The Jeff Pulver Blog: Know when to FIRE Yourself

« What do YOU want to do TODAY? | Main | Discovering YOUR Voice »

July 28, 2008

Know when to FIRE Yourself

When working for someone else, have you ever found yourself following the directions of "a boss" and thinking along the way how stupid the work you were asked to do really was? And did you think the person was asking you to do something to more or less just waste (your) time? And did you ever ask yourself, why it was YOU who had to do this work? This happened to me several times at the first job I had after graduating from college. This was the first time I realized I wished I knew how to "Fire My Boss."

It is at moments like this where one may want to ask themselves "how many times in my career would I knowingly do work which only an idiot would ask for? And the follow up, "How many times in the future will I be that Idiot asking someone to do such work for me?"

How do you stop this endless loop of madness? The only way I know how to change the situation is to FIRE your Boss! But usually this means you are the one leaving the company. Especially since we can't fire our bosses. But what we can do is work on "Firing ourselves" and in the process setting ourselves FREE.

And once I knew I had to set myself free, I made the decision to start my own business and be the one responsible for setting my daily course for my own road ahead.

As you explore and chart your future, understand that you owe it to yourself to define your own road map. When you see possible obstacles in your road map, do what you can do clear the path and open as many doors as possible.

This is your life. A time to take control of your destiny. Whenever needed, remember to take the time to regroup and take back control of YOUR life. And if it is your destiny to work for someone else, make sure the person and company you work for respect you for who you are and will be there to support you and guide your growth.

Along the way remember to follow your heart (and mind) and do what you need to put yourself in a situation where you feel comfortable about the work you are doing, about your future and your own personal road ahead.

And just be prepared to Fire a Boss (or two) along the way.

- - -
Tags: Entrepreneurship, leadership, Entrepreneur, Jeff Pulver

Please consider leaving a comment about a time in your life when you made your move. And feel free to find me on twitter and continue this conversation.

Posted by jeff on July 28, 2008 07:40 AM | Permalink

Additional resources: #140conf events | Watch the Jeff Pulver Show | Jeff's Qik Videos

