Remote working without purpose is just working in your pajamas. This week, we're diving into the heart of what drives you—beyond the Wi-Fi connection and flexible schedule.

Ever wonder why some remote gigs leave you drained while others energize you? The answer lies in your personal values.

Discover how to uncover your inner compass and use it to navigate career decisions that actually fulfill you—because remote freedom means little if you're heading nowhere meaningful.

We’re also very excited to launch our new merchandise store! 🎈 

— Ric & Shellie

CAREER QUEST

Finding My North Star: How Personal Values Shaped My Career

For a long time, I pursued what I thought success looked like—job titles, higher salaries, and impressive companies. But no matter how much I achieved, something felt off. It wasn’t burnout, it was misalignment. 

I realized I had never taken the time to understand my personal values, the core beliefs that drive how I want to live and work.

Once I started identifying what truly mattered to me - autonomy, creativity, purpose, and integrity - everything changed. I could clearly see:

• Why some jobs looked great on paper but left me drained

• Why I felt energized in roles with less prestige but more meaning

• Why chasing external success without internal alignment wasn’t working

Discovering my “north star” didn’t land me a dream job overnight. But it gave me a powerful compass to make better decisions. I stopped evaluating roles only by salary or title, and instead asked:

• Does this align with my core values?

• Will this work energize or drain me?

• Am I building a career that reflects who I really am?

The impact was immediate. I felt more motivated, focused, and fulfilled. Work no longer felt like a performance, it became an expression of who I am.

If you're feeling stuck, I encourage you to press pause and explore your own values. Ask yourself:

• What drives me?

• What do I stand for?

• What kind of work makes me feel alive?

When you define your values, you begin to filter out the noise. You stop chasing someone else’s version of success and start crafting your own. That clarity can be the key to a more satisfying, purpose-driven career.

QUICK TAKES

Where Are You Headed?

✅ The 5 Stages of Career Development for Remote Workers

✅ Rethinking Career Development Strategies for the Remote Workplace

✅ Setting Long-Term Career Goals [Examples & How to Succeed]

Welcome to the Thrive Remotely Store

Are you thriving remotely? Show it off!

LAST WEEK’S POLL RESULTS

What's your biggest challenge when trying to identify your personal values or "north star" in your remote career?

Our Partners are Bringing the Goods!

POLL – NEXT WEEKS TOPIC

Next week’s issue centers on remote workers with families.

THRIVING TRIBE CHRONICLES

Find Your Value: Connect to Your Truth

Last month, I wrote about Finding Myself in my Third Room with my coach. 

For years I struggled with my value, searching for it in achievements, people, and work—never sure what to prioritize or how to treat myself.

Now, I know my value comes from being connected to life force energy—the divine source that connects us all. It’s the feeling of being alive, purposeful, and ready to pursue your biggest dreams.

When we are disconnected from this energy, we feel "off," tired, confused, fearful, and we opt for playing it safe.

Your north star is knowing who you are and what you’re here for. When connected to divine source, you make powerful decisions and feel most at home in your own skin.

To reconnect, be quiet and ask, “What do I want most right now?” Let your vision flow. If it feels hard, it’s likely because you’ve long ignored your own voice.

As I now write this article, I have spent the last several years learning how to strip away all the other voices, focus on my true voice, and allow those to be my action steps in life. That said, I still work with a mentor weekly to continue to hone this skill set and stay focused on my unique dreams.

And now, finally, after so many years of feeling discontent, restless, and unsettled with myself, I feel inner peace. I know my value is found in my being consciously connected to the divine source of life, and my priority is to set time aside to connect with my voice.

Ready to feel alive and go after your biggest dreams—perhaps it’s time to chat. I welcome your feedback; what topics do you want to hear more about?

🗓️ COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Events Worth Escaping For

Feeling desk-bound? Your laptop's about to get jealous! From Knoxville breakfasts to plant-filled coworking spaces and brewery socials across the region—we've packed your April calendar with excuses to shut that laptop and connect with actual humans. Time to trade those Zoom calls for pub crawls!

Check out the Community Calendar 🗓️

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