Most personal development books will tell you that you MUST be your own boss. I disagree.

If you’re like me and you read a lot of books on personal growth, you’ve probably noticed there is a tendency to focus on being an entrepreneur, starting your own business, becoming successful and getting the freedom that comes from being your own boss and making a lot of money.

It’s easy to get caught in the mindset that you can only be successful if you start your own company. I have to admit that I got stuck in that way of thinking and resisted getting a job until I absolutely had to. I didn’t realize I could have a job AND be successful.

But once I bit the bullet and finally got a job, here’s what I found:

a) Not everyone can successfully start their own company. It’s pretty difficult and takes a unique set of skills.

b) It’s almost impossible to start a company if you don’t already have a job that can pay the bills.

c) Most people are actually better suited to be employees, rather than employers.

d) You can still be successful and happy as an employee.

Getting a job doesn’t mean you have to give up on your dreams at living a successful and meaningful life. Instead, see your job as an opportunity for personal development and self-actualization.

Here’s how to turn your job into a vehicle for success:

1) Do the work that your job requires – that’s a necessity.

2) Think about how you can use your unique skills and passions in a way that will benefit your company. This is an ongoing process, but an essential one. I spend time each week doing this, and I write my ideas down in a journal.

3) Write up a plan to incorporate your unique talents into your work, and pitch it to your boss. If he’s smart, he’ll recognize your passion and tell you to go for it!

For more details about how I’ve personally done this, read How I live like an entrepreneur and get paid like an employee.