Comments

http://www.wizit.vcity.com.pl/office063/2011/12/30/louis-vuitton-handbag-had-been-using-a-al-all-long-limb-the-fact-that-week/
http://www.power.deltagt.com.pl/office137/2011/12/30/louis-vuitton-handbag-seemed-to-be-on-a-long-arm-or-leg-in-which-workweek/
http://www.numb.mostgdanski.pl/office152/2011/12/30/louis-vuitton-handbag-was-first-over-a-for-an-extended-time-limb-of-which-seven-days/
http://www.fashionbiz.co.id/microsite/office246/2011/12/30/louis-vuitton-handbag-ended-up-being-on-the-long-limb-which-full-week/
http://www.fashionbiz.co.id/microsite/doudounemoncler316/2011/12/30/louis-vuitton-handbag-was-first-for-the-al-all-long-limb-which-week/
http://www.askmilton.com/doudounemoncler397/2011/12/30/your-conventions-primarily-amenable-concern-had-been-a-louis-vuitton-bags/
http://doudounemoncler1081.honmag.com/2011/12/30/a-conventions-solely-offered-thought-was-initially-that-louis-vuitton-bags/
http://e-medicom.jp/blog/doudounemoncler1214/2011/12/30/the-particular-conventions-mainly-open-up-concern-appeared-to-be-a-louis-vuitton-bags/
http://3wordjournal.com/doudounemoncler1621/2011/12/30/a-conventions-primarily-open-up-challenge-was-first-your-louis-vuitton-bags/
http://monclerhomme169.sensualwriter.com/2011/12/30/typically-the-conventions-only-available-query-has-been-the-louis-vuitton-bags/
http://microsoftoffice.zoomblog.com/archivo/2011/12/29/perusing-typically-the-Microsoft-Clini.html
http://microsoftoffice.zoomblog.com/archivo/2011/12/29/browsing-any-Microsof-company-Office-e.html
http://microsoftoffice.zoomblog.com/archivo/2011/12/29/looking-through-a-Ms-Business-Website-.html
http://microsoftoffice.zoomblog.com/archivo/2011/12/29/studying-the-particular-Microsof-compa.html
http://microsoftoffice.zoomblog.com/archivo/2011/12/29/reading-the-Microsoft-Office-Web-Apps-.html
http://projectprofessional.zoomblog.com/archivo/2011/12/29/checking-all-the-Ms-Work-Cyberspace-Bl.html
http://projectprofessional.zoomblog.com/archivo/2011/12/29/analyzing-that-microsoft-Home-office-W.html
http://projectprofessional.zoomblog.com/archivo/2011/12/29/examining-this-Microsoft-Company-World.html
http://projectprofessional.zoomblog.com/archivo/2011/12/29/looking-at-your-microsoft-Place-of-wor.html
http://projectprofessional.zoomblog.com/archivo/2011/12/29/reading-through-the-actual-Ms-Workplac.html
http://l7485961.insanejournal.com/12698.html
http://l7485962.insanejournal.com/12775.html
http://l7485961.insanejournal.com/13032.html
http://l7485962.insanejournal.com/12919.html
http://l7485961.insanejournal.com/13154.html
http://l7485962.insanejournal.com/13165.html
http://l7485961.insanejournal.com/13345.html
http://l7485962.insanejournal.com/13547.html
http://l7485962.insanejournal.com/13590.html
http://l7485961.insanejournal.com/13750.html
http://officedownload.over-blog.com/article-checking-all-the-ms-work-cyberspace-blog-manual-95613209.html
http://officedownload.over-blog.com/article-browsing-any-microsof-company-office-environment-online-applications-small-print-95611539.html
http://officedownload.over-blog.com/article-examining-this-microsoft-company-world-wide-web-blog-manual-95609113.html
http://officedownload.over-blog.com/article-studying-the-particular-microsof-company-business-office-net-programs-terms-and-conditions-95607997.html
http://officedownload.over-blog.com/article-reading-the-microsoft-office-web-apps-fine-print-95606842.html
http://office2007download.over-blog.com/article-perusing-typically-the-microsoft-clinic-web-site-software-details-in-it-95613158.html
http://office2007download.over-blog.com/article-analyzing-that-microsoft-home-office-word-wide-web-programs-terms-and-conditions-95611429.html
http://office2007download.over-blog.com/article-looking-through-a-ms-business-website-apps-fine-print-95609234.html
http://office2007download.over-blog.com/article-looking-at-your-microsoft-place-of-work-world-wide-web-software-details-in-it-95608092.html
http://office2007download.over-blog.com/article-reading-through-the-actual-ms-workplace-internet-applications-small-print-95607233.html
http://microsoftsoffice.eklablog.com/reading-through-the-actual-microsoft-workplace-internet-applications-s-a28793473
http://microsoftoffice.eklablog.com/reading-the-microsof-company-office-web-apps-fine-print-a28793479
http://microsoftoffice.eklablog.com/looking-at-your-ms-place-of-work-world-wide-web-software-details-in-it-a28793571
http://microsoftsoffice.eklablog.com/studying-the-particular-microsoft-business-office-net-programs-terms-a-a28793569
http://microsoftsoffice.eklablog.com/examining-this-microsof-company-company-world-wide-web-blog-manual-a28793655
http://microsoftoffice.eklablog.com/looking-through-a-microsoft-business-website-apps-fine-print-a28793659
http://microsoftoffice.eklablog.com/analyzing-that-ms-home-office-word-wide-web-programs-terms-and-conditi-a28793749
http://microsoftsoffice.eklablog.com/browsing-any-microsoft-office-environment-online-applications-small-pr-a28793755
http://microsoftsoffice.eklablog.com/checking-all-the-microsoft-work-cyberspace-blog-manual-a28793903
http://microsoftoffice.eklablog.com/perusing-typically-the-microsof-company-clinic-web-site-software-detai-a28793893
http://access2011.blog.163.com/blog/static/200997169201111300332897/
http://access2007.blog.163.com/blog/static/200997167201111300319488/
http://access2007.blog.163.com/blog/static/2009971672011113021715781/
http://access2011.blog.163.com/blog/static/2009971692011113021724616/
http://access2007.blog.163.com/blog/static/2009971672011113021832883/
http://access2011.blog.163.com/blog/static/2009971692011113021841980/

