And so it starts…
Today I gave notice. I thanked my boss for her support and the opportunities she has given me. Today I quit my job…. so that I can design full-time.
I am, simultaneously, giddy and bubbling over with excitement and absolutely terrified. I have taken the safe route so many times in my life. I chose the college where I could live at home and get half tuition instead of applying to schools across the country. I have chosen jobs I knew I could do, but would be bored with because they were comfortable. To take such a leap seems a little out of character for me, but when it comes down to it, I need to be happy. As I discussed in my New Years post, I need to do something creative every day. I’ve spent long enough in Corporate America, in a succession of soul crushing jobs that I can truly cherish what it means to be blissfully happy with what I do for a living. And I think I finally can believe that I deserve that happiness.
January 30th is my last day. And I’ll still be working at Blazing Needles because it’s fun and the employee discount is great. I am so excited to finally have the time to get the projects done. I’ve been meaning to do a total rewrite of all of my patterns, including rewriting the charts and making them uniform and more understandable. I’m excited to have the time to do that, and also to take on a lot more designing endeavors than I have been able to do in the past. It might be that I’ll have some tight months, but even if I have to wait tables or get a menial part-time job to help pay the bills, the prospect of doing something I love every day is a very strong motivator.
As I jump feet first into this, I am grateful for you all, for your support and for helping me feel like this community could buoy me up in times of sadness, and I am very grateful to my wonderful C. Encouraging, loving, believing in the best parts of me, and so supportive that I couldn’t ask for more.
Here we go….
M
TrackBack
TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://mimknits.com/wordpress/wp-trackback.php?p=509
Mim's blog RSS Feed
Comments
Congratulations! Its a scary, wonderful leap to take. I’m looking forward to seeing what you come up with!
Posted by: TheBon | January 9th, 2009 20:53
Congratulations on the career shift into full-time designing! I’ll be looking forward to following your designs on your blog, Ravelry and in the community!
Posted by: Dianna | January 9th, 2009 21:28
Congratulations!
Posted by: Jane | January 9th, 2009 21:33
Congrats!
Posted by: Chris | January 9th, 2009 21:43
Good for you! No matter what happens, I don’t think you’ll regret your decision. A little scared is better than bored, yes? Good luck.
Posted by: Luise | January 9th, 2009 22:34
What a fantastic leap! I wish you all the best in this new adventure. Have fun!
Posted by: Lynn | January 9th, 2009 23:05
Good luck Miriam! This is awesome news.
Posted by: Erin | January 9th, 2009 23:34
I am so happy for you (and maybe a little bit jealous.) Congratulations!
Posted by: Imbrium | January 10th, 2009 00:56
How exciting! Congratulations and enjoy the adventure of it!
Posted by: jane | January 10th, 2009 02:51
Congratulations – your designs are beautiful, and I look forward to seeing what you come up with next!
Posted by: Liz | January 10th, 2009 03:59
Yay! That’s wonderful – congratulations :) And you absolutely deserve to be happy, always.
Posted by: ysolda | January 10th, 2009 04:27
YAY for you!!!!
Posted by: Eva | January 10th, 2009 04:30
Congratulations. The Universe is smiling upon you. What an incredible gift – whole days for creativity!
Posted by: Bonnie | January 10th, 2009 06:11
I believe in you! Congratulations on your decision to be happy. Would that the rest of the world could make that choice, too. Looking forward to more wonder and beauty from you!
Posted by: Elizabeth L in Apex, NC | January 10th, 2009 06:30
I know you and that means I know you can make this work. I’m with you 1000%. Mwah!
Posted by: Carole | January 10th, 2009 06:54
What wonderful news! I suspect you’ll be better off for having made this choice, and I know the knitting world will be :)
Posted by: Georgiana | January 10th, 2009 07:18
That’s fabulous! Grab it by the horns, girl!
Posted by: Nora | January 10th, 2009 07:50
Congrats! And I promise to try to help support you through pattern purchases! :)
Posted by: Jenn | January 10th, 2009 07:57
Congrats! Of course you deserve it. It’s going to be a banner year for you!
Posted by: jillian | January 10th, 2009 08:08
Wow – so completely inspiring! The “safe” choices can be so hard to break out of. Congratulations and best of luck to you – you’re a very talented designer, you’ll do so well!
Posted by: mel | January 10th, 2009 08:21
Congratulations – how exciting!
Posted by: Jeanne | January 10th, 2009 08:25
Congratulations. More of us should be this brave.
Posted by: Amy | January 10th, 2009 09:14
Go for it! Congratulations!
Posted by: Heather Joins The Round | January 10th, 2009 09:26
You already know how I feel about it. :D
Rock on!
Posted by: Anne | January 10th, 2009 09:34
Congratulations! You are being so brave! You continue to inspire me.
Posted by: P-la | January 10th, 2009 09:38
Good Luck! I hope it will all go well and most importantly that you will enjoy it.
Posted by: Heather | January 10th, 2009 09:50
We took this leap almost ten years ago. Sometimes it was severely difficult, since we both own and work the business (photography studio). But there is no reward like being your own boss. ‘Course, no one else to blame for things, either!
You have a following, and network that. Use things like Ravelry, and set up a Facebook group. You’ll do great.
Posted by: Diana | January 10th, 2009 09:54
Wow! Congratulations on making the leap of faith. It’s hard not to let our fears run our lives, so I really admire your courage. Best of luck in your new endeavors!
Posted by: Cheryl S. | January 10th, 2009 10:00
That is wonderful! I wish you all the best of luck and hope things work out wonderfully!
Posted by: Linda | January 10th, 2009 10:12
Wow. That post really resonates with me and my husband. We both wish you the best of luck!
