When You Quit Your Day Job
I put in my 2 week notice and left. Let me just say, I would have NEVER thought I would be the person to say,
“I quit my day job to pursue what I am passionate about”
because I think that sentence is overused by people who just like to flit from thing to thing because they are bored BUT I also know a large amount of people that MEAN IT and LIVE IT.
Leading up to leaving, I really was only focusing on one career path instead of the several I am open to. This lead me to send out 80 applications within 2 months. Can I just say - I hate applying for jobs. Why are some companies still using a process from the dark ages? Why do you not have the option to select my college major? Why does it matter what school I went to if I can kick butt at the job?
I was stressed out of my mind because applying for a new job is a part time job alongside already having a full time job. I was constantly checking job boards, signing up for notifications, having phone interviews, video interviews, etc. Now, I did receive a couple offers — which I turned down. I wanted the right job not ‘just a job’. I started to question if I wanted to stay in this career because I wanted to or because I thought I had to. After talking with my fiance (who ADORES helping people reach their dreams and launch off on their own) I realized I was thinking "‘I had to” stay in the same career. So, decided to pave my own way.
Immediately: a flood of peace that I had not felt in months.
“Am I doing this? OMG I’m actually doing this!”. I have always believed everyone elses’ dreams are worth chasing, and I love helping others chase them, but I tend to cast mine off to the side like they do not mean as much. Mine are worth it though... Creating a life and a job where I am able to pursue my own passion is a game changer for me. As soon as I took that leap, everything fell into place, better than I could have ever orchestrated myself (which for an Enneagram Type 1/8 that statement is huge because I am BRILLIANT at making plans lol).
This will stretch me.
This will challenge me.
This is already bringing me so much joy!
I am a realist by nature, so in no way am I wearing rose-colored glasses as I approach this kind of freelancing lifestyle, far from it, but I am ecstatic for the work ahead because it is work I am passionate about. I hope we all get the chance to weave our passion into our work. I have never worked somewhere where I am NOT able to do that. I have chosen to be paid less for jobs that I am passionate about rather than get a job just for money. I’d rather only eat spaghettiOs for while than be working a job I hate. My personal choice, I know.
My challenge to you:
Listen for what you are passionate about… take the time to find out what ‘revs your engine’ and makes you want to get off the couch and do something about whatever it is. Then, try to weave that into your work (or find a new job that allows you to do so) I promise it will make the day more joyful and less stressful over time — because suddenly it’s not just about you or your daily tasks — it’s about other people.
It’s when we shift that focus that all of a sudden we seem to have light pouring through into our hearts and minds daily.
xx Liv
PS: Here is a playlist for when/if you quit your day job ;)