The Cost of Doing Business
I often do work where I’m not paid. This includes preparation for training, paperwork for coaching, and writing.
In fact much of my work doesn’t include payment.
In all honesty, sometimes I get tired of doing this work for no payment.
I have expressed this at times. One friend summed it up and said:
Well, that’s the cost of doing business.
He’s correct.
When I look at it more closely, it really isn’t about doing the work for no payment.
It’s usually about not wanting to do the work at all!
Whether it’s the type of work, or the timing of when it’s happening, there are moments I don’t want to be doing what I’m doing.
If it’s the type of work then I need to examine why I’m doing it and if it’s worth it for my professional or personal growth.
If it’s the timing of the work, is there something I can do about it?
We all have costs of doing business.
For me, as an entrepreneur, it can be many hours of prep for no money.
For those with full time jobs its commute time and costs or having to physically be somewhere more hours then they may wish.
We all have costs.
When I acknowledge to myself everyone has costs to doing business:
• I remember the flexibility I have
• I reexamine to make sure my tasks are aligned with my goals
• I laugh when I blame management for any stress I have since I am management
The good news is whenever I ask my boss for time off I always get it. I’m such a nice boss!