Things Happen
Deciding to quit your day job is no easy task. It turns out that having a steady paycheck, health insurance and a car allowance is quite comforting. It’s really easy to just snuggle up in that comfort blanket and find yourself still wrapped in it seven years later. I knew what I had to do, but let’s face it… I was just scared.
Mr. BEY and I would talk about it over and over, analyzing the pros and cons, running the numbers to see just how big of a risk we would be taking. Let me tell you, watching your budget get cut in half is no pretty picture. One second we’d be fully behind the idea and then later on we would be second guessing ourselves. We went through this teeter totter of emotions for a couple of days. One night while in bed, tossing and turning, praying and stressing, I decided that I would just go to sleep and see if I had reached a decision by the morning.
When I woke up the next morning, my stomach immediately twisted in knots. Oh gosh, today’s the day, today I’m either going to decide to quit or stay. As I brushed my teeth I just stared at myself in the mirror. I put the toothbrush down with foamy bubbles still on my lips and said to myself, “People don’t make things happen by being afraid.” It was almost like a command, a call to action. I immediately thought of Christopher Columbus (I know, don’t laugh, total random moment here). Do you think he was scared before he set sail in search of America? He thought he might sail off the edge of the Earth for crying out loud. Do you think he just sat there waiting for all the stars to align and all the obstacles to be moved from his path? – No. So I thought, if he could do that, I think I’ll survive quitting my day job. It kind of made my problems seem kind of small in the grand scheme of things.
So that’s what I did and here I am now, only 9 short working days left before I walk away from the corporate world. Is it scary? – Yes. Are there things that I’ll miss? – Certainly. But I have to stay focused on all there is to gain, how many wonderful things I’m looking forward to.
I found this quote after I gave my notice…
Thought it was just a tad freaky to see it was a quote by Christopher Columbus. I may just have to recreate this print for my new home office. It’s so inspiring and a great reminder of how his journey gave me the courage for my own.
Comments (6)
Another great blog post. I resigned today..but with my company you have to leave immediately..so my shore is already drifting away. So excited for you. We have to meet one day in person..as we are in this parallel leap universe together. Hugs..and congrats..you are amazing. I will have to look up Christopher Columbus now..and learn more! XOXO
Well done you!You will only regret what you dont do. My family lived on one income and its doable. Plan for every expense and make it work. You have so much talent and a bright future ahead doing what you love with support from your hubby.
Good Luck
This is a wonderful post, reading relatable stories of people taking that leap of faith is food for my soul! I quit my day job after 17 years and have now been a full time business owner for almost 2 years! Yes the loss of regular income took major adjustments but I am so much happier it is well worth the hard work. I do vintage rentals in Atlanta also, I so enjoy it! My primary company is JPark Events, I found you from your recent carnival photo shoot which was mind blowing! Great post!
Hi,
I just read your blog for the first time this morning, I am sure it won’t be my last time either. Anyway, I love what you said about Christopher Columbus! I just finished listening to the Andy Andrews book, The Traveler’s Gift, and believe you would love it also. One of the people the Traveler meets is Christopher Columbus! Here’s a little about the book I copied for you to get a little idea of about it. I hope you will take my suggestion to read it. You will not be disappointed.
Even though the main character in this book is in a different situation than you are with your decision to leave the corporate world, I believe you will understand your decision and how you can apply the principles Andy gives us for success.
Only a few months ago, he was a successful executive. Now he’s a desperate man. Join David Ponder on an incredible journey to discover the Seven Decisions for success that can turn any life around, no matter how hopeless a situation may seem to be.
In times of great uncertainty, we need divine wisdom. Many of the greatest minds throughout history have overcome personal struggles and diversity and emerged stronger for it. What guidance would iconic heroes like Abraham Lincoln, King Solomon, and Anne Frank give us in today’s ever-changing world climate?
a friend of mine told me to check your blog out in JULY. july! i can’t believe today of all days i chose to sit down and read your words. and i love how you are taking on fear and beating it down. me too. i have taken a break from blogging this year, but i am so excited to read yours. makes me feel like i should quit ignoring creativity in lieu of my day job…xoxo meg
I just stumbled across your beautiful blog and happened to read this post and it’s so weird… it’s as if I wrote it! My husband and I left our corporate jobs in August to pursue our dreams as artists/designers and went through the same roller coaster of emotions and doubts. Overall, our desire to follow our hearts outweighed our fears of the unknown, so we took the BIG leap! It’s good to know we are one in the same. We couldn’t be happier with the decision we made, and only have hope for the future (with lots of faith) 🙂 I wish you the best in all you do and high five for braving it! xo -Rhi