One of the most challenging things we deal with as freelance creative professionals is the constant feast & famine cycle of either always working or always looking for the next gig. I’m sure at some point you’ve had the experience of agonizing for hours, days, or weeks debating a job opportunity (or multiple opportunities). You may have also agonized about whether or not to take low pay (or unpaid work) that might seem like a great opportunity that could launch your career...but on the other hand could end up becoming a total nightmare. Or maybe you're just starting your career and you are eager to take anything just to get your foot in the door, but you've heard stories of others who chose the wrong path and are now trapped at the top of a ladder they no longer want to be on at all. (reality TV anyone???)

These are just a few of the topics and challenges I address in the latest community Q&A call with my Optimizer coaching & mentorship program students. I and the community share our past experiences when considering job opportunities and the criteria we use to determine both the benefits but also the true costs of taking any opportunity, good or bad. Most importantly, we discuss how to ensure that a potential opportunity can meet both our creative as well as our lifestyle needs so the job doesn’t become “just another paycheck” at the expense of our health, our relationships, and our sanity.

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Here's What You'll Learn:

• Paul Del Vecchio talks about what he’s learned from saying yes to too many jobs that have not aligned with his goals.
• Criteria that we use to evaluate opportunities as beneficial or not.
• Questions to ask yourself if you don’t already have criteria defined.
• Building your network of people is an important criteria for determining if the job is worth your time.
• I review the benefit/risk assessment document.
• What is missing from the assessment that we need to add?
• What makes unpaid work worthwhile?
• Sometimes ‘easy jobs’ can be soul-sucking and energy-zapping despite being fewer hours.
• Limiting beliefs can be a big obstacle when decision-making about jobs.
• How to turn down work graciously without burning a bridge.
• Never say you are available for work until you have all the details and know if you are interested or not.
• How to determine what work you should take when you're early in your career and you're hungry to work.
• KEY TAKEAWAY: Be clear on what you want in your career and your lifestyle goals.

Useful Resources Mentioned:

'Should I Take This Job?' Assessment Tool

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Ep132: How to Pursue Fulfilling Work and Find Your ‘Calling’ | with Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar

Ep114: Breaking Into (and Making It) In the Industry as People of Color | with Mirra Watkins, Ariel Brown, and Isaiah Cary

Ep03: The Science Behind Success and Creative Burnout (And Why You’re Approaching Both Mostly Wrong) | with Eric Barker

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Our Generous Sponsor:

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Show Credits:

This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared by Debby Germino and published by Glen McNiel.

The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/zackarnold/exclusive-content