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I Did
Should you quit your day job and pursue your greatest dream? After all, I did. It’s not that easy, though. And for us, me and my husband, we thought about it for many years. We discussed it, considered it, did the calculations to see if we would make it without my income. Then we discussed it some more and did even more calculations. And only then, several years later, did we take the step. I quit my day job, we moved to the other side of the country where rent is cheaper, and I began writing. So was that a courageous thing to do?
Living From Truths
What was tremendously important to me was that I wanted to live from my truths. While I was working in a supermarket, I was constantly stepping on my truths and my limits. I had to tell lies to customers. Anything I might disagree with, I had to swallow to follow the company’s policies and not lose my job. I couldn’t be honest, and I most definitely couldn’t be myself, not entirely. Everything I post on my blog comes from me, from my true self. It is why I write reviews, to tell other people my opinion. Overall, I feel a lot better knowing I am developing myself. I’m growing as a person.
Prudent
So should I just take the big jump and tell my boss I’m not returning tomorrow? No, definitely not. Not only is it wise to plan ahead financially, but also consider what it is you’re going to be doing. Maybe your hobby is a hobby for that reason. It’s nice to step away from your main activities and play that video game or make that painting, but would you want to do it all day, every day? Do you love it so much you want to dedicate your life to it?
Full-time Hobby
I struggle with this. I love writing, and I get restless when I’ve not written in a long time. But it’s equally hard to have to sit down and write a sexy story, even when I’m not really feeling it. Or when writing a review can become a chore, no matter how much I love sex toys. Often when this comes up for me, I think: well, I like this better than working the cash register. But writing is definitely less fun for me than when I did it only in my spare time.
Fear
The final point is: Don’t let fear hold you back. Fear prevents you from taking unnecessary risks, but sometimes you gotta bite through it and come out stronger on the other side. It’s only healthy to be afraid of changing your life in such a drastic manner. That’s why you have to be prudent. Make the calculations. How long can you make it with the money you have? What plans do you have for your future income? Do you have a back-up plan?
Sacrifices
My husband and I chose to rely on his income. We deemed it stable enough for us both to live comfortably on. I’m still not making any money, at least not substantial enough to mention. So we do make sacrifices. We don’t go on any holidays. We don’t own a luxury car. (Well, actually we do, but it’s a 2004 model :p) I was terrified before moving here, but I’m glad we did it the way we did.
Life-Changer
So should you quit your day job and pursue your dreams? After you’ve gone over everything and you’re still sure this is what you want, then yes. I can’t stress it enough:
- Be prudent about it.
- Consider all the options, good and bad.
- Have a back-up plan.
Has changing my life made it better for me? Yes. Wholeheartedly yes.
I have often lamented the fact I wasn’t ‘normal’ and couldn’t just enjoy my retail work. Turn out, I’m better off someplace else. Somewhere I can share my gift of writing with other people. It makes my life more fulfilled which makes me happier overall. It’s not easy. Definitely not. But I wouldn’t have wanted to miss it.
I admire you for having taken the leap and just do it. I would love to cut back on my working hours too, but for now it’s not really possible. Once we know how things work out with my husband, it might be though…
~ Marie xox
I hope things will turn out all right ☺️
I’m jealous…but…giving up our 2nd income wouldn’t be possible for us. I’m the higher wage earner in our family, so I’m stuck. But…I guess there is always retirement!
You never know how things will turn out ☺️
I think being true to yourself is the most important thing. So long as you admit the risks and take responsibility for the fact that you have no one to blame if it doesn’t work out then you are also free to fully reap whatever rewards arise from your decision. It’s scary and liberating, and hopefully, ultimately rewarding.
Being true to myself was really the most important thing for me. And indeed, there is no one to blame but me, which is both a blessing a curse, really 😅
I agree about “your truths” and how some jobs really do step on those! A point well made there. I hate it when that happens too
May xx
Wonderful to read and so glad you have been able to achieve your dream.
Xxx – K
You should make sure you have enough money saved to fuel your dream because it may take quite a while for your dream to start paying the bills
Best keep that in mind to avoid frustration
Best advice is to work on your dream part time until its profitable enough to pay the bills
Hope this help
Cheers
Yes, you’re absolutely right 🙂
In my case, I rely on my husband’s income. Without that, I would never have taken the jump. Before you make a liveable income can take quite some time 🙂
I am proud of your courage to leave your mundane work, which generates income and go on a free voyage, not being completely sure that it can feed you. But you have a husband who loves you, judging by the fact that he supported your endeavors. Try not to let him down and most importantly yourself. Write, create. I wish you good luck on this difficult journey.
Thank you so much, this comment means a lot to me ☺️
I will indeed continue to create and make my husband proud, as he already is 😊