In today’s world, success is often defined by your bank account and your job title. For years, Jerry Dugan equated abundance with a seven-figure corporate career, but grappled with exhaustion and unfulfillment. After taking his wife’s advice to leave his job, Jerry embraced a life that prioritizes flexibility, family, and personal well-being. 

Jerry discusses the challenges of redefining success, the importance of work-life balance, and the concept of abundance beyond financial wealth. Jerry offers valuable insights on effectively leveraging networking groups, fostering genuine connections, and creative ways to sustain a business during tough times.  

Forging a New Life After Burnout 

[00:09:01] The Impact of a Toxic Work Environment 

[00:16:16] Starting a Business and Initial Challenges  

[00:35:53] Networking Strategies and Building Connections 

[00:57:51] Creative Solutions for Financial Stability  

Strategies to for Personal Growth – Getting out of a rut  

– Reflect on what abundance means to you. Consider how your current goals align with this definition.  

– Identify and reach out to people in your existing network who can support your business or career goals. Offer value and assistance, and opportunities will follow.   

– Make use of tools and platforms that can help streamline your work and leverage what you have to keep moving forward.  

– If you’re facing financial constraints, consider flexible work options that provide immediate income while you work on your long-term goals.  

Reevaluating Measurements of Success 

Jerry Dugan’s journey teaches us that true abundance isn’t measured by income or financial milestones, but by the fulfillment and balance we find in our lives. Success should be defined not by society’s standards of wealth, but by our own values and the quality of our relationships. 

“I had to earn a seven-figure income. And it didn’t matter what I did, I just had to earn a seven-figure income. I had to have a net worth. And I at least knew enough that my family wasn’t worth sacrificing for the money, but I still had this goal that I was chasing. Seven figures, seven figures, seven figures. Never quite reaching it. And finally I just realized, wait, what if that’s not the thing?” – Jerry Dugan  

Connect with guest, Jerry Dugan:   

Website – BeyondtheRut.com  

Instagram – @BeyondtheRut  

Linkedin – Jerry Dugan  

Podcast – Beyond the Rut 

Get Jerry’s Book – Beyond the Rut: Create a Life Worth Living in Your Faith, Family, and Career 

Connect with host, Virginia Elder:    

Website – Reaching Abundance   

Facebook – Podcast Abundance Business Page   

Instagram – Podcast Abundance   

LinkedIn – Virginia Elder   

YouTube – @ReachingAbundance   

This podcast is edited and managed by the team at Podcast Abundance. To discuss working together on your podcast or YouTube channel, book a Discovery call with Virginia.