I am sick of the daily rat race and feel ready to give it all up (the rat race).?

Question

I am tired of my mortgage constantly raising even though fixed, gas prices, house depreciation, car repairs, ect...

I have a decent job. I work 38 hours per week and make about 52K. Not a lot, but not poor.

Does anyone have any suggestions about how I can go about giving it all up. Are there groups where I can volunteer or just get the h**l out of here? are there training programs of some sort where I can have a life with more meaning? In the past, I always looked towards relationships to pass the time. I know this isn't right.

Answer 1

First of all hello good people of the Creator, we were scrolling through the questions page, praying for somewhere to offer any assistance by way of the Creator, when we came across a question, which eventually almost everyone will be soon contemplating this very same or similar feelings. This is the very question that got the ball rolling once again for me. After we have been influenced and basically programmed to believe that if we follow certain beliefs and criteria, that we will be happy and content. But of course, common sense dictates that this is just not true for every individual. And this is the downside to generalization, as opposed to individualization. You see what works for most is what we tend to pattern everything after. Take for example the rat race, it was designed for majority, but not all. People like you and I, that simply question, what's it all for? And then you set out to find the answer, and before long you realize that all of this trying to keep up with the Jones, was just one of many distractions, to help keep you off balanced enough so you can continue to be a part of the problem. We are a people of spirit, so quite naturally if the spirit is not being excercised, then the rest is just an empty shell. And this is usually when the self-examination starts. Questions like, why was I really created, by whom, and then you will take notice to how wonderful it feels to be seeking out something that is detromental for your continual existence. This alone, had we known at birth, is a lifetime process all by itself. The boundaries are limitless, the variations are endless, excitement an understatement, as you progress, your passion to complete your understanding of and why you're being increases every minute second, there by building better character and self worth, not to mention self grattification. Oh yes we may have taken the long way around, just to say, life is full of choices, the ones  that are profitable we tend to choose, over the ones that are SOULSAVING. We are not sure where you stand spiritually, but we can feel a great change to come over you, prayer is the key. Ask to be forgiven, and for the wisdom and knowledge, and let nature take it's course, be strong and persistent, but yet open, honest, sincere, and mostly patient! HANG IN THERE

Answer 2

Start volunteering. Explore various organizations and causes, and learn what issues you feel strongly about and what you can do to have some influence in such. A lot of burned out people look to volunteering to give them an outlet.

VolunteerMatch (http://www.volunteermatch.org), Idealist (http://www.idealist.org), Change.org (http://www.change.org) and CraigsList (http://www.craigslist.com) all list volunteering opportunities with thousands of organizations. There's also this government sponsored site (http://volunteer.gov/gov/) which provides volunteer positions through USA federal land agencies like Fish & Wildlife, Forest Service, National Parks, etc. Also, contact your local volunteer center; you can find this via the Points of Light Foundation web site (http://www.pointsoflight.org/centers/).

Answer 3

I was in your position three years ago. I had a well-paying (but boring) job, a brand-new car, good friends/family, I was a provincial-level athlete... but I just wasn't satisfied with my life. Not only did I want to get more out of life, but I wanted to give something back as well. All the "stuff" was no longer meaningful.

So, I quit my job and moved across the country for an internship I was offered in Eastern Europe. I boxed up all my stuff and stored the boxes and my car at my parents' place, and left!

There's LOADS you can do overseas if you want to leave. Rent out your house and store or sell your things. Search around online and you'll find a lot. Also, check out thorntree.lonelyplanet.com. It's the best forum out there and there's one page dedicated solely to moving overseas or GAP years, etc.

Good luck!

Answer 4

I agree. I have been working in an office for 18 years, and I'm ready to give it all up, too. Do you ever wake up and just say, "What am I doing with my life?" I want to do something more meaningful too! I donate to charity ALOT but I want a job that I can say "God I can't wait to get to work!" Work for a cause...not just a meager paycheck. I hope you find your dream. And I hope I find one, too. :)

Answer 5

Wow.  You have some heavy issues on your heart!  I don't make as much as you and work more hours... it's not the hours and the pay - it is, as you pointed out, whether you feel content.  You do not, and you're wise for realizing that and attempting to figure out what would bring meaning to your life.  There are some great programs that may work for you.  I don't know much about them, but you may check out mercyships.org to start.  You don't say what you do by trade, or what religion (if any) you are but that could help determine what skills and talents you have to share.  I'd be happy to help you look into this further if you'd like to email me.  Meantime, may God grant you peace and wisdom as you search ~Nise