The person who took that picture-me-was feeling the same way since I was about to launch my first business as soon as I got her settled at school.

 

We both survived those early days of new activities and adventures. What I didn't realize on that early September day so long ago is how the growth of my self-employed life was going to parallel Jennie's growing up. 

 

Somewhere along the way, I realized that my business was also filled with growing and growing pains that bore a striking resemblance to the things Jennie was experiencing. 

 

I decided this must be normal.

 

Every year, we both got a bit wiser and more confident. Then puberty hit and things got a bit wonky for both of us. We kept moving forward, bit by bit. and eventually life got sweeter for us as we set new goals and explored new territories.

 

The summer Jennie graduated from college, I was finishing up the manuscript for Making a Living Without a Job. We knew we were stepping out into an even bigger world with those passages. 

 

Yesterday I alerted my Facebook friends to another big milestone. Today Making a Living Without a Job
is celebrating 20 years of publication. There's no cake, but my Facebook friends have been sharing wonderful messages and I've been smiling a lot.  I laughed out loud when Michelle Woolard Pippin posted a picture of her beat up copy of my book.

I remember telling my editor that I wanted this to be a book that wasn't just about how to get started, but also about how to keep going. So when I see a copy that has obviously been consulted over the years, I feel it's fulfilled its' mission.

 

If you're reading this message, there's a good chance you've got a copy lying around somewhere, too. I hope it's scribbled in and wrinkled from regular workouts. 

 

Over the years, I've received many nice reviews and testimonials. Here's one that Steve Strauss posted in his column in USA Today:"I highly recommend the newest edition of Barbara Winter's classic, Making a Living Without a Job. This great book shows anyone how they too can become joyfully jobless. 

               

"In a different life, when I was the unhappiest lawyer in the land working for the big firm, this book helped me plan my escape. It changed my life, and it can change yours."

 

A few days ago, Terri Belford shared a story from her entrepreneurial past. She wrote:

 

My friend, mentor and workshop co-facilitator Barbara Winter talks about how small is still great for many of us when it comes to business. I experienced this first hand years ago when my partner and I butted heads over this issue: he wanted to grow our business more quickly. I knew that if we wanted it to be sustainable, we needed to strengthen our existing organization. With eight stores, we made a fantastic income and had a fulfilling lifestyle. He argued for rapid expansion. Exhausted from trying to reign things in, I backed down. Simply put, we doubled in size and volume but made half as much money and had twice the stress. Obvious lesson: BIG is NOT always best.

 

Like Terri, I am a fan of small scale enterprise. Small scale events can also produce big results. 

 

That's why we're gathering a tiny group in Denver for our upcoming Mastermind Magic: Overcoming Obstacles and Maintaining Momentum. 

 

Go take a look and decide quickly if you want to be one of the half dozen creative planners joining us on August 9-11. If you're really quick, you can also save $100 on enrollment. Even if you miss the Early Bird deadline, this is a fantastic investment that will bring you big returns.  

Barbara Winter 

 

P.S. On occasion, I may receive a commission or compensation when you participate or purchase a product or service I recommend. That being said, I strive to always offer useful content and resources in each issue of Joyfully Jobless News.