The only thing my daughter asked me for this morning was to meet her for lunch at school. When I said I wasn't sure I could make it, her face dropped. So here I am. When she entered the cafeteria and saw me, I got the most amazing hug in the world. This is why I quit my job 10 years ago to start a business of my own. I don't want to be any other place in the world at this moment.
dM,
You know that strikes such a cord with me. That’s why I wrote this post
Permalink: http://shearadiance.typepad.com/shea_radiance/2010/01/living-my-new-life-in-2010.html.html Edit Done
Absolutely in 100% agreement with your reason to quit your job.
Sounds like the perfect reason to me. 🙂
SO cute!
What a gift…:-)
Awesome post! Thanks for sharing it with us.
Thanks for sharing Donna. As independent business women we work twice as hard keeping it all together. It's nice to know everyone struggles with the balance.
Amazing! Absolutely priceless:)
WOW! THIS IS WONDERFUL…I AM ON THAT SAME JOURNEY…SEE YOU AT THE TOP!
Priceless!
Beautiful the both of you. Savoring this moment is important…well done! 😀
Two beautiful and happy ladies. Family first.
Awesome!
Words can't describe the feeling I had when I read your post because I remember the days when I would have lunch with my son at school. Just precious!
Aw, that is very sweet dM. It's inspirational that you are able to put your family first because you took control of your own destiny.
That's soooooo cool. And you know that that makes you the COOLEST MOM. You know after I had my daughter, I decided to work at night just for occaisons like those. Enjoy!
Donna Maria, I couldn't agree more! Yesterday I went into D.C. for a high-powered business lunch with one of the top people in our industry. And then I came home in time to pick my daughter up from play practice. I've never missed a class party, the dog sleeps at my feet while I work, and I still have very satisfying and rewarding business relationships with amazing people (some of whom express jealousy at my flexible lifestyle!). All these studies show that telework helps traffic congestion, employee morale, etc. Indie is the way to go!
I have options. The traditional working world had none for me. I am so happy that I created my own. Another benefit? This morning, I could go to a 7:00 meeting with my daughter's teacher in my workout clothing and not have to worry about stressing, showering and being late for work. Love it!
LOL! I fear that my “cool” days are quite numbered. This provides even more inspiration to enjoy it while it lasts.
You were there with me at the very beginning. Much of this is because of your example. I am following your lead.
You are especially good at savoring moments. I am following you.
Yes! At the top baby!
Thank you!
I know you are, and I love being on the journey with you.
Your little girl is so beautiful! It makes me so happy just to see her smile and her cute little freckles. Our daughters are treasures, and they are growing up faster than we can type. I am so glad you did what you did and made time for her. You filled up her love tank and I dare say she can probably go about another 150 miles on that one act of love alone! Blessings on your day, dM!!!!
Hi,
I read your email regarding why you quit your job 10 years ago. I think it is really great that you were able to. My question is, what type of advice is available for a person who has the drive and ambition to work on their own, but do not have the financial means to quit their job? I am single, have a mortgage and pay bills for necessities. How can a person in my situation possibly quit their job when they have day-to-day living expenses to take care of?
Thank you in advance,
Charlene
Totally adorable….and the very best reason to work for yourself! Bravo dM!
I'm not dM but I had a part time job selling soap for years before I finally quit my job. Many people I hear from that have successfully transitioned to being self employed worked their regular job during the day and then their dream job at night and on the weekends.
I'd recommend the book 'The Success Principles' by Jack Canfield if you're thinking about going out on your own. There are some great principles in there for anyone – but especially those of us that have a self-employment streak in us. =)
Well, first, you don't just quit your job. I did that the first time around and guess where I ended up? Right back at my old job because I went broke in my business. So, don't just quit your job. Come up with a plan to transition from your job to a full-time business.
Anne-Marie offered excellent advice. Like her, I worked at a full-time job off an on for years (1993 to 1999) before I finally quit for the last time, while I ran my business on the side. I highly recommend that you do it that way. Create a plan for yourself and make it happen, little by little. It will not be a cake walk, but it can be done. If you're in debt, start by getting out of debt as you look at your small business options and begin to network and learn from people who have gone before you.
I cannot tell from your comment whether or not you have children, but if you don't, you are perfectly positioned right now. Since you are single, you can also set the pace for your life and your business before you get married. This is a very wise thing to plan as well because when a wife starts a business after the marriage starts, it can be a bit of a shock to hubby. Since you're single, you don't have to concern yourself with that at the moment.
Anne-Marie's suggestion for Jack Canfield's “The Success Principles” is a great way to get your mindset in the right place. I highly recommend that book. To get started, why not head over to my radio show website where you can listen to my hour-long interview with Jack himself. It's free. Here's the link: http://bit.ly/bmxP7g. You can buy the book there too, via my Amazon affiliate link. If you really do have the drive and ambition you say you have, I have no doubt that in 5 or 6 years, you too can make the transition. We're rooting for you! Please stop in frequently to tell us how you are!
And one more piece of advice: Follow Anne-Marie.
Sweet!….BEAUTIFUL!!
Thank you very much for responding to my question and the great advice. I will definitely buy the book. You hit it right on the button because I do have a self-employment streak within 🙂 Thanks again. Oh, by the way, I am a customer of yours at Bramble Berry-I am very pleased with the products.
Thank you for responding to my question as well. Both you and Anne-Marie provided much needed advice that I was seeking. I am definitely not going to quit my job until I am financially able 🙂 The advice you provided has given me insight on the steps I will take to put my plan into action. Now, I will head over to your radio station and listen to your interview with Jack Canfield. Have a great day!
Thank you for being a customer! I appreciate that and can't wait to follow your journey to full time self-employment.
That is my reason too for wanting to work from home. My son had a school trip today and was upset I wasn't going along. I told him I couldn't because I already took the week prior off from work to stay home with him. He kept saying but only 5 mommies are going so does that mean I (he) can't go on the trip? It broke my heart but I kept telling him that making soap will allow me to work from home and I will be able to go on school trips with him.