Hi friends!
I’ve been getting a lot of questions from family, friends and internet friends too about why I quit my full-time job?? So tonight I’m getting real with you guys! And I’m answering the question of why I quit my job, as well as filling you guys in on what I’ve been up to!
The (Brief) Backstory
So some of you may already know this but I was a buyer/category manager for a sporting goods distributor for about four years. During that time I was freelancing on the side and blogging to give me the creative outlet I needed to survive. In time I began to realize that I could no longer spend my entire day in spreadsheets. This is when I began looking for marketing and creative jobs to transition into. I knew it would be tough to switch industries and career paths, but I also knew that I had the skills and the passion to do so.
Eventually after a couple months of casually searching, I happened upon a marketing manager opportunity with a CPG company. Things were going great and we were growing exponentially. However, it became apparent to me that the exorbitant amount of work I was putting in was not truly recognized, it was not really appreciated and it was definitely not fairly compensated. I started to take on even more freelance side jobs on nights and weekends. Slowly I was getting to the point where I was getting paid just as much for those jobs as I was as a full-time marketing manager. And the kicker for me? I began to feel more fulfilled by these freelance and contract jobs than I did at my 9-5.
The Daydream
I started to wonder what it would be like if I was my own boss. What if I could say yes to the work that made my soul fly and no to the work that didn’t serve me. I reveled in the freelance clients who trusted me with their marketing efforts. I daydreamed about how wonderful it would be to put all of the blood, sweat and tears that I was pouring into my 9-5 into my OWN business.
Now I truly have no hard feelings towards my previous employer. In fact, it was SO hard for me when I finally decided to leave. I am an extremely dedicated worker, (tooting my own horn here haha). So when I take on a job you’d better believe I do it with my whole heart and soul. It has truly pained me to leave every job I have ever parted ways from. I am proud, I am passionate and I appreciate each and every business relationship I have made in my life thus far.
Nevertheless, it became so clear to me that I needed to quit my full-time job. So I did. In November of 2018 I quit my full-time job as a marketing manager to continue my freelance work full-time and ultimately chase my dream of building my own business! My company will focus on creative marketing strategy and implementation for small businesses. I am PUMPED for this new chapter of my life!!
The Aftermath
Since I quit my full-time job, I have to say that a HUGE weight was lifted off of my shoulders. BUT simultaneously a new set of dumbbells showed up in it’s place! Haha (Luckily they’re only like 20 pound dumbbells instead of what felt like the 2,000 pound weight of a full-time job!) I have a whole new set of stressors now. My paycheck is no longer 100% guaranteed. Kyle and I have put ourselves on a strict budget for the time being. I spend my days prospecting for new clients and working freelance gigs. While also building my website and business plan! I could not be happier.
I’ll be back with an update on my business when I officially launch my website and social channels because I’d love to connect with you all there as well! I hope you enjoyed this little story time about why I quit my full-time job!
This is amazing! Congrats on following your dreams.
Thanks Courtney! It’s been a journey! haha But it’s definitely worth it. 🙂 -Stacy
So proud of you for making the leap! It isn’t easy but it is worth it. Be patient. Give yourself some grace. It’s all going to work out. I can’t wait to see where you are a year from now!
Thanks Miranda! I appreciate your support more than you know! 🙂 -Stacy