Going Rogue {a new series}
Last Friday, I gave notice at my job. It’s a move I wanted to make for more than a year.
I will tell you, I’ve been blessed at this job: I have a good salary, great benefits, super awesome coworkers, a nice work environment — everything I should want. Exactly what should make me happy. (Society and my parents say so.) Except it hasn’t.
Yes, I could finally afford an apartment on my own and buy myself nice things (such a change from my impoverished grad school days), but something has been missing. It’s woken me in the middle of the night, haunted me during my days. And I have enjoyed the work I do at times, but the feelings I so desire to feel at the deepest level (yes, I’ve joined Danielle LaPorte’s camp) have been absent.
I found myself a zombie in my 9-to-5 (more like 7:30-to-5 in my case). And that was terrifying.
A month ago, I decided to step outside the box I’d constructed for myself and dare to discover my full potential. At that point, the timing wasn’t exactly right: I needed to build a location-independent business for myself before I gave up the only source of income I had. So I chose a date: the spring equinox.
And that’s how I began.
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To be honest, I’m freaking out a bit.
Breathing deep breaths.
I find myself wanting to write about it, and I think sharing my journey from full-time employee to self-employed and fully living life will help me. Knowing you’re there, reading these words, is comforting. Maybe my story will lead you to be bold and find the courage within to chase your dreams, if you haven’t already done so. (If you have, I want to hear from you — let’s talk guest post.)
While I make not distinctions about who I want to inspire (everyone would be awesome!), I have a soft spot for you single women out there. For a long time, I didn’t think making this move was practical (or possible) since I wouldn’t have a husband’s/partner’s income/health insurance to fall back on. It feels a little riskier, but there are definitely steps you can take toward security — and does it ever feel freeing.
So here I am, one step closer to the life I’ve always wanted. And I know this is only the beginning of the adventure.
(My official last day in my current position is April 18th. Until then, I’m wrapping up projects in the office and preparing for a freelance life.)
Congratulations Brandi! Hey, if it doesn’t scare you a bit then you know you’re not taking a chance. I think it will be a great for you. I’ve done something similar in my past for very similar reasons — my brain was atrophying from lack of stimulation. Best thing I ever did, but it was scary. I tend to believe that we end up becoming the company we keep.
As a thirty-three year old single gal I have been struggling with the same feelings you have for a long time. I was raised to become a wife and mother, so the idea of picking a new future for myself is terrifying, scary, bittersweet, exciting, and a million other feelings. I’m excited to see where this takes you, and hope I can glean some courage from your journey. I’m still in the processing, thinking, and planning stage (hey, I can’t completely change who I am!) – but I hope to take a similar leap soon. Setting a date is a fantastic idea, maybe I’ll steal that… :)
Good luck to you! Good luck to all of us!
I still can’t get over how awesome this is! How excited I am for you!
And how much I want to do the same. I’ve only been at my job for a year and already I feel stuck. Since I had a break and know what if feels like to not have a 9 to 5 (those 2 years of unemployment were heaven) I can really feel how it affects my body and mind. I’m just not the type that does well with an office job. And it sucks because I feel the same way you do about the great environment I work in with great people, and I usually do enjoy what I do. I think what I want more than anything is to have complete control over my daily schedule and, therefore, my life.
I’m so excited to see where this leads you! I have a feeling this is going to be a great new chapter in your life :)
girl, i feel ya.
2 months after graduation, i packed my things in my car and moved from texas to virginia [having only been to the area once for interviews]. alone with no friends or family in the area. i started completely from scratch and have been on an amazing journey ever since. days are exhilarating and exhausting at the same time, and i am always learning something new. i’m 23 and am totally sending you an email with more of my story (if you’re interested!) later this week.
xo
Oh my goodness, Brandi. First and foremost, I want to apologize for never keeping in touch with you. After the last few quarters of me struggling to graduate on time (trying to balance my family problems along with it), I lost contact with my friends in real life and the ones who I have gotten to know on the internet through blogging. I finally got the time to sit and read people’s blog, first being yours. I am excited for you, friend! I am almost 85% sure that I’ll end up being self-employed myself now that I know what it is that I want to do with the degree that I have. I wish you the best of luck on your new journey. If you ever need someone to talk to, I’ll always have an ear waiting (or in this case one of eyes) waiting for you!
You were BORN to be an independent artist. You are a free spirit. This is you. You are going to be amazing at it. You already are. I’m so happy for you!
Oh, Brandi.. I’m so proud of you, you’re so brave!! I can’t wait to see how everything evolves for you. Remember I’m always here (must write you back soon!) :)
So, so happy for you, Brandi! “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams.” That’s you!
Let’s talk soon.
xo
YAY! The first year will be the hardest. But it will be a wild adventure. Cherish it. You have so many people rooting for you – when you feel tired let our energy carry you.
XO
What better time to change and revitalize life then when the earth is renewing itself in spring? You are brave and strong and going to be so successful. I can’t wait to hear about every adventure!
So happy for you!
I’m here, cheering you on in your new phase of life! Thank you for being an inspiration!
xo-k
Brandi, this is incredible! I give you mad props for being so brave and taking the chance to get exactly what you want out of life! Wishing you all of the very best – I’ll be cheering for you and I know you’ll get there. :)
x
Congrats and good luck! xo
Are we twinkies or what? I’ve only ever supported myself and last year was a bit nervewracking with no pay in sight and just loads and loads of bills. I had worked my buns off in order to be able to take a risk like this but I was more sensitive to it than I thought I would be. I’ve told you about the loneliness and lack of coworkers but there was also guilt about going on vacation (I didn’t take one) or planning big purchases. If you want to chat about it more, feel free to drop me a line anytime.