Finding Purpose & Meaning Outside the Capitalistic Work/Life Balance Illusion

In this episode of 'And Then I Did This, Joseph Mayes , co-owner of Patchouli Joe's Books & Indulgences , shares his deeply reflective journey from a 20-year military career to corporate life, stand-up comedy, and eventually owning an independent bookstore.

Joe discusses the dangers of chasing "more" and how the capitalist drive for constant success nearly drove him off a cliff.

He reflects on the importance of knowing your values, finding your "enough," and taking control of how you spend your days.

Tune in for a candid discussion on navigating career pivots, personal growth, and redefining success in a way that aligns with your true self.

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 - Challenging the Traditional Notion of Work-Life Balance
• 00:00:58 - Meet Joe Mayes: Navigating Nonlinear Career Paths
• 00:01:29 - Military Beginnings: Searching for Purpose Without a Plan
• 00:02:42 - Embracing Career Pivots and Personal Growth
• 00:04:24 - The Endless Chase for "More" and Its Impact on Life
• 00:07:15 - Escaping the Corporate World to Find True Freedom
• 00:09:14 - Discovering Your True Purpose and Reconnecting with Passion
• 00:13:24 - Breaking Free from Societal Pressures and Expectations
• 00:14:41 - The Modern-Day Company Store: How We Become Trapped
• 00:23:43 - Choosing Sacrifice Over Suffering: Taking Control of Your Life
• 00:26:47 - Understanding What "Enough" Means and How to Achieve It
• 00:28:35 - "More" vs. "Enough": Redefining Success on Your Terms
• 00:29:23 - The Illusion of Wealth and Finding Power in the Present Moment
• 00:31:31 - Identifying and Confronting the Fears That Hold You Back
• 00:36:54 - How Opening Patchouli Books & Joes Indulgences Changed Everything
• 00:43:56 - Practical Advice for Living a Life Aligned with Your Values
• 00:47:52 - Learning from Failure: Why It’s Essential for Growth
• 00:52:27 - Final Reflections on Redefining Success and Personal Freedom

Links and Resources:

• LuRae Lumpkin on LinkedIn
• You Can Be Free Newsletter
• You Can Be Free on YouTube
• And Then I Did This on YouTube

Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to and then i did this? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube to leave us a review!

Until next time,

LuRae

Be You and Be Free