Posted by: qihang at December 31, 2011 12:31 AM

hmmm...Your blog site is excellentThis is really my very first time here , great looking blog. UGG Outlet Store I would glad to see that you continue your informative work forever.I am so lucky.0S

Posted by: discount ugg at December 29, 2011 01:45 PM

Moncler fashion men sweater striped gray
Moncler fashion men sweater stripes dark blue
Moncler Men Sweater
Moncler fashion men's sweater stripes yellow
Moncler fashion men's sweater stripe dark green
Moncler men wool Sweater green
Moncler fashion men sweater classics button gray
Moncler fashion men sweater single-breasted gray
Moncler fashion men sweater classics style gray
Moncler fashion men sweater classics button army green
Moncler fashion men sweater classics style green
Moncler womens sweater decorative belt black
Moncler Pants
Moncler men white sprot pants red blue stripe
Moncler men black sprot pants white blue red stripe
Moncler pants men fashion grey sport long pants

Posted by: Moncler jackets at December 7, 2011 03:46 AM

The weather and field environment are very important for you to select the Cheap Soccer Shoes. The Adidas Soccer Shoes can provide you a good and stable movement and stop you falling down and losing balance during the processing of retracing the defense. So the is very important for everybody to know how to select a pair of genuine Nike Soccer Shoes.

Posted by: Cheap Soccer Shoes at December 7, 2011 01:13 AM

You should be able to make use of your replica handbags for a few months at least to get your money’s worth. If you have not used it to a satisfactory level before it becomes unusable, then it does not require a rocket scientist to figure out that you have wasted your money on cheap replica handbag. http://www.cheapjordanssell.net

Posted by: cheap jordan shoes online sale at November 15, 2011 03:00 AM

very cool would come again,thanks for sharing

Posted by: discount prada shoes at November 8, 2011 03:20 AM

Posted by: qihang at November 4, 2011 09:04 PM

Many people like to listen to songs, for music can clean to people today with the middle sand and mud; it may arouse the heart with the childlike innocence, it can get rid of the heart trouble, so songs direction and producers showed up with the albums for every person to hear. If you tend to be somebody who wants to listen to songs, you might have already heard concerning the Monster beats headphones, or most generally known as Monster Beats. Who would have although that Dr Dre would be making and delivering a revolutionary pair of headphones? Welcome to the Monster Beats By Dr.Dre Online. The are many type of Dr dre headphones . The type of the Monster Heartbeats By Lady Gaga is very good. I think you will like it.

Posted by: Monster Beats at November 3, 2011 04:41 AM

Posted by: video converter at October 31, 2011 08:38 PM

Posted by: audio converter,music converter at October 24, 2011 12:06 AM

I am new to this site. After searching this site I found it really informative. It deals with our day to day matters. I want to know more about this site. If anyone knows more about this site please let me know.
http://www.tiffanyjewellerysuk.com

Posted by: jimmy choo at October 20, 2011 12:32 AM

Posted by: dvd converter at October 14, 2011 02:58 AM

Posted by: video converter at September 29, 2011 09:27 PM

Posted by: video converter at September 27, 2011 03:04 AM

Posted by: adobe acrobat x at September 13, 2011 10:13 PM

http://www.buy-shoes-bag.com
http://www.wholesalecheapsunglasses.com

Posted by: cheap nike shoes at September 4, 2011 08:27 PM

Posted by: video converter at August 16, 2011 10:45 PM

Interesting article! I like it very much! Thanks for sharing!!!!

Posted by: medical-x-ray machine at August 15, 2011 08:19 PM

http://www.audiotool.net/EaseAudioConverter/index.htm
http://www.audiotool.net/CDtoMP3Maker/index.htm
http://www.audiotool.net/cdburner/index.htm
http://www.audiotool.net/mp3converter/index.htm
http://www.audiotool.net/cdripper/index.htm
http://www.audiotool.net/mp3recorder/index.htm
http://www.audiotool.net/jukebox/index.htm
http://www.audiotool.net/midiconverter/index.htm
http://www.audiotool.net/videoconverter/index.htm
http://www.audiotool.net/screenrecorder/index.htm

http://www.audiotool.net/EaseAudioConverter/converter/resample-wav.htm

Posted by: audio converter at August 13, 2011 05:16 AM

Good Information Very nice post.

