Remember that time I quit my job to become a full-time freelance writer?
I do, cause it was just last week.
I even made sure to wear an outfit I’d remember (dress from SF shopping adventure, killer black heels and a turquoise and silver necklace from my former boss/close friend/mentor extraordinaire who totally taught me about believing in myself.) I wanted the day to be special because it’s something I’ve been planning in my head for about 18 months.
That’s right, I’m not a jumper or a leaper. Not someone who can in 6 months decide to say “forget it all” and get on a plane to become location independent for a year. Those people are awesome but I’m just not that hip. So for those of you who are now choking on your coffee/tea/water/frosty beverage at this bombshell I’ve dropped, please know that this was not a hasty decision.
Nor was it a decision like so many others write about. I didn’t hate my Corporate America job. I actually liked MANY parts of it. I didn’t need to get out now before I went Office Space and burned down the whole place over some misplaced percentages of pennies and a red Swingline stapler.
Sure there was stuff I didn’t like and things I loathed doing, but I don’t live in an idyllic chamber where I think consulting and freelance writing is going to be all unicorns and puppy dogs. The grass is ALWAYS greener on the other side of the fence until you realize that is because it is being treated with toxic and creepy-crawly-yucky chemicals sprayed out of a tank with food coloring added.
Photo Credit: Getty Images – Robert Daly
I could go over the entire 18 month course of events that led to this decision, but that would be far lengthier than I intended for this post to be. If you want the story we should meet up for drinks or email or Skype or something to chat it out.
Basically there were 3 very key factors.
The first was when I started seeing a life coach. I bartered with her, coaching services for social media consulting (which I still do and will continue to do for awhile to come…you know…to eat more than ramen daily…) She had recently started her own business so it was interesting to not only explore the option myself but also watch her navigate the waters. And man, for anyone who doesn’t believe in life/business coaches and wants to make a change, I’m telling you…she kicked my ass around in a way that no friend or colleague could have possibly done. Without Lael’s supportive challenges and passion for my happiness I probably wouldn’t be as confident and belligerently happy in this decision. Sure, there are moments I still am overwhelmed by it’s reality and implications and kind of want to puke, but overall I know this is where I need to be.
And so when I went to see her the day I was going to give my notice (July 1st for those of you keeping track) she helped me realize the second shifting factor. See, I started seeing a boy in May. I know, I know…awww. Anyways, with him I didn’t have any of the breaking out hives or freaking out about kisses in public. He just made me happy. By him being him and letting me be me. And I did something I haven’t done in approximately eleven years…I put myself out there to lay myself and my feelings directly in enemy territory, prepared for a strike. On June 30th (the day I had set in my mind 6 months ago to make a decision free fall leap of faith move) I let things end, quite painfully for me (yes, there were tears and ice cream and copious amounts of wine.) And while having someone you like so much not like you back or it being just bad timing or whatever sucks, it taught me that putting yourself out there in any capacity elicits a far greater return. And the sun will still rise the next day, regardless of the decisions of the day before. And most importantly the smile on my face and giddiness in my chest are well worth the hangover and sugar coma induced.
Which leads me to my third and final BIG MOMENT WOW factor, and that is the Universe. I was so intrigued by Susan Pogorzelski’s ongoing Twitter conversations with the Universe from the beginning because I am a firm believer in fate/karma/destiny/really stupid luck. I’m a firmer believer in the conditioning of the human spirit and our ability to react to and work with the fate/karma/destiny/really stupid luck. And over the past six months the opportunities and doors and various circumstances smacking me in the face and screaming “YOU NEED TO DO THIS” have just gotten to be too much so if the Universe is ready to leap with me and be paid totally in Tootsie Roll reimbursement, I’m in.
These are the catalyst “a-HA” moments that got me here. Of course I wouldn’t even entertain the notion without the support of my friends and family. From my friend Sam who told me five years ago when we both worked in sales that she loved my writing and I should do that for a living to my IRLSPBFFE Jenny Blake who sent me the most amazing email outlining why she believed in me so much and why I needed to make this decision the morning of July 1st, from my parents who joined Facebook to keep in touch and read everything I was putting out to my colleagues who are more interested in my latest column than talking about “that boring insurance stuff,” from my sister who dutifully listened to EVERY POST I WROTE IN THE FIRST 8 MONTHS to the Way Below Status Quo crew who ventured to Portland for their Roadtrip Smackdown and gleefully congratulated me on the move. And all you readers and friends who comment and email and Skype and message and make me happy every time I log on and challenge me to be the best version of myself.
Everyone and everything has fallen into place, playing a part in pushing me to the decisions I’ve made.
Now begins the craziness…I’m so excited to have it happen and thrilled that you will be here for the ride!
Congrats! That’s exciting 🙂 As always, let me know how I can help in your journey… I wish you the best of success!
Aw, thanks Rebecca! You’ve always been such a great mind challenger, writing inspiration and online support/friend I’m sure I’ll be brain picking. 🙂
Oh! I’m so proud of you Elisa!
What a wonderful move,and brave!
I’m not a leaper either, but I can totally appreciate you doing this. Wishing you lots and lots of luck. I’m so staying tuned in with you in your adventure (and of course cheering you on!)
Mehnaz – Thanks! It’s been a long time in the making, so now that it’s here I’m antsy for stuff to finish shaking down. And I’m SO glad to have you tuned in!!! 🙂
Congratulations, Elisa! I’m so excited, proud, happy, [insert every positive adjective here] for you! I’m glad that you took your time with this decision, as it’s a very big and life-changing one. But I’m even more happy that you’re following a dream — especially if that dream is writing.