Posted by: Bex | January 10th, 2009 10:44
Congratulations!! I did just that 2 1/2 years ago. Even though it felt at the time like walking off a cliff into thin air, I have been continually amazed at the good things that happen when you choose to go where you belong, follow your true passions and talents and be what you love. It isn’t always easy in the financial sense, but the feeling of rightness and “ease” of mind is more than worth it.
Posted by: Ruth | January 10th, 2009 10:50
YAY for you, woman! I made the leap 3 years ago and though it is at times scary, it’s been totally worth it. I look forward to hearing where your new path takes you.
Posted by: caroline | January 10th, 2009 10:51
Good for you! I definitely know what a tough decision it can be to leave work and pursue other things, especially when your family is depending on you. But I think you’ll find it will be SO worth it! I’m really excited to see what you’ll come up with now that you’ll have so much more time.
Posted by: Kim | January 10th, 2009 11:38
Congrats! Looking forward to more of your wonderful designs. Best of luck!
Posted by: Sue H | January 10th, 2009 11:39
Woohoo!!! Go, you!
Posted by: Lee Ann | January 10th, 2009 12:29
Congratulations!
Posted by: Ühltje | January 10th, 2009 13:32
What great news! Congratulations and best of luck. I’m looking forward to see what you design next!
Posted by: Sarah | January 10th, 2009 16:05
Wow! I know exactly what you mean about taking safe jobs and I wish I had the guts to do what you have done. I hope I do someday. You should be really proud of yourself for daring to do this. I can’t wait to see your new designs.
Posted by: Libby | January 10th, 2009 16:11
Congratulations! I am sure you will succeed. Your designs are beautiful.
Posted by: Peggy | January 10th, 2009 16:35
mazel tov! it’s scary but quite invigorating. wishing you good things … i’m here to help you in whatever way i can..
Posted by: penny | January 10th, 2009 17:56
Best of luck to you! For a young woman, you’ve got it sorted out early. Good for you!
Posted by: Mady | January 10th, 2009 18:16
OMG! So freakin’ exciting Mim! Congratulations.
Posted by: caro | January 10th, 2009 21:12
Yay for you! The best of luck to you!
I’m a bit jealous, but I seriously cannot wait to see what you do with your newfound freedom and free time.
Posted by: Amanda | January 10th, 2009 21:14
You brave lady. You can always stay at my house if you need to. I have room. But somehow I think you will be fine.
Posted by: Claudia | January 10th, 2009 21:59
Congrats!!! :)
Posted by: Manda | January 10th, 2009 22:21
What a great idea! I know you will be getting lots of business from me. I love your designs and am looking forward to many more.
Posted by: Kathy Sue | January 11th, 2009 08:27
Scary! Brave! But well done. I wish you every success and shall follow your career and buy your lovely patterns too, I’m sure. Good fortune!
Posted by: ingrid | January 11th, 2009 09:21
Congratulations and best of luck!
Posted by: meg | January 11th, 2009 10:53
Wow! That is incredible. Congratulations! I know you are going to love it, and I have every confidence that you’ll find success in being happy at what you do, rather than making money doing something you dislike.
Posted by: not an artist | January 11th, 2009 12:33
Good for you! It’s important to take the steps that will make you happy! I’ll be cheering you on.
Posted by: Nicole | January 11th, 2009 12:38
Way to go!! That’s awesome, surely we knitters are all envious of you for the leap you’re taking!!
Posted by: Claire | January 11th, 2009 13:26
Good, excellent, fabulous, wonderful, luck wished to you!
Posted by: Anne | January 11th, 2009 14:08
That is superfreakin’ awesome and you will ROCK IT :)
I’m so excited for you!
Posted by: nametwin | January 11th, 2009 14:47
I wish you the best. Exciting and scary but you will be happy and that’s number one and you will be successful…
Posted by: Cathy Goldman | January 11th, 2009 16:41
Wow! Congratulations, that is awesome. Best wishes and I know you will do well. :)
Posted by: Magalie | January 11th, 2009 17:57
That’s awesome, Mim! I uit my full-time gig in 2007 to pursue more creative work, and I love working for me. GOod luck to you!
Posted by: Shannon | January 11th, 2009 17:58
good for you!!! i can’t wait to see what you have in store for us.
Posted by: dana | January 12th, 2009 09:51
Congratulations … get out there and live your dream! :)
Posted by: Kristi | January 12th, 2009 10:13
Well thank goodness! That whole job thing was really getting in the way of more patterns for your fans to buy, so this is wonderful news. (Because you know, it’s all about us!)
Posted by: Evelyn | January 12th, 2009 10:38
Congrats! I couldn’t be happier for you :) Such an exciting endeavor! I know this will make you truly happy!
Posted by: disentangled | January 12th, 2009 13:21
Congratulations! That’s a bold move to make. And as a consumer of knitting patterns, I’m happy you’re making it. Good luck with it.
Posted by: connie | January 13th, 2009 11:15
Oh, Mazel Tov!!! All the best, darlin’ — you deserve it!
Posted by: Norma | January 13th, 2009 22:28
this is so exciting! congratulations – i have no doubt that you’re going to enjoy your time off :)
Posted by: mai | January 14th, 2009 21:12
Hurray! I am really excited for you and know you have the talent to make this work for you. I am wishing you the very best and look forward to purchasing more of your patterns and being inspired by your creativity.
Best! P. S. I made the trek to Blazing Needles for the first time and really loved it.
Posted by: Claudine | January 15th, 2009 16:00
Ok, I know I’m a little late to the game, but… WOOT WOOT! Congratulations and bravo!
Posted by: Kate | January 18th, 2009 15:41
Wow! I’m so happy for you! This is something I, too, hope to do one day. I give you major props for taking the leap, and wish you all the best of luck and happiness! Congrats!
Posted by: Nonnahs | January 19th, 2009 12:27