4 Ways to Turn Your Job Into a Vacation

Many people tend to think they have to wait until they retire to turn what they do nine-to-five each day into a vacation.  Ask yourself the following important questions:

• How do I define retirement? 
• How do I define vacation?
• How do I define my job?

Our parents' generation always looked forward to retiring.   They talked about it for years.   Dreaming of the day they could sit back, relax, and enjoy their lives a bit more.  Waiting almost their entire life to reach this place.  

NEWSFLASH: The year is 2016, and the landscape has changed.  Nothing else really looks the same.  People now walk around with a computer in their pocket, electric cars are all the buzz, and we buy what we need online.  Why does your life need to look like the previous generation's?  Retirement doesn't look like it did before.   Even the word retirement feels a bit like your first cellular phone.  Slow, old, and doesn't have the excitement of the one you have today.  For sake of this article, let's take a page out of "Smart Money Magazine" and retire the word retirement by the time we are done with this article. 

What about money?  It is very typical to link money to "retirement".  Disconnect the two in your mind.  We have the ability to integrate "retirement" activities into our lifestyle today with less money.  

Keep your work flexible.  Many "retirees" have a honeymoon period.  Soon after this fizzles, they don't know what to do with themselves.  Find work that allows you the lifestyle of your choosing without the boredom.  Retire the new way. Retire the early way. 

Life is too short! Don't wait until the end to participate in what you enjoy.

Here are Four Ways to Turn Your Job Into a Vacation 

Work Remotely

I understand it isn't possible for all professions.  There are many options available that offer remote working capabilities.  If it isn't something that exists in your company, work with them to see if you can make this a reality.   Even a Radiologist now has the ability to work remotely.  The world is changing, technology is improving, and you need to take advantage.  Don't be left in the dust in some boring office waiting for Friday.  

(photo credit: Robert Churchill?123RF.com)

Create a Passive Income Stream

I know what you're going to say, "easier said than done!".  You're right.  If it was as easy as it was said, everyone would be doing it.  The upfront work of creating a passive income stream is far from passive.  It might be the most active hard work you have ever done.  When this is up and running, it will pay off!  Passive income options are endless in the digital age.  Explore affiliate marketing, smartphone applications, rental income, drop-shipping, and e-books.  Find what works for you.

(photo credit: Chakrit Thongwattana?123RF.com)

Change the Title of your "Bucket List" to your "To Do List"

It is often that people chat with me about their bucket list.  Unfortunately, each time we talk, the list is still the same.   Sounds exciting, but they never really do it. Start putting your bucket list items on your "To Do List", and get them done! Make it happen.  You only live once!  Live your tomorrow life TODAY!

(photo credit: iqoncept?123RF.com)

Own the Clock

Time is something we can't escape.  Regardless of whether you like it or not, time is ticking away.  There are only 24 hours in the day.  That's the bad news.  The good news, there are 24 wonderful hours in each day!  Now is a good time to master the clock. Explore an entrepreneurial endeavor instead of a traditional 9-to-5 job.  Find a company that works on a four-day work week. Become an independent contractor.   Use your free time wisely.  Learn and master time management better than you ever have, and it will pay off.  Magically, you will grow time in your favor.  

(photo credit artenot?123RF.com)

Have you already started to design a better work life for yourself?  What tips do you have?  What have you accomplished on your bucket list?  Share your tips on time management that have helped you to live a better life.  

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About the Author:  Brett Berhoff is the leading expert in Brand Energy Infusion?. He works with Corporations and Individuals to bring their brand and lifestyle to the next level.  He is a Business Leader, who has proven success in a wide spectrum of industries and markets.  Please visit his profile and connect with him on LinkedIn and explore how to unlock your world. 

I was Honored to be Featured in the Harvard Business Review.  View Below to read my most recent contribution.  Thank you, Brett Berhoff