Level Up! With Shay

I was talking to a friend the other day who wants to be a SWAT medic. And honestly? I’m so grateful for people like that – because I know I wouldn’t have the stomach, or even the heart, for it.

No shade on the profession or anyone who chooses that path. I get that it takes courage and dedication, and there are many reasons I wouldn’t want that job myself.

Having a boss, sticking to their schedule, limited pay – all the things that made me dread the 9-to-5 grind or even part-time gigs.

I mean… I’d totally be on S.W.A.T. – the TV show.

But as we talked, I realized something: what I do with my art isn’t just a passion, it’s a seed I’m planting for a future where I’m my own boss, I set my hours, and my income has no ceiling.

I’m not saying it’s a curse for anyone to want a job like SWAT medic – far from it.

And I know that life would be less likely if I chose a path like SWAT medic. (I’m just using that as an example because it came up in conversation – no hate!)

I wonder if sometimes people pick safe, predictable careers because they’re afraid to try something on their own – and maybe even fail.

That might sound harsh, but I’ve heard my friend complain about the hours, the bosses, the pay – while also talking about their love of fashion, shoes, and music.

Choosing to be a SWAT medic is safe and predictable. Choosing to pursue fashion, design, or music? That’s unpredictable and risky.

I’ve chosen a different path – getting an MBA, working part-time gigs, and dedicating myself to art – and yes, that means many don’t get it. And that’s okay.

I may not fully understand my friend’s path, but I support it. I love her, and I want her to thrive.

Here’s the truth: when you pick a career with a fixed schedule, a boss, and limited pay, you have to make choices about what fits in your life.

Imagine your life is a pie divided into slices – eight slices, for example.

One slice might be your car payment, another your mortgage, one for vacation time, one for holiday gifts, one for everyday expenses, and so on.

With a capped job, if you want to add a bigger vacation or a second car, something else has to shrink or disappear.

Now, I’m not saying SWAT medics can’t make good money — I’m sure there are plenty doing well, and thanks to the internet, you can truly build income from almost anything.

So yes, do what you love. But what if you could do what you love and make a lot of money doing it?

I have many loves myself. Sometimes I imagine being a “Bar Rescue” type – going into businesses, shaking things up, and helping them thrive – which blends my marketing background and passion for improvement.

But that path has its own challenges: chasing clients, pitching services as a newbie, dealing with tough personalities. (If a business is struggling, there’s usually some messy stuff behind the scenes!)

Living life on my terms means exploring my options, choosing what I love, and making sure it fits the life I want to build.

Some people see life differently – and that’s okay.

But before you make any decision, really decide what you want your life to look like – then go after it unapologetically.

What do you want your life to look like? Leave a comment below – I read every one!

---

---

---