I parted ways with my full-time employer this week. Though it was an unplanned departure, my overwhelming feelings of relief let me know that it was for the best. You see, I can work 16-hour days writing and marketing online. However, I just have never been able to settle into a 9 to 5. I’m fine for a year or two, almost three this time, and then I get antsy. In this case, the issue was my attendance (or lack thereof) due to some medical problems that were greatly exacerbated by the stress placed on me by my direct manager. Apparently a doctor’s note for every minute missed doesn’t hold any water these days. Whatever. Anyway, that’s all I’m going to say about that. This post is about my plans moving forward.
With a small cushion of unemployment insurance and retirement cash-out, I now have the opportunity - exciting and a bit scary - to try my hand at being a full-time blogger/web content writer/internet marketer. The only reason I haven’t done this before is because I didn’t want to walk away from the security of full-time employment. Ironic, huh? The more I think about it, the more secure working for myself sounds.
I have projects that I have been putting off for months because I was trying to be as well as possible for my 9 to 5. Now I have time to dedicate to these projects. Full days’ worth of time. I can’t express how grateful I am to have this opportunity right now. I hit the ground running this morning, filing for my UI benefits and doing a bit of poking around for freelance gigs. Though I will be keeping my eyes open for a 9 to 5 that sounds good, I plan to dedicate most of this first month to building my online business.
After this month, I will reassess. If I think I can make it - and I know I can - I’ll go for another month. By writing this goal here I am making it more real to myself. This is the perfect time and place for me to try being my own boss. Not just part-time, but full-time. Though I am taking this step a bit sooner than I planned, there’s no reason not to jump in with both feet.
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Well Sara, I want to wish you the best of luck working on your own business. I know that it is a dream that many people have and that many never take the plunge because of their “job security”.
I’ll look forward to follow your progress so please keep us updated on the blog.
Mikael
Mikael’s last blog post..Getting More Traffic to Your Blog
Perhaps my online ventures and tasks have spoiled me totally. I even can’t sleep at nights because I always am thinking something(Some new Idea or content). I wish to have that timings as well but I think that I can’t do it until 6 months or the whole year.
Thank you very much for the great information.
Congratulations, Sara. It’s been fun watching your progress. And this may be just the change you needed thrust upon you. I wish you the best. I know you’ll do fantastic. If you ever need anything, feel free to email me.
Thanks for the support, everyone.
Vinny - I think you’re absolutely right. I’m not sure I would have made the jump on my own, but it sure was a great time to be forced to focus solely on my online projects or go get another 9 to 5. =) Your support means a lot!
Sara
Way to go Sarah! I know it can be scary, but stick with it and persistence always shows results.
Keep up the good work! I myself am trying to create a reasonable online income. I wish you the best!
law’s last blog post..A Landmark Environmental Case
I too made the jump rather unexpectedly to the full-time freelance life. Check out frelancewritinggigs.com for GREAT job leads. It was there that I got my first freelance job and the gig that eventually landed me my now full-time freelance gig. I was able to get enough gigs within 3 weeks to replace my lost income because I was applying to freelance gigs full-time and was frequently the first applicant in. That helps a lot *grin*.
You can do this! I’m always so excited to see fellow writers make the jump to full time. Good luck!
Sara, good luck with your blogging career. In a few years from now you may look back and think this is the best thing that has every happened to you.
Hope it’s going well. I’m hanging on till retirement myself. Sometimes things turn out for the best when you think they might be bad. Did that make sense? I lost a job some years back when the company moved out of town - I changed professions and it has really turned out to be a blessing.
I was just discussing it with one of my friends. He is a banker and that 9-5 job. I was arguing that it is easy to follow a strict timetable. He was not agreed, he told me that he can manage it far easy if he will has job like mine(I work at home). I think all of us are not comfortable with managing times.
I’m in the same position and making it month to month.
I’ve enjoyed some of your posts and I just wanted to take the opportunity to say I wish you the best not working for”the man”. Best of health and with your free time I expect more good things to come!!! Take your time…health is more important.
Jeremy
Now that I’m a consultant, no more 9 to 5 for me, I’m working 7 to 10. Oh well, at least I’m the boss.
As far as i suggest Your Web site acts a great role in providing information to targeted visitors. I recognize or rated it as excellent.
Good luck to you!
I make a nice living from my blogs and websites, so I know it’s possible.
The nice thing about liking to write is there are so many ways to turn that passion into assets that create passive income.
Lindsay’s last blog post..What the Olympics Can Teach Us About Building Wealth
Sara,
I have no doubt that you can succeed as you are already off to a great start.
Did you (were you) planning on sticking to just online marketing and blogging? Or were you willing to take you skills in the software/web design world into private practice?
Just curious. I do both, from home and have since 1991. I would be interested in hearing your overall plan. And I occasionally need a bit of help (when I get more on the *feast* side of the feast or famine equation).
Good luck!
Cenay’
Cenay Nailor’s last blog post..Organize, Compress and Send Digital Photos
Thank you everyone for the great comments.
Cenay: I’m not going to paint myself into any corners. It would be less than smart for me to completely ignore my database and other design skills, especially since my business will be completely online based. So, yeah, when you’re on the feast side, definitely contact me. Getting things moving is big challenge. =)
Thanks,
Sara
Good luck with your business after sheding your 9-5. Independence is a great feeling, knowing you are in control of your life. I’ve had some bonehead bosses in the past, so I really know where you are coming from!
Congrats on the big move! While you’ve cashed out your retirement, it’s important to start saving for retirement as soon as possible. An SEP IRA is a great option for the self-employed!