Posted by: video converter at August 1, 2011 09:50 PM

One night, as a couple laid down for bed, the husband gently tapped his wife on the shoulder and started rubbing her arm. The wife turned over and said, "I'm sorry, honey, I've got a Gynecologist appointment tomorrow."
The husband, rejected, turned over and tried to sleep. Later, he rolled back over and tapped his wife again. This time he whispered in her ear, "Do you have a dentist appointment tomorrow, too?"

Posted by: jerseys58 at July 30, 2011 03:03 AM

Vous pouvez Acheter Des PO WOW d'un fournisseur fiable,Achat PO WOW à bon marché chez nous,Achat WOW PO Support gratuit et livraison express à 100% légale Acheter WOW PO!Acheter PO WOW à bon marché chez nous,Acheter des WOW Gold. Les meilleurs prix pour vos WOW PO World of Warcraft sont sur wowgolds.fr.100% sécuritaire Gold WOW bon marché et rapide!On est un dirigeant d'offrir PO WOW.Tous nos Guides et Astuce PO WOW.Les secrets de la richesse dans WOW PO Gratuit.Guide et astuces pour gagner des WOW PO Facile.Vous Achat PO WOW Paypal Ous Verser.Cet article provient de http://www.wowgolds.fr/.

Posted by: wow gold at July 28, 2011 03:44 AM

Posted by: replica watches at July 6, 2011 12:26 AM

Posted by: شات سعودي كول at June 18, 2011 12:05 PM

Posted by: hath at June 10, 2011 07:26 PM

Posted by: DVDSoft at June 10, 2011 07:25 PM

Posted by: DVDSoft at June 10, 2011 07:24 PM

http://custombaseballjerseyscheap.weebly.com/
http://custommadejerseyscheap.bligoo.com/
http://custombasketballjerseyscheap.weebly.com/
http://customsportsjerseyscheap.bligoo.com/
http://customjerseysforcheap.tumblr.com/
cheap custom jerseys
http://cheapcustomjerseys.weebly.com/
http://customhockeyjerseyscheap.weebly.com/

Posted by: cheap jerseys at May 11, 2011 04:39 AM

iphone covers
iphone covers for 3gs
iphone 4 cases
iphone 4 casing
Cheap Wedding Dresses
Cheap Prom Dresses
Wedding Dresses Shops
Bridal Shops

Posted by: iphone covers at March 14, 2011 02:28 AM

http://www.oilpaintingandframe.com

Posted by: susan at March 1, 2011 03:14 AM

http://www.fengxiny.com
http://xuehuaku.fengxiny.com/
http://hamajing.fengxiny.com/
http://wdmlrj.fengxiny.com/
http://www.fengxiny.com/yingwenwailia
http://www.fengxiny.com/23.html"

Posted by: SEO at January 11, 2011 02:47 AM

website: http://www.exerciseprogramguide.com, http://www.ghdchi-hair.com
All it takes is an hour a day to get in the best shape of your life. Other than everything you see on this page, all you really need is resistance bands and a place to do pull-ups
We supply 24hours service,contact us exerciseprogramguide@hotmail.com any time if you need any help.

Posted by: exerciseprogramguide at November 17, 2010 02:43 AM

http://www.citystyleshoes.com/diesel-jeans-c-45_80.html

Posted by: diesel men`s jeans at November 4, 2010 09:54 PM

Posted by: cheap ugg boots at October 26, 2010 05:03 AM

http://www.oxpdf.jp/pdf-creator.html
http://www.oxpdf.jp/pdf-converter.html
http://www.oxpdf.jp/pdf-to-word-converter.html
http://www.oxpdf.jp/pdf-to-excel-converter.html
http://www.oxpdf.jp/pdf-to-image-converter.html

