caught, but that is better than having to run on treadmill. Rather than a rat race they have a rat stroll.
So you have exchanged your corporate cage for the freedom of independence. Much better to be the wild rat, at least in my opinion.
@D.A., That’s exactly what saying NO to the rat race is all about. I’m sorry you have been out of work but you now are presented with a great opportunity to spend time with your family and find a company and job that will work with you versus at you. I hope you find the right opportunity that allows you to balance both.
Jessica
@blogging4jobs
@Michael, a wild rat, I like that. How about I’m a rat for hire? Thanks for commenting and visiting the site.
Jessica
@blogging4jobs