With Freedom Comes Responsibility

Kitty Boitnott, Ph.D., NBCT, RScP

Career Transition & Job Search Coach | Career "Makeover" Coach

For today's video message, click here.

Yesterday was July 4th, and as Americans, we celebrated Independence Day. This symbolic day represents the day that the American colonies broke free from England and set on a course toward becoming one of the greatest countries in world history, not just American history.

A few weeks ago, England ironically declared its independence from the European Union, but their celebration was short lived. We still don't know what the long term effects of that move will have on their country, on Europe, or on the world at large, but already, we have seen signs of regret over having made a decision that might have been based on bad information and poor instincts.

It is all a reminder that we are each free to make decisions for ourselves, but we also have responsibility for those decisions, and rarely do our decisions happen in a vacuum. Indeed, in almost every instance, our decisions impact those around us whether it is our family members, our friends, or the world at large.

My father used to admonish us kids, that "Your rights end where the other guy's rights begin." It was a lesson he drilled into us regularly because he wanted us to understand that while we had the freedom to pursue whatever dream we might have for ourselves individually, we didn't have the freedom to impose our will on someone else.

My father was a wise man.

His admonishment that "Your rights end where the other guy's rights begin," has served as a reminder over the years that while I might have a certain amount of latitude in making choices for myself, my right to infringe on another's life choices are limited.

We are very lucky as Americans that we have tremendous freedoms and personal liberties compared to many other countries around the world. We should never forget just how lucky we are to live in such a beautiful country where a shared value is that which Thomas Jefferson put forth in the Declaration of Independence:  "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

Along with the pursuit of liberty--freedom--however, also comes the responsibility for our behavior, for the way we treat others, and for the way we treat the planet. Our pursuit of freedom should not ever infringe on the right of another to pursue their individual freedom.

So, as we wind up this 4th of July celebration and head into the 2nd half of 2016, I challenge you to consider how you can pursue your individual definition of freedom and happiness. What will that mean for you? 

Until next time.

Are you a teacher who is suffering from burnout or do you know a teacher who has just "had it" with teaching? If so, I would like to invite you to sign up for or share the link to a special live training that I am offering Thursday night, July 7 at 7:00 p.m. EDT where I am going to talk about "7 Signs of Teacher Burnout: Is ti Time to Stay or Go?"  Please feel free to sign up using this link:  https://app.webinarjam.net/register/11680/b8d09e8648 or share the link with someone who could use the information.

This training is directed at teachers in particular, but much of the information is pertinent to job burnout in general, so don't feel like you shouldn't sign up if you aren't a teacher.

I hope you will join me to learn more about the 7 specific signs of teacher burnout and what you might do to get yourself out of a profession that no longer lights you up and onto a profession or career that better suits you.

Sign up now and then show up Thursday night. Again, the registration link is https://app.webinarjam.net/register/11680/b8d09e8648.

I would also like to offer you the opportunity to purchase the "LinkedIn Profile Highlights Checklist" about which I have been talking. I have reduced the price to $1 for a limited time.  To take advantage of the special offer, click here.

You may also take advantage of the upgrade at a special price. Receive a video review of your LinkedIn profile for only $27. The video review is normally priced at $45.

To take advantage of that t special deal which is also only for a limited time, click here.

I simply can't stress enough how important I believe it is that everyone--including you--optimize your LinkedIn profile. I hope you will join me for the webinar Thursday night, or download the checklist so you can start optimizing your profile right away.

Until next time.

Are you ready for a career makeover? Know someone who just graduated college and hasn't landed their first job yet? Or, do you know someone who has been looking for a new job and hasn't had any luck yet?

Perhaps they could use my new signature program, "Jumpstart Your Job Search in 10 'Easy' Steps."

Learn what your need to get a stalled job search unstuck or a new job search started off on the right foot. Save time and money. Start the program today! Every day you spend in a job that you no longer love is a day wasted.