Small Business Marketing Blog from Duct Tape Marketing

Good stuff as usual, Tim always has such a unique perspective on work life. Like you, I think that it's not as much about the exact quantity of work as it is about life quality and level of CONTROL. We all know people in other businesses whose income is entirely dependent on how much they work (sales, performance objectives etc.) and that's the line of work that I think Tim is really speaking out against. If I enjoy what I do for my work and WANT to spend more than 4 hours per week doing so, it's because that is what I choose to do with my precious hours, not because I have to do so in order to survive at a certain level. Again, it all comes back to doing what you love and finding something that you can be a passionate expert about.

I will someday get around to reading his book - uh . . . even listening to the podcast on your blog . . . but in the meantime I enjoy getting your take on it. It certainly is a provocative title that makes me curious. I do enjoy what I do now (and did in my last job as a missionary), and in these kinds of "jobs" I don't think about the hours. I get energy from the opportunities I have! But there was a time when I was working in the corporate cubicle cave and felt like a prisoner holding on to the bell that would announce yard time! That ain't livin'! At our company, we talk alot about "greater things" - helping people find that passion that maybe got them in business in the first place. Everyone who has a small business probably got into it because they wanted control over their lives (living life on their terms), flexibility, and even monetary gain. So the success of the business is really not the end-all. Profits only project you on to the greater things (more free time, more time for growing new businesses, more time and money for charity, more travel, etc...) This is what drives me and I'm glad to hear your thoughts on Tim's book.
-Randy

Tim changed how I view work and the importance of time. I'm one who wants to scale down my activities and earn more. I get pumped up when I read Tim's books.