Perspective On Launching My Flexible Work Lifestyle

Today is going to be a great day, because I designed it.

So many people are started side hustles and have ambitions to get out of a typical 9-5. I was that person up until May of 2020. I worked my 40+ hours and then spent the majority of my free time working on a podcast. Any time I had to think, it was desperately wishing I was making enough to quit my job and live my dreams.

It was driving me batshit crazy and I was miserable!

After working on various side projects since 2016, I made the decision to quit my high paying corporate job at an Investment Bank in HR a few months ago.

After reading Everything Is Figureoutable by Marie Forleo, I had the epiphany that I could quit now. There really wasn’t anything holding me back. I knew I could figure out how to make it work.

Since May I have been the happiest I have been since I can remember. Here’s what I have learned in the last few months after leaving.

1. You need less than you think to be happy - Have you ever heard the saying the more money you make, the more you spend? Or like Diddy says “Mo money, mo problems” (sorry, I love some late 90’s hip hop). Well it’s so true. Before I quit I was constantly looking for ways to spend my money. It’s like I was trying to find ways to make myself happy because I hated how I spent my time during the week. I still love traveling and a happy hour with friends, but I don’t need it as often as I did.

2. People’s opinions aren’t my problem - As a recovering people pleaser (read more here) I struggle with caring a bit too much about what people think. Right after I quit I was getting people reaching out to me asking what I was doing, I was getting feedback from people I used to work with that they were scared for me, I think my family thought I was going crazy. What I have come to realize is that their opinions are theirs and I can’t let it affect me. They are not me. They don’t have the same dreams, interests and goals that I do. There isn’t anything wrong with the way they think, but it isn’t my truth. Now I can hear these comments, but let them go.

3. There are so many opportunities out there - My plan when I quit was to transition to work that was more flexible. I did not want to be tied to an office, set hours or more than 25 hours a week to one employer. Within a few weeks I had several job interviews for exactly what I was looking for. I am excited to say I found two totally flexible positions that not only let me set my hours and work from home, they also allow me to give back. An important aspect for me was to be doing work that was meaningful. Be open to alternative working arrangements to transition to a full time pursuit of your goals.

I am 100 % certain there will be more to learn along the way. I know there will be challenges along the way. I will probably wish I never quit a few times and have wishful thinking back to a time when I got a paycheck every two weeks! But I am confident this was the best decision for me.

If you are inspired to take action on your dream life, take it from me that it’s a possibility! You can do whatever you put your mind to. Get clear on your desires and what you are willing to sacrifice to make them a reality.