Find Your Perfect Calling:
Right Livelihood


Right Livelihood is doing what you love to do, making a good living at it, and making others' lives better.

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What You Can Do

In any economy, people have to
- eat
- sleep
- have shelter
- wear clothes
- stay healthy
- learn

Consider how much opportunity there is for products and services among the above-listed necessities.

Without a doubt, every one can find a way to contribute to the well-being of others. Everyone can find their Right Livelihood.

Important to Health?

Have you ever had a job that you disliked but kept, only because you had to make money?

Sometimes, we hear people say: 'My job is toxic to me'.

Does that sound familiar? Maybe you've heard it as well. Is that healthy? Can the rest of YOU be healthy if your work is draining you?

On the other hand, you may have a great job that you absolutely love, but it's not rewarding financially. A lot of volunteer positions are like that. Working at shelters, hospitals, and schools may be emotionally rewarding but does not provide you with financial security.

For balance, quality of life, and optimal health, mentally and physically, each of us must find Right Livelihood.


The most central aspect of Right Livelihood is:

"Make your life better by making others' lives better."


There's a saying by Zig Ziglar that goes something like this:

"Success is getting what you want by helping enough people achieve what they want."


Some key questions to ask:

1. "What am I doing now (in terms of work or service) that is making me happy, content, fulfilled?" ... and do that, or work toward that.

2. "What am I doing now that is helping others? What am I doing to bring happiness to others, people or animals?" ... and do that, or work toward that.

The challenge is to combine both.


How to Start with Right Livelihood?

Transition slowly. You cannot just start a new career tomorrow.

First, figure out what direction feels right for you. Then, get the proper training. Get formal education if necessary.

It may take a bit of time and financial investment to build a career, but if it's your Right Livelihood, IT'S WORTH IT. You'll love it for the rest of your life, and that will influence your HEALTH, SUCCESS, and HAPPINESS.

Tip#1: Consider Your Employer Your Banker
You can set aside a portion of your current salary to fund your education or your new endeavor. That means you need to protect your funding source - your job - until you are ready to cut the cord.

Tip#2: Write a Plan
A plan of action, or a business plan if appropriate. Most likely, much of your plan will turn out to be incorrect. But it’s not the plan that’s important … it’s the planning.

Figure out a step-by-step action course to your Right Livelihood, and don't worry about getting it right.

Tip#3: Get Support from Friends and Family
Your closest relationships need to be supportive of your new endeavor. If it isn’t a shared dream, or if your spouse is resentful of the time you are spending away from family, you’re adding stress on your relationship.

Talk frequently about your dream. Paint a picture in words. Get your loved ones in on it. Tell them why you are excited about it.


Disclaimer: The contents of this website are based upon the opinions, research, and experiences of Surya (Slava Kolpakov), unless otherwise noted. The information on this website is not intended to treat, prescribe, diagnose, or replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional or yoga therapist and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information. I encourage you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.