Posted by: tree at October 19, 2010 03:48 AM

Posted by: NHL Jerseys at October 14, 2010 11:05 PM

thank you! I like this news, I also have information to share, here is my message.we sale 60%-80% discount
cheap Abercrombie Premium Sweaters shoes、clothing、Jewellery、bag、Watchs。

Posted by: Abercrombie at October 7, 2010 03:50 AM

Your idea coincides with mine.and I think it's better.

http://www.nfljerseyspaypal.com cheap nfl jerseys
http://www.nfljerseysgo.com NFL Shop
http://www.nfljerseysgo.com NFL Jerseys
http://www.eightshop.com polo shirts
http://www.onesunglasses.com oakley sunglasses
http://www.onesunglasses.com ray ban sunglasses
http://www.onesunglasses.com gucci sunglasses

Posted by: NFL Shop at September 20, 2010 05:32 AM

"replica handbags":http://www.no1replica.net
"louis vuitton handbags":http://www.no1replica.net
"designer handbags":http://www.no1replica.net
"replica Louis vuitton handbags":http://www.no1replica.net
"replica designer handbags":http://www.no1replica.net

Posted by: replica handbags at August 5, 2010 09:43 PM

"Tibetan Jewelry":http://www.tibetanjewelry1.com
"Handmade Jewelry":http://www.tibetanjewelry1.com

Posted by: Tibetan Jewelry at August 5, 2010 09:42 PM

"fake handbags":http://www.fakehandbags1.com
"fake bags":http://www.fakehandbags1.com
"fake louis vuitton bags":http://www.fakehandbags1.com
"fake louis vuitton":http://www.fakehandbags1.com
"louis vuitton handbags":http://www.fakehandbags1.com

Posted by: fake louis vuitton bags at August 5, 2010 09:41 PM

"wholesale replica handbags":http://www.fantastic-replica.net
"replica Louis Vuitton handbags":http://www.fantastic-replica.net
"replica handbags":http://www.fantastic-replica.net
"replica designer handbags":http://www.fantastic-replica.net
"Louis vuitton handbags":http://www.fantastic-replica.net

Posted by: Louis vuitton handbags at August 5, 2010 09:38 PM

replica chanel http://www.topchanelbag.com
replica gucci http://www.topguccibags.com
replica hermes http://www.greathermes.com
replica louis vuitton http://www.greatlouisvuitton.com
discount handbags http://www.topdesignerhandbag.com
designer handbags http://www.wendysreplica.la

Posted by: replica gucci at July 27, 2010 10:00 PM

http://www.swissexpert.us/
http://www.swissexpert.us/
http://www.swissexpert.us/
http://www.swissexpert.us/
http://www.swissexpert.us/
http://www.swissexpert.us/
http://www.swissexpert.us/
http://www.swissexpert.us/
http://www.swissexpert.us/

Posted by: swiss replica watches at May 20, 2010 08:48 PM

Posted by: longines watches at March 8, 2010 02:37 AM

wholesale pearl jewelry http://www.wspearl.com
wholesale gemstone beads http://www.hibeads.com
pandora beads charms http://www.pbeads.com

Posted by: gemstone beads at January 8, 2010 03:08 AM

Posted by: Knock Off Christian Louboutin Boots Sale at November 6, 2009 03:37 AM

Posted by: luxury watches at October 11, 2009 06:59 AM

www.replicaseller.com As a professional replica watch dealer we are 100% committed to your satisfaction. http://www.replicaseller.com/
http://www.brandlike.com/
http://www.replicaseller.com/montblanc/
http://www.replicaseller.com/breitling/
http://www.replicaseller.com/tagheuer/
http://www.replicaseller.com/rolex/

Posted by: replica watches at August 26, 2009 04:53 PM

http://topearls66.blogbugs.org
http://manualpearl.blogbugs.org
http://wholepearl.blogbugs.org
http://blackjewelrys.blogbugs.org
http://jewelryonsale.blogbugs.org
http://naturalpearl.blogbugs.org
http://purechrysobery.blogbugs.org
http://blackstonejewe.blogbugs.org
http://jewelrypear.blogbugs.org
http://jewelrybeautif.blogbugs.org
http://firdypearl.blogbugs.org

Posted by: DC334E at June 5, 2009 04:49 AM

What I find interesting is how divided the reactions were people - some thought, like you, that it was great to follow my heart and start my own business, and others looked alarmed that I would give up a secure job with a steady paycheck for something with no certain outcome.

