Debbie LaChusa

I've had several opportunities over my 21-year career to take full-time advertising management jobs with big, fat paychecks, but I have declined. I determined years ago that the time commitment required by these types of positions is not a good fit for me. When my kids were born I made the decision that while I wanted to work, I also wanted to be there for them. And if I'm working 60+ hours per week in a job, that's just not possible. You see I also determined many years ago that no amount of money is worth throwing my life out of whack, especially if it means missing out on my kids lives. And I feel very blessed to have found a way to have both, by operating my own marketing consulting and training business out of my home.

I've seen too many people over the years who are stuck in jobs that don't make them happy but they can't see any way out. They've earned themselves into a corner. Ironically, I've actually made more money since I bowed out of full time agency work and started working on my own. And, I work fewer hours. The driving force for me has always been what I call the "Happiness Factor." I do the work I do because it makes me happy. And because it allows me to live the life I want to live, and to be there for my family. I've always believed that if you do work you love, the money will follow. I don't believe the opposite works. And more often than not, when what you seek is merely money, happiness usually eludes you.