This is a follow up to a recent post, in which I shared my Simple Rule For Not Getting Scammed. That article got a little buzz going within my entrepreneurial community, as well as a few on and offline comments, around one particular theme–WORK.

What I had referred to in the post, was the way in which many people on alert for “scams,” (ironically) steer widely around legitimate online opportunities that openly disclose that there will be actual WORK involved–as if that is a “catch.”

Hnnh. That seems so weird to me, but perhaps I am just stuffed differently. When I set out to make a living online or offline–whether through traditional employment, self-employment, or home-based entrepreneurship, I EXPECT to work. Don’t you? (I’d love your comments on this, as I find a variety of viewpoints fascinating.)

To my way of thinking, the greatest freedom comes not from living an idle, “do-nothing” life, where (in my dreams) anyone or everyone hands me what I want on a silver platter (“Hey, peel me a grape, will ya?”), but from exercising both the right and the responsibility to CHOOSE how I use my time, my energy, my focus, and my God-given gifts. For me, the choice to work online from home–and “retire” from 30+ years of nonprofit service and leadership to do so–was a choice for greater personal freedom at a time in my life when it suited me to make the change. I still wake up joyful and appreciative that I made that life-changing decision and acted on it.

Does that mean that I am off the hook? Absolutely not! I get up and “go to work” nearly every day. I even get dressed! ( I know people who thrive on working in their “jammies” all day, though!) Granted, my commute is from my bedroom to my kitchen, and when the snow melts again I’ll return to my porch-office and patio to enjoy work-al-fresco!

My joy comes from the freedom that I have every day to make the most of my time, energy, focus and gifts. I work to maintain that freedom. Work means doing whatever it takes to generate the income I want to support my new lifestyle and achieve my financial goals. Work also satisfies the basic human urge to make a meaningful contribution; to be of value to others; useful and engaged in life. My work is a business, plain and simple. And my business is a joy because it makes possible the life I have chosen. (And, it is all mine.)

So, how do you view the idea of having to WORK in exchange for freedom, money, time (or whatever it is that motivates you)? I’d love to hear from you!

All the best to you in your own pursuit of a life worth living and work that is worth WORKING at,

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