You know…As much as we like to believe in the Universe, I think a lot of the credit for these fantastic happenings goes to you.
Yay!
Susan – Aw, thanks so much! 🙂
As for the Universe and my place in it, I like to think of it as situations that I have no control over. What I *do* have control over is my reaction to and decision in those situations. So yes, I’ll take credit for some situations “well played” but I am eternally grateful for getting the opportunity to step onto the field in the first place.
Congrats!!! Hooray for diving in. If anyone can make a go of it, you can. I’ll be your cheerleader on the sidelines sheering you on. 🙂
Kristina – Thanks! I appreciate the cheering section so very much 🙂
Congrats Elisa! I love these kinds of stories. I also love that you took this leap despite the fact that you weren’t miserable in your corporate job. There is something to be said for someone that takes a risk and seeks growth despite not being in a bad situation in the first place.
I love reading your work and know that you will be successful in this venture. Hat’s off to you! 🙂
Megan – Thanks! I appreciate your support on all the different “networks” we run on together!
And yes, it’s a bit of an anomaly in many of the “starting a business” stories I read online. I will continue to stand by my beliefs that corporate jobs are GREAT for some people, and that you are easily able to find happiness and fulfillment when you get into a job that is a good fit for you.
Anything I write here will just be me repeating myself…
How I applaud you for not blindly LEAPING, but rather having a clear vision of where you see yourself in the future, then taking the necessary STEPS to get yourself there. (And the fact that you have a backup plan if you should stumble a bit – SMART!)
How I think you have more writing talent in your pinky than the vast majority of bloggers/wanna be writers out there have in their entire being…myself included.
And finally about how I want to give you a big, spinny hug and scream “EEEEEEEEEE” because I’m so happy and proud of you. But, the spinny hug and scream bit seem a little played out. So instead, if I’m ever in Portland, I hope you let me buy you a cold Shipyard. Cheers!
David – Aw, thanks Virtual-Boy-BFF!! What can I say – processes and plans and whatnot are kind of my thing. Makes the leap much more feasible in my mind.
And yes, I’ve received many virtual spinny hugs and squeals from you the past few weeks. They’re always wonderful and welcome though! Maine is *the* place to visit in the summer, so come on up anytime!
Wow. Congratulations, Elisa! I’m so happy for you!
I’m not a jumper either, but I commend you on your bravery. I wish you lots of luck and look forward to reading more!
Elizabeth – Thanks! Believe me, it took a LOOONG time to jump. Getting the knowledge and the “gear” and the “training” before my total free-fall has made it a bit less scary, if that’s possible!
Elisa!!! Congratulations! This is just great and I can’t wait to follow along on this journey with you! You are incredibly brave and I know you will move mountains.
Lauren – I don’t know about mountains (right off) but I’m pretty excited! Reminds me of how much I’ve attributed the song “The Climb” to the whole situation. I just wish someone else I like more would record it. 🙂
Elisa this is fantastic! It takes a lot of courage to do something like this so big kudos to you.
Nate – Not nearly as much as picking up and hiking across the country! I look forward to following you on your journey too!
Congratulations, this is so exciting! I liked hearing the steps and stories you went through to arrive at your current journeyed destination.
Good luck in moving forward and I can’t wait to hear more 🙂 xo
Grace – Thanks! The steps are very important, and there are so many more that got “omitted” for the sake of an extremely lengthy post. 🙂
I look forward to sharing the journey with folks from you and continuing to learn along the way. 🙂
I’m selfishly sad knowing that you are no longer here to take care of me. 🙁 I am, however, beyond excited to begin following you on this journey as you learn, grow, fumble, stumble, and share each and every experience with us. You amaze and inspire me. Here’s to the fabulous ride ahead…………
XO!
Tricia – I know how you feel. Definitely. It was such a hard decision, but truly it’s been friendship and support from people like you in the agency force that made me believe in myself enough to do it. Plus I have some AMAZING examples of how to run a business the right way, valuing what is important and close to my heart above all else. In reality, you all inspired ME. 🙂
Wow…today is my first time stumbling into your blog and I’m so glad I did! Can’t wait to ride along on this adventure with you. Congratulations. It sounds like you have the right spirit for freelancing!! You’re gonna rock it!
Chrissy – Likewise I just meandered over to your site and liked what I found! I’m happy to have you on the journey with me. 🙂
And yes, I’ve been told again and again that I have a great spirit for freelancing. More importantly I network like it’s my job (hey, it will be!) and have spent a long while watching and learning from entrepreneurs about the “business aspect” of it. I’m very excited for what the future has in store for me!
Thanks so much for stopping by AND commenting!
I’m so late to the party on this post, but it’s not because I don’t love you! It’s because I was waiting a week so that I could remind you that:
YOU ARE TRULY AMAZING.
As I told you that morning, you – of all people I know – have everything it takes to be completely successful as you take this next great leap. You are driven, hard-working, smart, caring, creative, thoughtful and FREAKIN’ ADORABLE! What more could a prospective client ask for?!
Keep up the amazing work. You are a constant source of inspiration for me and many others. Forget the cool kids table, you’ve now gone and rented out an entire cool kids office. I want in!
Your IRLSPBFF,
Jenny
P.S. Does this mean you’re not gonna come live in my basement any more? Sad. I promise to buy you a snuggie!
Elisa, as I mentioned to you on Twitter, CONGRATULATIONS! This is great news and I’m so excited for you and what the future holds for you and your business! I know you are going to succeed and I hope to hear from you about your journey 🙂
I also think it’s a good think to be a little risk averse. It’s a good think to plan ahead. You’ve spent so much time thinking about this and planning for this — you’ve set yourself up for success, and now it’s just time to do it!