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Sometimes, we know exactly what we would love to do for a living, but our current circumstances prevent us from pursuing it.
There are bills to be paid, a family to care for, and undisputable comfort in not paying for health insurance out of pocket. So, with the voice of common sense ringing in our ears, the notion of following our dream business or writing that best seller gets tucked deep into a drawer to wait for “the day” when life isn’t so hectic.
As much as it would make our hearts sing to follow a dream (the dream that we know we are perfectly capable of), making the leap from a stable job with bennies to the uncharted territory of business ownership is exceptionally scary when you have others in your life depending on you. The looming thought of the “what ifs” is downright paralyzing. At least, that’s how it was for me—for a very long time.
But finally, there came a day when I could no longer bear to squash or diminish my desire to do what I loved for a living: be a writer. So, over twelve years ago, I did just that. I left a long-term job that offered paid vacation, 401K, and health insurance. The job was good, but it was killing my soul. I felt like I was slowly dying mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually.
And no, I’m not being dramatic.
So I left, formed LAMS Communications, and traded my “employee” status for a better “business owner” role.
I’m here to tell you that it was freaking hard. My leap from a traditional job to self-employment was only made with many sleepless nights, a crapload of fear, and intense planning. But staying and feeling my spirit slowly croak was an even scarier thought. The first two years were hella-hard, and if it weren’t for my partner’s income, things would have ended poorly.
But I kept at it. I networked like crazy, pitched magazines like an insane person, said “yes” to less glamorous gigs, and never stopped considering adding more income streams to my business plan. It felt like I had traded in my 40-hour-a-week traditional job for a 120-hour-a-week one. But there were two significant differences:
- I was happy for the first time in a very long time.
- And I was making a living on MY TERMS. I could flex work around my kids’ needs and was a present parent instead of an exhausted and crabby one. That, to me, is priceless.
And it all paid off.
Now, over a decade later, I feel I have hit my stride and found my “secret sauce” of business success. I am living the life that I had dreamed of for years. But this freedom does not come with butterflies, rainbows, and magic fairy dust. Being self-employed and building a business is liberating and terrifying all at once. You just put on your Big Girl Panties, feel the fear, and handle it.
So, don’t give up if you are in a period of life where your dreams are shoved into the back of a hypothetical drawer. Plot, plan, dream, and implement. Even if it feels like your forward movement towards your goals is in millimeters, it’s still forward movement.
Motivation is helpful in forward movement, but it is only sometimes a deal breaker. I recently saw this meme on Facebook, and it was so accurate that I’m sharing it here.
Yes. THAT.
As important as finding your purpose is, you don’t need to rush into it. Take the time to examine who you are, what you’re good at, and who you could help or serve. Who are the people who the following could benefit from your unique set of experiences and qualifications?
What do you feel called to?
More Resources to Help You Along Your Side Hustle Journey
MOM BOSSING
MOM BOSSING: The Freedom to Create the Business You Love is a book filled with personal stories, resources, support, wisdom, and encouragement from a solopreneur who has worked as a mom boss. This step-by-step guide shares the truth, fears, tears, and cheers of being a mom building a business empire on her own terms. Suppose you are looking for a new career for the “second half of life,” venturing into direct sales, rocking a home business, or dreaming of leaving a dead-end job. This book provides the building blocks needed to move forward with a healthy dose of humor and authenticity. In many ways, this book could also sport the tagline of Building a LIFE on Your Own Terms.
I was lucky to have Becky Flansburg join us at Multicultural Children’s Book Day when we first began our nonprofit. She was the “head elf,” meaning she did everything from project management to helping us get sponsorships. In the early years, we couldn’t keep her busy for more than a few months a year, and even that was very part-time. Becky’s contribution to the team helped us grow our nonprofit, and, in turn, we could keep her busier. Now, as a “mom boss,” Becky shares her journey and wisdom for moms who want to try solopreneurship. It’s beneficial for anyone who wants to become a VA (Virtual Assistant) author, and my dad was in law enforcement the following unique FREEdom: Creating the Work-From-Home Life You Crave.
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Lucky for you, it is all very possible. I have successfully lived this life for over 12+ years, and I can’t imagine supporting my family (and following my dreams!) any other way.
This robust 90-page e-book and resource guide contains a treasure trove of excellent information about working from home (on your own terms), all rolled into a handy read-at-your-own-pace guidebook.
Whether you want to pursue a career as a freelance writer, virtual assistant, graphic designer (and more), this Resource Guide will provide the insight, tools, guides, advice, and strategies applicable to any freelance business. If you want the basics of getting started without support and coaching, this eBook is for you.
This book is the perfect place for anyone looking to start their freelance career or up their game. This book is packed with actionable items and details about handling unruly clients, well-meaning visitors, and kids while working from home – it has it all! Highly recommended!~author and mompreneur, Carissa Andrews
For those contemplating the freelance lifestyle but needing a guidebook with baby steps, this is your manifesto! Becky Flansburg shares her tips for balancing a freelance career with a family, including the nuts and bolts, such as the online tools she uses for networking and running her business. Becky is a gentle and realistic cheerleader for anyone who wants to work at home as a solopreneur.~Mia Wenjen
FREElance FREEdom is Available on Kindle
Available in Paperback on Amazon: mybook.to/FREElanceFREEdompprbk
