Gina Laverde over at Mind Petals wrote a terrific post today called “[1] Three Examples of Why You Must Do What You Love:”

Every career counselor, self help book and Oprah episode I watch suggests that doing what you love is the key to happiness and success. So I know there must be truth to it. But still, when I try to relay this genius realization to thick-headed friends… I’m often left feeling like I haven’t made an impact.

Aside from it being a great post, I pointed it out for a couple of reasons.

1. I’m always pounding this point home, both here and when I talk to and work with folks looking to start a home-based business. Gina provides some excellent, real-world examples that clearly show this idea in action.
2. I love seeing counter-points to the schemes that prey on people who want to work from home. There’s tons of junk out there promoting all kinds of get rich quick home-based business ideas that have nothing to do with using your passions and gifts (and end up being get broke quick ideas, instead). As I pointed out yesterday, very few people succeed without [2] these key ingredients.

The stories Gina told are pretty common in my experience. I can’t count the number of people I’ve talked to who went a different route to work from home, rather than capitalizing on what they love and what they do well. The artist who tried a pyramid scheme, the trainer who thought buying into a home-based franchise would be easier than starting a coaching practice, the naturalist who sold cheap jewelry instead of starting the guide business he always dreamed of.

Working from home is one of the greatest things you can do, especially if you are a parent. But if it’s just work, or just a job, you’re better off working for somebody else. The hours are shorter and the pay better. On the other hand, if you are doing work you love and have a real talent for, it becomes an extension of who you are, and a vehicle for real success. Something you can’t get in a box or a recruitment CD.