Hello Daydreamer,

So here you are surfing the internet looking for......? Are you looking for a more meaningful life…A more interesting challenge to fill your days… A way to earn a living at something you love?

Welcome to Life & Work By Design. My name is Jane Kirsch and if you want to design a new and improved life, I'd like to help. By thoughtfully answering the questions above, you Can write a new story of your life... and you CAN start today. .

There are many possible answers to the 5 “W” questions, but I’m pretty sure you aren't saying, “I want to work with negative people, sitting in a cube all day staring at a computer or yelling at my underlings. Oh, and I want to commute 45 minutes to and from my cube, leaving my cozy home before sunrise and returning after dark. I want to feel exhausted and drained at the end of the day and have no time or energy for the people I love just so the company can make a profit.”

Unfortunately, many people are that miserable. Or maybe your life isn't quite that bad, but you know in your heart that you are capable of doing something much greater. You believe that you can find a way to work that will allow you to enjoy all the other parts of your life.

You want to control the Where, When, with Whom, Why and What aspects of your days.

You can Live a More Purposeful Life Working At Something You Love

Many people are making the decision to live their dreams. Peter Harrison and Evelyn Brumwell of YBNormal Farm, were both in scientific careers when they decided to give it all up a few years ago to buy 50 acres in Western New York. Starting with just three Alpacas, they are now successfully breeding and selling these gentle animals and have a herd of about 40.

Not only does this couple support themselves with a “very respectable” income, they also support the local economy, supplying other craftspeople who spin and dye the yarn and produce wearable products to sell. In their own words, “YBNormal Farms is an alternative agribusiness dedicated to the proposition that you don’t have to be forever tied to an unsatisfying career or lifestyle. We’ve made the switch and so can you. "

Do you have a dream of doing something you truly love…Do you see other successful people and think, “I could do that”…Do you believe that you are not using your natural talents or potential to the fullest?

Many of us are aware that a greater life is possible. We sense that we have scarcely realized our potential, our powers, and that there lies vast continents, strange and wonderful worlds of unexplored territory within.

Michael Lynberg

I was in that place several years ago. After a series of life-changing events, I knew that I had to take control of my life and set it on a better course. I wanted a lifestyle that would allow me to spend time with my family and friends, and to pursue some artistic interests. I also wanted work that would be challenging and rewarding, and allow me to grow as a person. And, of course, I needed an income to pay the bills. I started a home design consulting business first, and then, after some additional soul-searching, Life & Work By Design was born..

Now, I commute 15 steps to my home office in comfortable clothes,, choose how I will spend the hours of my days, take vacations as I want to, and have time to play with my grandchildren.

I’d like you to find your best quality of life.

My goal is simple: to help you follow your dream to a successful life working at an endeavor you truly enjoy.

I believe that we can each accomplish whatever we set out to do if we have the right information and a belief in ourselves.

A life that balances work with family, spiritual satisfaction, and financial rewards is achievable.

Are You Ready to Discover What You Love to Do
and to Turn Your Interests into Income?

You are not alone. The latest available figures from the Small Business Administration report that 672,000 small businessess were created in 2005. And a recent poll of adult Americans by Yahoo Small Business and Harris Interactive indicated that 66% of respondents said they have considered starting their own business someday, and nearly 40% said they intended to do that in the next five years.

If you are:

• A parent who wants to stay at home but still earn a decent income…
• A cubicle dweller who yearns for freedom and independence…
• A baby boomer with a lifelong dream....
• A student who is excited about a bright idea…

I can help you discover your calling and design a plan of action. If you are a single woman, I offer the extra encouragement it takes to step out alone.

If you are over 50, look for specific articles, resources and a category on my blog page just for you.

Maybe you are an artist who wants to live by your talent. One of my favorite examples is Hope Gelfand Alcorn of Pittsburgh, a long-time hospice RN and epidemiologist who eventually earned a PhD in Public Health and authored several publications on cardiovascular disease research. About 10 years ago as she says, “I divorced my work and eloped with whim”.

Since then she has been creating unique art objects which she markets under her studio’s label, Joyful Noise. She has moved from artistic picture frames to canvas and industrial wool paintings which are shown in nationally juried shows.

Hope says, “I feel like I've found my passion and all my previous experiences have lead me to this place...and I am so enjoying this part of my life!”

You Can Begin Your Journey to a New Life Today

The first step is to determine where you are in the process. If you don't have any idea what you would like to do, you need to work at discovering your dream. The 90 minute Dream-Seekers Consultation is a fun and eye-opening process to help you define what your ideal life can look like and what interests, talents and passions you can combine into a unique way to work.

If you already know what it is that you want to do but don't know how to start, the Pep-Session Coaching program might be just the ticket. This process provides a step-by-step plan to move forward to designing your new life and work.

Maybe you have already decided what change you want to make but you keep putting it off. You are caught up in everyday life and routines and believe that you don't have time, don't have any extra money to invest, or don't have the knowledge you need to make a dream come alive.

There will always be reasons why you can't start now, but the reality is that if you don't take the first step, you can never get to the final goal.

Put My Experience to Work for You

I have been self-employed, a free-lancer, or involved in small businesses almost all of my adult life. One 18 month stint with a major manufacturer was enough to convince me that I was not cut out for the corporate world.

I strongly believe that for many people, a self-directed lifestyle offers opportunities for personal fulfillment, strong families, fun, and financial success that cannot be found in the traditional world of work.

It is a real joy to share the experience and wisdom that I have gained through the many re-designs of my life with other seekers. Because I have lived so many different roles, I can offer my clients advice, resources and first-hand knowledge about what it takes to be successful.

Here are some of the things I have done for work and hobbies.

.Whether you want to start a small business, turn your bright idea into a profitable product, write an award-winning novel, or get your art to a larger market, I can help.

I promise that I can give you more ideas on how to move your life toward your
dream in 90 minutes than you could get in a week at your local library.

How You Can Benefit from My Coaching Process?

Realistic Assessment: Unlike your friends and family, I am objective and have no emotional attachment to your dream. I'll be honest about what's possible while encouraging you in the direction that will make you happy.

Unique Ideas: Guidance counselors love to say, "you should be a ____.(one word answer) I love to say "you could be a Fresh-Air Photographer, a classic British car restorer, an art-deco antique dealer or a children's party concierge.

Resources and Information: It is absolutely necessary to arm yourself with knowledge before you make life-changing decisions. I have researched some of the best sources and experts available.

Accountability: We all work better when we know that someone else is expecting results from us. Being held accountable will make you more productive and result in success.

Confidence: As a coach I help you identify the inner voices that undermine your ability to move forward and show you how to grow more confident of your abilities with each step.

A Partner: Most of all, anyone attempting a life or work change needs an empathetic partner who understands the problems and challenges and is willing to walk along down the road.

Explore this site for lots of information and resources

For more about my philosophy and approach to life/work see BLOG

For ideas about changing your course, check out ARTICLES

For recommended reading, shop at Amazon at BOOKS

To see what others have to say, go to SERVICES

Take that first step now and sign up for the Workin' My Way Newsletter

Then, let's have a conversation

I look forward to hearing from you soon,

Jane Kirsch
WORKIN’ MY WAY

PS: If you happen to live in the Philadelphia, PA area, inquire about upcoming Workshops for Dream Seekers.