Cake and Cars

(lovely things you can have!)

I love to help job pivoters reclaim their sense of purpose and move into fulfilling jobs they DESERVE. I’ve done this myself, and I want to share what I’ve learned with you. Please feel free to reach out to me at ruth@confidentcareersearch.com if you have a question about your job search or feel a mismatch with what you’re doing now. Trust me: Career happiness is possible. Want to chat? Email me at Ruth@confidentcareersearch.com.

I'm going to share a truth with you that might be slightly unsettling.

You likely are living in one of these two mind spaces:

FEAR | SCARCITY

I see it all the time. Hell, I've lived it! I fight it all the time!

Fear screams, "No! I can't do that! Bad things can happen! It's just not done. You'll starve! You'll die!"

Scarcity screams, "Hey! Who do you think you are? You can't have that! You are not worthy; you are not wealthy. It's just your lot in life."

My advice to you: Stop. Stop it. Stop it right now!

Yeah, it's tough. We get taught that we have to live a certain way; do a certain thing to earn money. Stay in our lane, as the saying goes.

It just ain't true.

Last summer, my husband and I decided to trade in our 15-year-old car for a newer one. We browsed the lot. We researched features and pricing. We selected a "pre-owned" model. Seemed sensible.

And then my brother blew that all up.

He reminded me that my husband and I have worked for years saving for retirement. And maybe, even if we aren't retiring yet, we still could use some of our funds to buy that car. Outright. With cash.

We stared at each other. And then we leaped.

We bought the car: A shiny 2024 Mazda CX5.

I admit to feeling a little wonky about it. I felt as I drove it off the lot that it was too much for little old me; that a used model would have been fine; just enough.

But now, months in, I feel different. Fact is, we are still investing our money. We are still ok.

And besides, why can't I have a new, new car??

(Kinda silly, yes?)

But it's this way it is with a lot of things!

Before I began working for myself, I was reluctant to spend money without a huge amount of internal debate and research into "what could happen" if I did. Even small items often seemed "too extravagant." (I did go to Italy in my 30s because I did well in the market - but only because of that.)

Now, full disclosure, I do not have children. This is a personal decision I made long ago. But even so...it took me a long time to understand the true value of investing in certain things.

Last year, I worked with a business coach. For an ENTIRE year. (She's pretty amazing, actually! Thank you, Raeanne Lacatena LCSW-R, CPC!) I've also invested in conferences, trainings, certifications, and tools.

Oh, yeah; it's true. I learned a few lessons about assessing value. Ask anyone in business! We got stories...

But the bottom line is that I learned that I am allowed to make those decisions; it's ok. I deserve it. I just do. I'm here.

And here are some things that never happened:

Bankruptcy.
Starvation.
Destitution.

Now, I'm not recommending reckless spending at the expense of nutrition, housing, or healthcare. I'm saying that if you're ok; it's ok.

Live a little

Buy the car. Make the reservation Eat the cake!

Get help with...I dunno...your job search? Could pay off.

--This has been a PSA from a person who wants you to live your best life.
Go forth!