Chapter 1: The Job Trap

Ah, take a look at the image below and choose the one that brings you joy. Is it this one? Indeed, "J O B"—it's repeatedly shown to mean "Just Over Broke." Time and again, this holds true. Whether it’s finances or a myriad of other concerns, the trend is unmistakable.

But it doesn't end there. Oh no! A job doesn’t just pay poorly; it also drains my energy, causing me to lose myself in the pursuit of other people's ambitions and enterprises. How foolish I can be, deluding myself into believing that a particular job is merely a temporary solution to my financial woes. Yet I consistently stumble into the same trap. How does this happen?

I often forget that the cost is simply too steep. It demands every part of me—my essence dissolved into work and money, day after day. That’s a harsh reality, I assure you. Who placed me in this predicament? I did. Who confined me? I was my own jailer—my shortsighted, oblivious self. Yes, that’s a daunting truth, no sugarcoating it.

Instead of lamenting, let’s explore a potential solution—a straightforward formula to liberate yourself. It may work for you:

1. Engage in Critical Thinking: This might be the toughest challenge you'll face until it becomes second nature through your determination to think independently. Begin with something as simple as contemplating your next meal: Why do I want to eat this? What nutrients will I be putting into my body? How will they benefit me? Congratulations, you've just initiated a profound way of thinking. Everyone has to start somewhere, or remain uninformed.
2. Act on Your Thoughts: Or remain stagnant.
3. Persevere: Repeat this process consistently, and once it becomes a habit, everything will transform. Or remain uninspired.

Jobs can feel like a lifeline for those who see themselves as subservient to everyone and everything. Naturally, they will end up working for some employer or manager, or ultimately, the business owner. Why is it a lifeline? Because when individuals undervalue themselves and lack financial independence, working for someone else appears to be a blessing. Kudos to all employers for hiring me when I was lost and clueless about my potential. You could have overlooked me, but you didn’t. You rescued me from poverty. However, let's not dwell on that praise, as it has its limits. It's only a temporary fix.

Let’s delve deeper. We need to identify the roots of your negative self-image:

1. Low Self-Esteem: Self-loathing is a significant factor. Understand this: if you don't love yourself, you will inevitably despise yourself. There’s no in-between, and no amount of politically correct language will change that.
2. Investigate the Source of Self-Hate: Reflect on where this disdain originated. Seek clarity, but don't force it. The truth will eventually illuminate your darkness, sometimes quickly and other times more slowly. Timing doesn't matter.
3. Seek the Truth About Yourself: Immediately pursue the truth regarding your identity. I can’t direct you where to go, but for me, the Bible and the understanding of God’s love for me have been enlightening, along with the recognition of God’s expectation for a better version of myself if I desire freedom. That’s what’s best for you—your best self. If you have a supportive spiritual friend, that’s even better!
4. Embrace the Truth: Make it personal. Own the fact that you are wonderfully loved and created. This acknowledgment is not an excuse to remain stagnant but a catalyst to shift towards a brighter existence. That light is your birthright, but it requires your desire and determination to attain it, digging for it like it’s the most precious treasure.

I must confess: had it not been for someone who recognized my potential, I would still be trapped in the same job that I now disdain. I am just like all the workers out there—no different. The only distinction is that I was fortunate enough to discover a better path, whereas many lack the support needed to elevate themselves. However, they have access to books, websites, audiobooks, and authors who have shared their journeys. You can find your virtual best friend and role model through literature.

Make a new friend today!

Or perhaps this one? Your supervisor won’t provide that. They simply don’t care. How could they? They are on the same treadmill as everyone else, pushing themselves for a marginal increase in pay.

In such a mindset, without any upliftment or direction, one must, by default, become a job slave. It’s hard to find more than 1% of people who genuinely love their work.

Returning to my feelings of deprivation: when I work for someone else, I feel so drained that I often wonder how I manage to do anything afterward. The worst part? The emptiness. I become so depleted, all for someone else's gain. Am I truly such a failure that I can’t create my own life and income? Where does this low self-esteem stem from?

In my experience, it’s typically the result of various factors. But that's not the focus here. What I will say is that no matter how intimidating or painful your past may be, stepping into a new life can heal those wounds.

DIG WITH YOUR HANDS AND FEET, GET DIRTY AND CLIMB OUT OF THE RUT, NO MATTER WHAT IT TAKES!!!

You must! You cannot live as a slave. The world needs you as a leader, a thinker, a creator, a parent nurturing the next generation, an explorer of life’s wonders.

Ultimately, you have an owner. Beneath that owner is another force—call it evil, the devil, or your lower self. Whatever you name it, stop deceiving yourself!

Why do you think you can’t be completely free at 11 AM on a Tuesday? Every Tuesday. And Wednesday. And Thursday.

The world is waiting for you.

Hello!

Hi sir, how can I assist you?

Umm, one new life, please, with extra motivation on top!

This first video features Hozier's "Too Sweet," which encapsulates the feeling of longing for something more meaningful in life.

The second video showcases Megan Moroney's "Girl in the Mirror," highlighting the importance of self-reflection and understanding one's worth.