Pam Slim at Refresh Phoenix

Pam Slim, author of the blog EscapeFromCubicleNation.com, spoke at the July Refresh meeting. I first became aware of Pam at a Social Media Club meeting where she had some insightful things to say and a blog address that caught my ear. At the time, I was struggling with a job that made me want to escape (even though I had graduated from a cube to my own office with a window a few years ago). I started reading her blog and decided she would be an excellent speaker for Refresh. Plus I really wanted to meet her in person since she lives in the Phoenix area. I was thrilled when she said she'd do it!

Pam spent over eight years doing management consulting and flourished at being her own boss. During that time, she realized that people felt like prisoners. They desperately wanted to get away from their corporate jobs. She decided to change her consulting practice in order to help people transition from their corporate job and into their own business.

• Define the type of life you want.
  Imagine how you want to spend your time and who you want to spend it with. Visualize the city you want to live in, the speed at which you live, and do all of this without constraints. Let yourself fantasize a life where you're happy in everything, even work.
• Find your passion.
  Corporate life can disconnection you emotionally from things that make you feel passionate. Think about what you're interested in, what activities you can do and time just flies, what excites you.
• Choose your tribe.
  What types of people do you love being with? Who can't you stand being with? Choose the person you want spend your workday with.
• List your skills.
  Surely you've learned to do something that other people see as valuable. If not, it's time to learn. Otherwise, be proud and honest with yourself.
• Match your interests, skills, and your people.
  Create your business based on what you're passionate about, what you're and target your tribe. Of course keep in mind the type of life you want has a big influence on your business.

Pam's talk inspired Chris and I to spend some time talking about the type of life we want. Because of my job change in March, I'm no longer feeling like I need to escape from my employer. I feel lucky to work in a job that is engaging and interesting. I'm learning on a regular basis. The people I'm surrounded with at work and good people, which makes for a very good environment. I'm very lucky. But I do know that someday I'll become my own boss and work towards the life I envision. Pam gave me a framework to get me started moving in that direction.

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