WHAT I LEARNED IN THE SIX MONTHS AFTER I QUIT MY JOB

Aug 17, 2017

I can't believe that it's already been officially six months since I quit my job without having another. It has definitely been a journey for sure, but I wouldn't trade it for the world. I have learned so many life lessons through the ups and the downs and the good and the bad. Since a lot of you guys have been asking for a life update and what has been going on since I quit my job, I figured I'd give you a quick update and share with you a few things that I have learned along the way.


So many amazing things have happened in six months. My last day of work was February 17. On February 22, I got engaged to my best friend and in eight short weeks, I planned my entire DIY wedding and we got married on April 22. On top of planning a wedding within those first two months of quitting my job, I was working on updating my blog with amazing content that you would actually want and have been reading! I was hard at work increasing my blog stats and increasing my social media presence in order to give full-time blogging a real shot.


After the wedding, as the Summer months arrived quickly, I nannied for a little extra $$$ to hold us over until the blog started to take off. Starting in June, I started to get noticed by brands that wanted me to collaborate with them and pay me! I couldn't believe it--my hard work was literally paying off. In July, the sponsorships started to pick up and I scored three more within two weeks! August has been quite similar. I have had another three collaborations and I couldn't be more excited to see where my blog takes me.

I may not be making a "full-time" income from blogging just yet, but for six months time, my blog has seriously taken off. I've gone from my Mama and best friend reading my blog to hundreds and sometimes thousands per day from all around the world. It's only going to grow from here and I am so happy that you have chosen to follow along on my journey with me. 


One // Never give up on your dreams

We only have one life to live and I plan on living mine to the fullest. If you have a dream, don't just dream it. Get off your booty, hustle hard, and make your dreams happen.

Two // The journey isn't always easy 

It hasn't been all rainbows and butterflies, that's for sure. I mean, essentially, I left a very comfortable paycheck to live my life and see what else life had to offer me, and holy cow that was so hard. But, remember, nothing easy is worth having. I don't want anything handed to me and I want to know in my heart that I worked my butt off to get where I am today.

Three // People will doubt you, and that's okay

Not everyone will support your decision if you decide to quit your job, especially without having another, and that's completely okay. It's your life to live not theirs. I had so many people doubt that my blog would ever take off and that I was living in my little own dream world. Well, to all my haters, I'm living my dream. I work from home and in six short months I'm already halfway to my first income goal. I am lucky enough to have unconditional support from my husband, my parents & siblings, and even my church family, and that's enough for me. 

Four // At times, it's scary and you're not sure what's next, but somehow it all works out

Sometimes you don't know what's next or what you're going to do if your dream doesn't necessarily work out, but I promise you, go hard after your dreams. It is bound to work out if you work hard enough and want it hard enough. I'm in another lull again because my part-time nanny gig I had for the Summer ends in two days and I'm not sure where my extra income is coming from, but I'm trusting in God and in myself that I can do this. 

Five // Money is no issue

Okay, you probably think I'm crazy, but seriously. Money should never be an issue if you are truly following your dream. You definitely want to be smart about it and have money saved up in case of a money emergency, but in the last six months, we have never missed a bill and we have been able to pay them all in full. Sure, money might be a little tighter than it used to be, but when I am worrying even the slightest bit, God reminds me that He provides and we must follow our purpose and trust wholeheartedly in Him. I'm not kidding you when I think we might not make a bill or we're short a few hundred bucks--I get a call to nanny or a sponsorship payment comes in a few days early. I swear, it couldn't be any more perfect.

I hope you feel encouraged today. I just don't want to see anyone I know give up on their dreams. Life is too short, so live it well my friends.

Stay Classy. 
xx, 
Kristen

29 comments

  1. Great post! I quit my job in April and I've worked on blogging full-time ever since. So I truly get how exciting it can be to grow your platform and see where your blogging journey will take you!

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  2. This is speaking straight to me! I love your confidence in this! I keep thinking of applying to other jobs that are more in my career but sometimes interviews are during my current work times so I was thinking of the what ifs of quitting.

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    1. It's definitely a crazy journey, but in a REALLY good way! There's nothin wrong with taking a day off to interview! ;)

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  3. This is so relatable for me ! I totally agree with you thanks for sharing !

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  4. So, so good! It's not always easy, but it's worth the journey!

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  5. Oh, thank you SO much for this. I have been struggling lately trying to figure out what I want for my life and this post really spoke to me!

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  6. Sounds like you landed on your feet...good luck in the coming months.

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  7. Wow! I really admire you for taking that major step. I'm so glad it is working out for you:)

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  8. i love the point about people doubting you! I think it's so true and always a little surprising when people you think would support you start questioning. It important to remember its usually because they care and just dont understand.

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    1. OH that is so, SO good, Rachel! "It important to remember it's usually because they care and just don't understand." LOVE this.

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  9. One of the hardest things is that doubt that will loom. It's crazy how people close in your life could be the worst supporters of something you want to do, "because they care about you." Yeah, ok. I've brought up my blog to my dad maybe 5 times since I started and he doesn't ask any questions at all. He thinks it is just something to keep me busy while I am not teaching. It sucks & hurts! But, focusing on the people that DO care, like my husband and closest friends, is what gets us through sometimes xx

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    1. YES! Always focus on those that support you--the others will (hopefully) come around! Plus, you know I support you! <3

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  10. So glad to hear that the last 6 months have been full of so many wonderful things! Keep it up!

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  11. So glad that you've had a great 6 months! It sounds like you've had a very exciting year so far!

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    1. Thank you so much, Anna! It's been super exciting, for sure!

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  12. It's scary but somehow it all works out! That's what I am trying to remember right now!

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    1. Yes! Always remember that, because it really does all work out! :)

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  13. I love your lessons, especially your point about people doubting you. No matter what you decide, there will always be someone who thinks you shouldn't be doing what you're doing, so why let it bother you? Do it for yourself!

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    1. YES! For sure! Letting it bother us will only hold us back!

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  14. Yes to all of these - they are such awesome points! Congrats on growing your blog!

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  15. I love the last one. God will definitely provide. I'm currently creating a plan for my exit strategy. I hope you blog continues to grow!

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    1. YES! And He truly does provide, always and always. I am so amazed each and every month and thank you so much! <3

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