Today is the Day I Take a Leap of Faith
Pre-Announcement Feels:
Today is the day that I make the craziest, scariest, biggest life choice I’ve ever made. (No, I’m not getting married- getting married to my hub was easy!) Today is the day that I announce my departure from a Fortune 500 Corporation to follow a dream that I’ve been pursuing for the last 2 and a half years.
I know what you’re probably thinking– I’m only 25, I’m giving up stability, and I’m going to give up the opportunity to work with MAJOR brands. That’s all very true, and believe me, I’ve done more than my fair share of homework and prayer. Like I said- this has been one of the HARDEST decisions I’ve ever had to make. I didn’t take this decision lightly.
The big entrepreneurial “click” happened for me about a year ago. I’d been dabbling in freelance for about a year and a half at that time, but freelance was just extra fun cash at that time- nothing that I thought too much of. That all changed when Beachside Studio reached out to collaborate. Michaela’s philosophy around a work-life balance just spoke to me. She worked on the beach and closed her computer at a reasonable time. Her work was beautiful, she was empowering other women entrepreneurs, and she seemed genuinely happy. She was living a dream that I didn’t know was available. I got a glimpse of what my future could be.
I needed that. I needed my passion to be supercharged.
For the last 3 years, I’ve been working a 9–5 job that had it's highs and lows. Just like any large corporation, sometimes moves have to be made for the larger good. I knew that when I signed up for the job- that’s just the nature of a large company! (Shout out to my loving teammates who kept me sane- you’re all saints.) The game changer was the moment that I realized that I'm too emotionally invested in my work to ride the waves and still feel fulfilled in my career. Coming to this realization let me let go of some of the fear of the judgement that might follow chasing my dreams instead of following the safe path that was laid out in front of me.
I could finally admit to myself that my creative spark is fueled by a predictability and genuine connection that comes from personal relationships. Enabling clients to be excited about things that they were once dreams is what makes me feel purposeful.
At this point, I was ready to dig my heels in and pave my own path.
Fast forward 1 year later, countless 70 hour weeks, and a whole lot of faith. Here I am. I’m ready to leave my first corporate job, the company that brought me into the same city as my hubby post-college and gave me a voice as a designer. There are so many things I’ll miss about the corporation, but I’m looking forward to total freedom, a flexible schedule, and clients that TRULY appreciate the value that I bring to their brands. I really believe that there’s something magical that happens within a small team (or maybe the magic is just the puppy snuggles that happen between work breaks!).
I'm beyond thrilled to work towards something that makes a 50 hour work week feel effortless (I smile whenever I think about it!). At the end of the day, I hope to inspire others to be excited about their purpose the way that Michaela did for me. Achieving that goal would be the ultimate sense of accomplishment.
I have no idea where I’ll be in a year from now (hopefully empowering others, and bringing beautiful experiences to life with my puppy by my side), but even if I crash and burn, I’m ready to give it my all. One baby step at a time.
There aren’t enough thanks in the world that can be given to my husband who stood by my side and encouraged me daily. I never thought I’d have the guts to take a chance on myself. To be totally honest, I never thought I’d be blogging about my journey (Thanks Taccara!!).
Stay tuned as the emotional rollercoaster continues. I’m sure it will be a wild ride.
Post Announcement Feels:
I thought I’d go into my meeting with my manager today with my stomach in knots and second-guessing myself every step of the way. Yet when push came to shove, I was just excited. I know that seems odd- but I’m pretty sure I was smiling when I put in my two-weeks notice (whoops).
I talked about this decision with one of my closest mentors before I talked to my manager. (I highly recommend this if you’re considering taking a leap of faith) My mentor’s blessing did a wonder on the nerves and self confidence.
A little tidbit about myself- I’m a huge believer in things ending up the way they’re meant to be. As I’m typing my post-resignation thoughts, I stopped to compulsively check my email (it’s really a habit I need to get better at controlling). As I’m checking my email, I see I have a fresh inquiry for design services. At the very moment when I could be doubting myself the most, I got a little sign that everything is falling into place. Answered prayers are being confirmed.
As cliche as it sounds, I really feel like I’m living the American dream. Everyone loves to preach that you can do anything if you put in the hours, but I never really equated that to running my own business that flexed around my husbands crazy schedule. I never equated that to endless puppy snuggles, or wonderfully uplifting clients. I definitely didn't equate that to an outpouring from loyal friends who were more than open to remaining design partners in crime. I guess if I'm totally honest, I never thought I’d be that successful.
As crazy as it sounds, I think part of me almost felt undeserving of this sort of a career.
This is where more sappy thank you’s come in. I’m eternally grateful for the months that my husband picked up the house with little help from my end. I’m thankful for parents that taught me that a good work ethic can get you just about anywhere. Lastly, I’m extremely thankful for the wonderful clients and collaborations that have re-instilled my belief in genuine parnerships.
Am I still nervous for the future? A little. But more than anything, I’m excited.
At this moment, the door of endless possibility is wide open. I can’t wait to water my existing relationships and plant new ones along the way. I can’t wait to see how God will use my talents- and most importantly, I can’t wait to snuggle my hairy beast. Every. Single. Morning.
All I need is a Piña colada and I’ll be in paradise.
*Disclaimer, today is not actually the day- I let the news simmer around the office before telling the world.