I am often asked how I transitioned from working a traditional 9-to-5 to running my own business. It's a great question! It's doable, and many people even manage it gracefully. However in looking back all these years later, I don't think my journey could be described as graceful. More likely I would say I was equal parts very lucky and incredibly determined....with just enough naive daring to try it in the first place.
When I graduated with my BA in Music, I had a plan for my career. Unfortunately (and not unusually at that time), my plan did not work out in the slightest, and I was left scrambling for entry-level jobs to survive my pile of bills. I remember during this time I was working part-time at a Panera Bread, and a businessman came in to order his lunch. He saw the music notes drawn on my name tag, and asked if I was a musician. I proudly told him I was, and that I had just graduated with my degree in music. He then looked to his friend, pointed to me, and said words I will never forget: "See? this is where a music degree gets you." Ouch.
Eventually, I landed squarely in administration, largely due to my love for organization and ability to quickly efficiently handle projects. Over the next 6 years, I moved between a variety of industries across two separate states...but no matter where I landed or what I was doing, I was never happy. I felt drained and burned out, and couldn't shake the feeling that I was perpetually stuck.
Which brings us to October 2016, and the day I quit my last full-time office job. To everyone (including us), it seemed like the worst decision ever. We didn't have a plan. My partner didn't have a permanent job. We didn't have a ton of savings. But I couldn't let the idea go. I had a head full of ideas and dreams for my tiny hobby-turned-side-hustle....and now I had the time to start acting on them.
And that's my story. To be clear, I absolutely would NOT recommend this approach to anyone -- we could have easily gotten ourselves into real trouble if our luck had been a little less! But thankfully, it worked out and I was able to leave the traditional 9-to-5 office work behind me for the foreseeable future. The best part is that for the first time, I love what I do and I feel like I'm truly helping people. I've found a way that I can make a difference in the world, even if it's in a very small way.
So now you know! I hope you are happy, and if you're not, I hope a path opens for you to be able to follow your dreams, too. Until next time, peace and love.