I had a tiny bit of savings and a whole lot of hope when I walked out of the door from the job I had been at for the last six years. It was a good job in that it was very secure and it paid relatively well with increases annually (sometimes three times a year). Being in that office, I probably would have been set for the life. There were people retiring who had been there 30+ years and retired with great pensions that would leave them in a good position for the rest of their lives. But I walked out of the door with just enough hope to push me over the threshold and this is why.
A steady paycheck is nice. IT REALLY IS. But you know what else is nice? Being healthy. Having peace of mind. Being happy. My job paid bills and was unhealthy, toxic, and soul-killing. The anxiety that it caused made me a miserable and barely healthy person. As I struggle with anxiety as is, working in an atmosphere where you are yelled at daily, over-looked, and over-worked only exacerbates that and once I started being forced to take on work that was not part of my original job description and being punished if I didn’t, I knew it was something I couldn’t do anymore.
Well God knew it too and my job offered layoffs. The day it happened, my coworkers started emailing me saying, “This is it!” and I knew they were right.
I knew that I had always wanted to work for myself and generate an income off of something that I loved and controlled myself. So I left with very little money saved and I set out on my adventure. The adventure of entrepreneurship.
Do I know how I am going to pay my bills from month to month? Nope! Is my savings starting to dwindle? Yep! Am I working harder everyday to get everything in place to be able to sustain a livable income? Sure am! …and I am the happiest I have been in a long time and I work everyday to get back on track to being healthy as well.
I jumped …and right now I’m still gliding but one day soon, I will fly and if you stay here with me, you will watch me on my journey to soaring heights.
You are so very brave! I have been in a job for a while which has been offering me nothing but the same and I have gotten so close to the end of tether many times to the point where I wanted to walk out and not look back! Wish I was as brave as you are doing this, and I wish you nothing but luck in your future! Got a follower in me now 🙂
Thank you so much! I hope that you’re able to get out of that situation soon and do all the things you dream!
All the best Nikki. Overworked and unappreciated, that was soul killing indeed. You look lovely. With your passion and zeal, go for it! I wish you happiness. I bless you.
I definitely is. Thanks so much! <3
Yes! Love this and can’t wait to watch how things unfold as you move forward! I can relate so, our family is in the midst of a huge transition now as well, and we’re choosing to take some risks for similar reasons…. We’re ready to get off the hamster wheel even if that means some wide open spaces!
Wishing you all the success in the world!!
Hi Nikki. First I want to say how much I love the design and feel of your blog. It just makes me feel good and happy. You write very well. I know this because I was in your shoes 6 months ago. I’m not a mom, but I did quit my job to pursue something that made me happy. You captured all the feelings I felt and it was amazing to read. You’ve already got an amazing online presence, and I can tell you will go far in the blogging world. Keep up the good work!
This means so much to me! Thank you!! Wishing you all the luck in your pursuit of happiness too!
I feel so good for you! Lovely post, can’t wait for more. Ashley x
http://www.meaninglesscommotion.wordpress.com
Thank you!!
Yes Mama!
From one who took a leap with a six year old in tow, sever years ago, It will come together.
You will have moments of ‘Why did I…?’, but you will thrive!
My mantras was: Failure is not an option, when it got thick.
My current life one: Keep going.
You will thrive. Keep going, no matter what.
That’s awesome! One day at a time. Thanks so much <3
I really enjoyed this post and can relate!
Thank you!
You put into words everything that I felt about leaving a steady paycheck behind to peruse what I am passionate About.
Very beautiful and well written. Your pictures are gorgeous too. Good luck on your journey.
Wow Your so brave! Great post and I wish you all the best!
I’m sure I couldn’t do what you did, but I understand completely about your work situation. I’m still there and just came out of a period where they sent me into depression for the better part of a year. Being in this industry was killing my creativity, creativity I knew years ago I had. I’ve been blogging now for a month and I haven’t been this excited in years. I’m a prisoner to my laptop every Saturday morning but I laugh about it. Blessings to you!
Congratulations to you! This sounds like the exact job i left in January after 6 years. Its horrible to wake up every morning and despise to go in. I am still making my way and my savings is looking a little rough too, but we will make it. Your happiness is priceless. You go girl! I’m a new follower too.
Such a brave thing to do. Thanks for sharing your story. I wish you all the luck and success and happiness in the world!
Breanna | breannaraine.com
Hi Nikki,
Congratulations on taking the leap. There’s no telling how many tens of thousands of people that “steady paycheck” has imprisoned since the dawn of the industrial age. Not that there’s anything at all wrong with doing a decent day’s work and earning an honest living.
But when you know in your heart of hearts that you were meant for more, the pain of that existence is excruciating.
I wish you much success, in whatever way you envision it. God bless!
Kimberly
Awesome! I love it. Your pictures are gorgeous. Never look back. Great post.
~Melissa
https://freshairandfalselashes.com
I just got laid off yesterday..and I feel like this is my chance to just do it!! I’m scared but this may be my only chance so I’m going to do what I need to do to make it happen!
WOW!! Great post!! Everything you said resonates with me so much!! You are so brave to take the first step!! I hope to also one day take that leap into entrepreneurship!! Best of luck with everything. I look forward to following your journey to girl boss success!! Xx
Thanks for sharing! I too quit my job because I was miserable. Money is tight right now but I am a thousand times happier and I hope to figure out how to make a more sustainable living soon. This week has been a particularly rough week financially speaking . Thanks for reminding me why I quit my own job. I wish you the best!
Great post! And I love your photos, especially the food ones!
I did the same thing almost seven years ago! I was alone, no income. no savings, a rent to pay and very confused Ideas. But I did it anyway. I’ve made a lot of mistakes on the way, but they all had a reason to exist and they all taught me something. You won’t be sorry for this choice, believe me. Being happier, doing something we love, beats all the money and steady incomes of the world. The blog is wonderful, keep it up!
Best of luck on your journey and I would probably would have done the same thing too
Congratulations on taking such a giant leap! I wish you all the success in the world! Sometimes not having a traditional “job” can be a struggle, but it’s so worth it to save your own sanity and I’m sure you will fly higher than ever!
Very excited for you! I am in the process of doing the same thing in the next few months. Best of luck!