Book Summary: Be A Free Range Human, by Marianne Cantwell (2017)

“Sure, I’d love to live freely and do what I want when I want, but that’s just not in the cards. In the real world, I’ve got responsibilities and bills to pay. To do that, I need a stable job, and a steady income.”

If you’re stuck in a job you hate and can’t see a way out, you’ve likely said something like this before. It’s the logic that keeps many of us in uninspiring jobs. But is enduring this misery truly preferable to the alternative of missing the next rent payment? Well, the reality is, you don’t have to make an either-or choice between security and fulfillment.

Introduction

Do you ever find yourself daydreaming about escaping the 9-to-5 grind, pursuing your passions, and living life on your own terms? The idea of being a “Free Range Human” might sound too good to be true, but it’s a lifestyle that’s becoming increasingly accessible in today’s world. Marianne Cantwell’s book, “Be a Free Range Human,” is your roadmap to breaking free from the conventional career path and discovering a life of freedom and fulfillment. In this article, we’ll explore the key learnings from the book and how you can start your journey toward becoming a Free Range Human.

Key Learnings

1. The Myth of Job Security
In the past, the traditional career path promised job security and a decent retirement in exchange for dedicating your life to a job you might not even enjoy. However, times have changed: work hours have become longer, notice periods have become shorter, and retirement packages aren’t what they used to be. Many are living in fear of layoffs and financial instability. As the book quotes:

“If your employer isn’t giving you real stability and security, you’re effectively self-employed, but with one major difference: you only have one client. Like freelancers, you’re shouldering huge amounts of risk. But unlike freelancers, you’re betting everything on an income source that a market crash or board decision could wipe out in an instant.”

The truth is, that self-employment can provide more stability than a traditional job, especially when you have multiple income streams and clients. It’s time to challenge the myth of job security and consider the benefits of being your own boss.

2. Discovering Your True Passion
One of the essential steps in becoming a Free Range Human is figuring out what you genuinely want to do with your life. This can be a daunting task, as our inner logic often dismisses our passions as impractical and constantly reminds us of all the responsibilities we have. However, doing what you love is a crucial component of success.

To overcome these thoughts, take some time to reflect on moments when you felt most alive and engaged. Marianne suggests an imagination exercise where a genie has granted you a year off with full pay—what would you do? What excites you about these plans? Answering questions like these without second-guessing yourself can help you uncover your true calling.

3. Embracing Your Strengths
Rewind to your school days and think about when you received your report card. Where was the emphasis? On the subjects you did well in? Or the ones you didn’t? Why were we encouraged to improve on the poorer subjects instead of excelling at what we were good at? It’s time to break free from the notion that you need to be good at everything. Instead, focus on identifying your superpowers—those unique skills and qualities that set you apart.

Another avenue to help you identify your superpowers is to reevaluate what you perceive as your weaknesses because they might be your greatest assets in a different context. Marianne gives us her own example: before switching careers, she would often get scolded for finding improved ways of doing things rather than completing the task at hand. When she became an independent consultant, she realized that this was pretty much her job description: clients were paying her to identify problems and suggest improvements. What had looked like a weakness in one setting was actually a strength in another. Don’t let your environment stifle your potential; find the right fit for your strengths.

4. Originality and Innovation
You don’t need to reinvent the wheel to be original. Many successful ventures are built on existing ideas with a unique twist. The book gives us the example of the iPod. When it was first launched, customers fell in love with its unique click-wheel interface. But did you know that the click-wheel had already been used in 1983 on an HP workstation? Originality can come from making unexpected connections and noticing opportunities where others might not. Take the time to explore new ideas and perspectives by reading books no one else in your field is reading and noticing what’s going on around you. Your ability to stand out will be the game-changer in your Free Range Human journey!

5. Choosing Your Free-Range Business
While the idea of starting a brick-and-mortar business might be appealing, there are more accessible and cost-effective ways to build a Free Range Human career. Consider offering services that align with your skills and interests. You can also create virtual products like e-books or online courses, providing you with a scalable income source. The key is to keep costs low and explore options that match your strengths and passions.

6. Skip the Complex Business Plan
Starting a new venture doesn’t require an elaborate business plan. Unless you need to create a plan to pitch for investor funding, detailed planning can be counterproductive when you’re just beginning. Instead, focus on taking action. Test your ideas on a small scale, gather feedback, and adapt as needed. Embrace the learning-by-doing approach. By using this approach, “you’re no longer someone who’ll open a business “one day”- you’ll actually be in business!”

7. Embrace Your Authentic Voice
In the world of Free Range Humans, you don’t have to appeal to everyone to be successful. Authenticity is key. Be yourself and express your true values and beliefs. You may turn some people off when you speak your mind, but you’ll also attract a dedicated following who resonate with your message. Don’t shy away from being authentic, as it’s your authenticity that will set you apart and lead to a more fulfilling career.

Conclusion: Your Journey to Freedom Starts Now
Becoming a Free Range Human is about taking control of your life and career, pursuing your passions, and finding fulfillment on your terms. It’s time to break free from the conventional career cage and embrace the possibilities of self-employment and entrepreneurship. Start by discovering what truly excites you, leveraging your strengths, and being authentic in your pursuits.

Are you ready to begin your journey as a Free Range Human? The first step is to take action. Explore your passions, identify your strengths, and consider how you can turn them into a fulfilling career. And if you’re looking for new opportunities, sign up on Job Guru Africa to take the next steps toward a life of freedom and fulfillment!

About the author

Marianne Cantwell is an expert career coach and is the founder of Free Range Humans and a leading TEDx speaker. She has been featured in Business Week, BS MoneyWatch, The Guardian, Daily Mail, and Entrepreneur magazine among others.