Anti 9-to-5 profile: Jenny Ward

July 2nd, 2007

Today we have two very different career coaches to profile. The first, Jenny Ward, is all about getting in touch with your de-stressed, happiest, most playful self. As I understand it, once you’ve tapped into your most childlike, playful mind, you’ll be better able to figure out what the hell you want to be when you grow up — and how the heck to get there. So without further fanfare, meet Jenny…

The anti 9-to-5er: Jenny Ward, Palo Alto, CA (interviewed for The Anti 9-to-5 Guide!)

My job: Play Activist and CEO Playward, Inc. Year I began to PLAY for a living: 2002.

What makes my gig anti 9-to-5: I am a big fan of challenging the rules. In a society that has forgotten that we are meant to ENJOY the ride, I find so much joy in laughing louder, feeling gratitude, hugging longer, and fully reminding adults to live life NOW — not after retirement.

Playward is way more then just “cartwheels and Play-Doh” (although both rock). We are creating a new way of perceiving how we express ourselves — whether it be in relationships, work, or parenting — it all can be full of adventure. Too often we take ourselves so seriously that we forget to see the gift in all of life.

What I did in my former 9-to-5 life: Broadway and TV actress. Professional dancer, yoga teacher, high school dean of the arts, loads of waitressing (including singing waitress), nonprofit work, and temping.

How I made the anti 9-to-5 leap: There was no way I could conform — my heart broke each time I felt stuck or like I was “going through the motions.”

My biggest obstacles: Cash and self-love. Both are inter-related. My worth is direcly related to how I am — my work is me. I am selling me — so I had to look at all of me — and that was messy. I learned that messiness is a part of play.

My tips for other cubicle expats: Look at why you feel you NEED to work. Look at the beliefs you have learned about SUCCESS… play make-believe for 5 minutes. What do you want to do NOW? Have fun and allow your imagination to inspire you… to live fully in the beautiful expression that is you.

What’s that link again? Playward.com

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