Since I Quit My Day Job...

I wrote this on my desk so that I can refer to it every time I think about how miserable I was just a few months ago.  Back then, I had trapped myself in a job I hated and wasn't doing anything that I was passionate about.

BUT
Since I quit my day job...

*I have woken up naturally with no alarm every single day.  This is huge.  I wake up when I am ready - anywhere from 6am to 11am, and being able to create my own sleep and wake schedule has been seriously life changing.  I always feel rested, fully present, and ready to work when I am awake.

*I am getting used to the ups and downs of having a pieced together income, rather than getting a steady paycheck.  For me, this is mostly about learning to save money rather than spend it as soon as I get it.  Big changes, but they are good  for me.

*I am spending more time with the people (and doggy) who matter to me, and this is a wonderful thing.

*I am thinking and learning again!  I feel like I was asleep for the last three years while working my day job, and now my mind has reawakened with a vengeance, wanting to grow and learn as much as possible.

*I am writing and drawing and painting again!  I did always try to do a bit of writing/drawing/painting while I was working the day job, but now I can really focus on it, and that kind of focus has brought better work to the surface, in my opinion.

*I have learned a lot about adaptability.  I can plan out my whole week on Monday, then by Monday afternoon, I'll get an illustration assignment or something to do, and my whole schedule will change.  I am learning to be okay with that and am getting used to it.

*I have added exercise into my daily routine, now that I have time for it, and I feel more energized than ever!  I think the last time I worked out was in high school gym class, ha ha.  I have already lost ten pounds since starting to exercise 3 months ago.

*I have been thinking more about food and what I put into my body.  Rather than jamming fast food at my lunch breaks - like I usually did during my previous job - I cook at home, eat slowly, make healthier choices, enjoy the act of nourishing myself.  Between that and the exercise, I feel totally different in my body, and it's a great feeling!  I have been reading Kris Carr's Crazy Sexy Diet and wholeheartedly recommend it.

*As I said in my previous post, I am currently working on changing my relationship with STUFF and THINGS.  I think this is due not only to the reoccurring dream I have about clutter but also to the fact that I am at home so much now and am around my things a whole lot.  I feel like I want to have less, downside, simplify.  I started a new tumblr about this yesterday, tracking everything I get rid of with a photograph.  It's called Things I Used to Own.

*I still feel regret that I did not leave my previous job sooner, but I am working on forgiving myself for that.  Maybe I wasn't ready and the timing wasn't right until now.  All I know is that I feel more and more like myself every day that I have been self-employed, and I love this feeling.

I hope you are in the middle of a fun and creative weekend. 



Comments

  1. I needed to read this today, considering I just quit my day job and am feeling a bit anxious about it. All the things that you've done are what I hope to accomplish. It's amazing how much of our lives we lose when we work a 9-5.

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  2. Thank you so much for your kind words. I am so glad that you came to my blog today. You are right - it really is amazing how much of our lives we lose when we work a "regular" job. I am only four months into this thing, but with each day that goes by comes more clarity and calmness. I know how scary it is when you first quit, and you are so brave to take that first step! I wish you the best of luck. :)

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  3. I can't wait for the day when I can say "since I quit my day job". It's awesome to see someone is who doing what I plan to do in the near future. And look, it's been good for your mind and body! Thanks for sharing!

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  4. Thanks so much for commenting! I am excited for you that you are choosing to live your creative dreams and leave your day job too! It has been the best decision I've ever made, and I have grown more in the last three months of self-employment than I have in the past three years of working a day job. Best of luck to you when you start out on your new path!! :)

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  5. Hi Tessa - I'm good friends with Vanessa Penagos and she told me about your blog. I just love it and want to applaud you for being so open with your journey. I have started a creative business, but I have to keep it under wraps for now because I am still at my day job and probably will have to be for a little while longer. Hopefully one day soon I can be as open about my journey too. Keep up the good work! It takes a lot of courage to follow your heart. :)

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  6. Hi Christen,
    It's so great to meet you! Vanessa tells me that you and I would be good friends if we met. :) I hope we can all hang out one day soon.

    Thank you so much for your kind words about my blog and my journey. And congrats to starting your own business too!! That is very exciting. I can't wait to see what's in store for you in the future... What type of business are you starting? Let me know if you ever need any help or advice.

    I hope you are having a great day!

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