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.  

Most Recent Episodes

October 3, 2024

Create Calm in Your Business by Looking Beyond Margins | Susan Boles | Ep 34

If you’ve experienced burnout, in corporate or in your own business, you know you never want to be there again. But what if you felt stuck in a burnout-bust cycle you didn’t know how to...

Listen · 50:43

September 27, 2024

Differentiating Yourself by Disrupting the System for Equity | Meg K. Wheeler | Ep 33

Wondering how to stand out among the crowd of navy-blue suits? If you’re clear on your core values and passionate about issues that serve your ideal audience, questioning the status quo and...

Listen · 45:06

September 19, 2024

Sustainable Entrepreneurship on Purpose | Andy Hill | Ep 32

Time freedom is at the top of the wishlist for entrepreneurs, and Andy Hill of Marriage Kids and Money is no different. Interestingly enough, however, that desire manifests differently across every...

Listen · 52:06

Load More Episodes

Virginia Elder Founder | Podcast Editor & Manager

With a robust foundation of 15+ years in project management, client service, and strategic organization, I make things happen. I shine brightest in the behind-the-scenes support role, aiding entrepreneurs in becoming visible through content marketing. Podcasting is just one avenue; my expertise lies in helping you expand your reach, attract leads, and boost revenue, all while you focus on what you do best.

My journey into podcast editing began with a simple 'yes' to a friend's podcast project in 2019. This led to a whirlwind of copywriting and audio editing endeavors, eventually liberating me from my 9-5 job and empowering me to forge my own business path. Moreover, it enabled me to live my dream of walking my kids to and from school daily.

When you entrust your raw audio and video recordings, web copy dreams, weekly newsletter musings, and blog post aspirations to me, you're gifting yourself the freedom to concentrate on serving your clients, nurturing leads, and envisioning your business's next big leap. I handle the content creation, editing, and publishing process, allowing you to breathe easy and concentrate on your passion.