Posted by: online games at February 15, 2009 01:46 AM

I really get your message, but I'm on the other side of this in a way. I inherited an employee who has been in the company for 25+ yrs (I haver 10 years) who probably never should have been given the job he has. He was given to me because for my business to move to the next level, we need a massive improvement in the IT, and he isn't able to complete the most basic stuff on his own. But for years now I have fought to get him to see that he can't keep doing things the way he used to when it was a small school. Sure- you say- fire him! The culture of the place makes it hard to get rid of a guy with +25 yrs,a kid in college and one ready to start.

The part of your post I want to question is where you never seem to try and engage to see if there is really a reason the boss wants something that appears stupid done. By all means, if each of us make choices about if our position is what we want, and moving us where we want to go- that is great. Maybe I'm just touchy as I have been seen as the idiot boss.

Posted by: Thomas Waters at August 2, 2008 09:28 AM

I was in the same situation. However I went to a conference for document management. The week was slow, and one of the main speakers was not that great. However she said something I'll never forget. Since then, I realized I haven't found my passion. I made a change.

Posted by: Geekazine-Jeffrey Powers at July 29, 2008 11:10 PM

I've done this several times, the first was when I was contemplating making the military my career when my enlistment was up, it would have been easy, just keep my head down and coast, but I fired that guy! 21 is too young to know what you want to do for the next 16 years!!!

Posted by: Darren Daz Cox at July 29, 2008 10:55 PM

It goes without say that when you fire your boss, make sure you have the financial backing to do it. I've fired bosses in the past, and have been able to do so only because I was financially prepared. In the long run, firing my bosses lead to better and better job offers (I didnt' start a company, I just wanted to expand my career horizons). Just make sure that you can explain to the next employer (very comfortably) why you left the last company. For those of you leaving because you plan to start your own company: Yes, you may end up starting up the next great Fortune 500 company, but you may also end up working for someone else if your company does not take off as expected. Plan your exit carefully.

Posted by: Mimi at July 29, 2008 10:56 AM

I would say this, in a general sense - constantly evaluate your position in respect to your long term goals, never take anything for granted and never, ever stick to your plan simply out of plain inertia (or stubbornness!)

Posted by: Guy Rosen at July 29, 2008 10:51 AM

OMG Best article I read in quite a long time...It is already a classic...shared it with everyone I know!

Posted by: Sebastien at July 29, 2008 09:39 AM

Well said, Jeff.
I usually try to be more eloquent than that when commenting but you said it all pretty well!

Posted by: Scott Fox, Author of Internet Riches at July 29, 2008 02:44 AM

Jeff - wow. You have this great talent at taking nebulous emotions and thoughts out of my head and distilling them into short pieces like this. Thanks for the insight. Seeing your snippets o' wisdom keeps my head up and heart on target as I move forward into shaping my world for me. Keep it up!

Posted by: cliff wildman at July 28, 2008 02:26 PM

I've fired myself more than once...each time getting closer to the end goal. And I am looking forward to being my own boss on of these days. In the meantime, it's all about creating my own opportunities amidst the menial tasks. cheers~ !

Posted by: Kat at July 28, 2008 02:04 PM

Hi Jeff,

I am going to print out this post and pin it up to my bulletin board so I can remind myself of this every day.

Your post is very timely as I just "fired" myself from a job I have been in for 2.5 years in which I am not progressing as fast as I'd like and did not align with my values and lifestyle goals...

What do you think it is that makes people react one way or the other (I am beginning to notice different reactions along national lines - i.e. Canadian vs. American!)

--Amrita

Posted by: Amrita | tinku gallery at July 28, 2008 09:34 AM

And you need to be careful not to give yourself stupid work! Delegate, delegate, delegate, and don't take on anything not challenging.

Posted by: Hadassah at July 28, 2008 09:04 AM

July 28, 2008

Know when to FIRE Yourself

Comments

Post a comment