What would you do if you did not have to work for money....

I recently came across this question in a book that I was reading, and quite honestly, that question stumped me at the time. I don't know about you, but I am nearly reaching my "mid-50s" and still trying to figure out what to do with my life (career wise). 😉

Since moving to Florida...ok, let me just get this out of the way...it is all that I wanted it to be and more. Our home, gosh, our home is our sanctuary. When I get off work, I am LEGIT weaving in and out of traffic trying to get home as quickly as possible...like I am going to be late for a date with my home or something. Truly, I am beyond grateful for it, and I am so glad to be here. Chasing sunsets and sunrises are some of my favorite things to do. 🌞

Oh yeah, where was I going with that? Since moving to Florida, I have been going through some changes. What changes, you might ask? Well, internal - specifically, spiritual changes. My goal this year is to get connected spiritually. I mean really connected. To stop playing by the rules and just go where my heart is leading me. I have been doing A LOT of reading and a lot of internal digging. I have no desire to become a part of a label of religion. For the first time in my life, I am calling the shots, and it feels good. For those of you who know, I am a Sagittarius, a December 6th Sagittarius (believe me, it makes a difference), and I am choosing from now on to ditch that which no longer serves me.

AND... that includes my career.

All my life, I have been in positions where I had to do something out of convenience, and for the first time, I am able to really search within myself and take the time to figure out what lights me on fire. Don't get me wrong, I am grateful for my job, and I have met some really wonderful people, BUT do I love it? No. I really don't.

Does it get me out of bed in the morning? No.

I mean, yeah, I actually do go to work, but does it motivate me and bring me joy? It pays the bills, YES. One hundred percent yes, and again, I am so grateful. However, my INNER soul wants more out of this life. You get one shot...why blow it on something you don't want to do?

This blog post may be a repeat of "words," but I find myself here again, and this time, with regards to my career. I mean business. I truly want to find something that I love. I know it is out there for me. I know it is.

I can't tell you how grateful I am for this time. To be able to do some soul-searching and research, all while working a full-time job to support my family. I have not had the distinct pleasure of being able to do this before, and my heart is full.

What does Claudine want to do?

I think that question in the title, "What would you do if you did not have to work for money?" really started the ball rolling in my mind. I couldn't write anything down at the time. I know some of you are just spitting things out left and right about what you would do, but I am (and have to be) incredibly strategic in this area of my life. My family is counting on me. I take it very seriously.

I have done the Clifton Strengths assessment, and that helped me understand what I was good at generally, not specifically. However, I came across something recently that asked some very specific questions and really challenged the answers I gave, and it was eye-opening.

It tells you what your Work DNA type is and your career patterns. Again...insightful.

I was a bit emotional reading this because it truly spoke to me. I think the emotions are coming from several variables:

One, that I am actually taking the time to do this for myself (and have the time).

Two, that I am looking for something I can do as a career that I am passionate about.

Interesting fact: my Work DNA type was Anchor.

Which means...

Thirty-plus years across retail, banking, advertising, finance, hospitality, wellness, photography, and band administration. That's not a scattered resume. That's someone who needs variety, connection, and the freedom to move. But every time, you've been the stabilizing force, the person others lean on when things get chaotic. Your five-year vision of real estate, travel, and financial security for your family tells the whole story. You don't run from responsibility. You want to anchor your world on your own terms.

Lemme esplain...

Decades ago, I was eating at a Chinese restaurant and received a fortune cookie. Right, no big deal.

A little backstory: I have been in finance (banking and investments) pretty much all my life, with some retail, food service, band administration, management, advertising, and a mix of wellness consultation.

This fortune cookie said, "You would be better off in real estate than in stocks."

I not only received that fortune once, but twice in my lifetime (most recently two years ago).

I love real estate. Always have.

I love houses.

I love people.

I love helping people.

I love research.

I love it when it all comes together.

Buying a house is a BIG deal. I want to be a part of it all. 💚

My husband said, "Do you think that the fortune cookie has forcibly encouraged you to think about real estate? Do you think that if you didn't have the fortune, you would feel the same way?"

And to answer his question, YES!

I am thankful that John asks me questions like this. I am a cannonball kinda gal, a go-getter so to speak, and lately, I have been learning to hold back the reins a bit. To look at the big picture. To process things more slowly.

I do appreciate that about him. I appreciate that about US, as I believe we both do that for each other, and I am grateful for that in our relationship.

So now what?

I am not sure what the plan is at this time, but I feel like I am understanding where I want to be and that I have some tools in the toolkit to work with.

This is what I am leaning toward:

*Real Estate Agent specializing in relocation

*Independent travel and food content creator (as a side hustle)

So, you may be asking...what was your answer to the question, for goodness' sake? You know, the question in the subject line?

My answer to the question, "What would you do if you did not have to work for money?"

(“Is that the question you are referring to?” 😘)

I would be an independent travel and food blogger.

But to be honest, my first thought was to be a flight attendant (or a pilot), but I am not tall enough for those types of jobs 😏, and I would hate being away from my family so much.

I love traveling.

I love taking pictures.

I love writing.

I love new places and adventures.

I love meeting new people.

I love experiencing the world.

AND I love food.

This kind of stuff...yeah, this stuff lights me on fire. 🔥

All in all, I am super thankful for this life I have been given. I want to live a long, healthy, happy, successful, active life.

Speaking of which...

Ikigai (ee-key-guy) is a Japanese concept that translates to "a reason for being." Now, I am not saying that my career is my reason for being, but truly, it is one of the four pillars of Ikigai, and I am on my way to finding it.

Ultimately, what brings value and joy to your life?

Let's discuss that next time, shall we?

Until then, All my love and light.

XOXO,

Claudine

Of course, I need to leave you with a picture that I took from my lanai the other night. No filters, no edits, just one masterpiece of creation after another.