Two Years Self-Employed

It has officially been two years since I quit my day job. I remember my last day of work, driving out of the parking lot, windows down, music up, the “holy shit, I’m doing this” feeling. The truth is, I still have that feeling. Sure, over the past two years I have developed a bit of a schedule, my days are often routine, going from one thing to the next. But I’m still doing it for myself. By myself (except my wonderful assistant, Mo, who comes about once a week to help process wholesale orders). Just that thought is still exhilarating to me. I am doing this.

Thinking about how this anniversary was coming, I looked back at some old blog posts. I read about the day I quit my day job, and even my first day of self employment. (Which, by the way (tangent), can I just say that my whole “getting dressed every morning” probably lasted a week or so? I had read this as a suggested tip for people who are self employed, and you know what I say about that now? Fuck it. Where whatever you want. Where what you feel comfortable in. Why would I sit at a computer screen in jeans with the band digging into my stomach all tight when I could be wearing pajama shorts? Why put on makeup when I have no one to impress? Maybe it’s just me, but instead of telling you what you should wear, or even DO, throughout self employment….I’m saying this. Do whatever makes you feel good. For me, that is comfy pants and no makeup. And then, when a date night comes or a big event, and I DO get schmancy, well it feels extra special.

Ok, done with that tangent, sorry. :p

Anyways, it was fun to read over the beginning and the milestones over the past two years. While I feel like there is so much more out there to accomplish, I do feel like I have  conquered some things I wouldn’t have imagined,  like traveling out of state for a craft show, or speaking at a blogging event, or that time I was on TV. (Still, WHAT??)

There is a sense of pride but there is also the fear of it all ending. While fear too often can hold people back, I also believe fear can drive us, if we let it. I have some big things I’m reaching for in the future and while I’m pretty terrified at the thought, I do it anyways. Just last night actually, I “went for” something big, texted my girls all “omgomg.” Fingers crossed it works out, but if it doesn’t, I can at least say I went for it, despite my fears.

Thanks for hanging out with me these last two years (or more!!). xo JA