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Change of plans!

Happy Monday, everyone! You might have noticed that I've been blogging, pinning, posting, tumbling, and tweeting quite a bit more this past week so let's cut to the chase: I quit my job and I'm moving on to greener pastures! Sometimes you just know when something isn't a good fit and have to acknowledge that your head and your heart are pulling you in a different direction. I'm grateful for the learning experience and excited to reconnect with the things I love: blogging, writing, and a few other fun projects that I have up my sleeve! 
Because I'll be spending some time on these projects before thinking about looking for a full-time job, I'd love to hear from any of you who are or have been self-employed. What is the most rewarding aspect and what is your biggest challenge? I would be so happy to hear from you!


{image via Note to Self}

37 comments:

Helena - A Diary of Lovely said...

Impressive decision Mackenzie, well done for being so brave and following your heart! best of luck in your new adventures! xo

Alex {Things That Sparkle} said...

It feels so good to be in control of your life! Congratulations on knowing what is best for you. It took me 2 years in advertising to realize it wasn't a life long career, and a small freak out to realize interior design was my real soul mate. There has not been a single day that I have regretted my decision. If you ever want to talk more, let me know!! Good luck to you! Exciting things are ahead. xoxo

katie carlin said...

Good for you for being proactive and making changes early on! You are so talented and you will figure it all out! xx Katie

http://dailycrushes.blogspot.com

GlamourCoach said...

Good luck, Mackenzie!

Shannon Darrough said...

You know my thoughts ... I will not write you another novel, BUT I will tell you this: YOU CAN DO IT! So proud of you, Mackenzie!

Libby B said...

Congratulations! Life is too short to stay somewhere just for the sake of staying. I am excited to see what is next for you... I know it will be fabulous :-)

Unknown said...

I did it. I quit my FT job and started my own business. I was rough, very rough. I worked hard, long hours and had a newborn. I remember crying most nights, worrying about if I was "wasting" my time and money. If I could go back (I wouldn't go back) but if I HAD to, I would do it all over again. It is harder but the rewards are greater. If you need ideas, tips, helpful hints, I have made every mistake under the sun and would be happy to share! All the best to you.

Yanira
http://manolosmanicuresthismom.blogspot.com/

Angel Court Jewels said...

Owning my own business is the best thing I've ever done!!! It means that I'm doing what I love and get to travel all the time. The only down side is that you spend way more hrs working. Even when you're off you're not really off.

xoxo,
Courtney

Karlita said...

Congratulations Mackenzie for quitting on what you knew you didn't want! its not an easy decision in this tough economy!.. I wish I could give you an advice but I am still in the planning phase of "my business". Good luck!

Lindsey said...

I'm not a blogger, just a blog stalker, but I say go for it! If you decide you want a desk job in the future you can certainly go back to it. It's much harder when you're older!

Courtney Elizabeth said...

Congratulations! Keep us posted on your experiences with self-employment; it's a dream of mine, but I'm not ready to take the plunge quite yet!

Anonymous said...

I'm so impressed with your decision! Having decided to transfer colleges last year, I know how it can feel quitting something -- like everyone is going to judge you and criticize you on your decision. But at the end of the day, following your heart really is the most important thing and I've been pleasantly surprised with how supportive everyone is! Your blog is absolutely fantastic (it always brightens my day!) and I can't wait to see what kind of projects you have in store. Best of luck!
- Cat
www.catziac.wordpress.com

Unknown said...

Congrats!!! You figuring this out at this point in your life is fabulous...took me 11 years as a teacher to sort out that it wasn't the best fit- here's to you finding the PERFECT fit for you!!! xo

Grace (The Stripe) said...

Congratulations... happiness has to be first priority, good for you for figuring that out and making the switch! Best of luck.

kate @ be merry, kate said...

Congrats and best of luck! I have no advice on being self-employed as I sit here in my cubicle home, but I wish you all of the best. Can't wait to see where you go from here!

*kate

HAMPTON HOSTESS said...

Good for you! Sometimes you just have to follow your heart :)

Barbara

Gloria said...

What exciting news! Following your dreams can only lead to good things :-)

Julia - the Urban Slant said...

so inspiring to hear that you CAN do what you want. I'm in the same place right now, and need to just move forward and do what I love. I can't wait to hear more about what you have planned. Best of luck!

Kat said...

Congrats!! A dear friend of mine just quit her job as a creative director for a magazine. She is in the same boat you are... making a new path. As stressful as it might get, have fun! For this might be your greatest adventure!

Clipe Colorate said...

Good for you! U made the right decision and i admire your courage for doing that. This is also my current dream but unfortunately i cant do that or else i'll have nothing to live on. I dont know where else to head for, but what i know is that i want something to wake for in the morning with a smile on my face.

Anonymous said...

good luck!
xo emily

victoria | vmac+cheese said...

Hi Mackenzie! Just wanted to send over my own words of congrats and support! I had a very similar experience straight out of school. My best advice to you if you're serious about freelancing is learning how to cope with all the tough times. It's so easy to become filled with self-doubt. Do NOT give up on yourself! If you keep focusing on your goals and can really crystallize what it is you want, then you'll get there. Promise! Cheers to you and the future!

Chic Coles said...

Congratulations Mackenzie! I recently quit my job that I had for over a year and a half (I got it right after graduation) and literally felt a huge weight lift off my shoulders. At the moment, while I am trying to figure out my next major move, I am working for myself (nothing beats being self-employed...your own hours etc.) and doing some part-time marketing/social media for an interior designer. While it is extremely daunting the idea that you don't have a full time job with a steady bi-weekly paycheck, if you don't love what you do, that can be even more stressful.

The biggest challenge I have as my own boss is making sure I set a schedule for myself. There are times when I would love to sleep in (and believe me, I have) but getting into a routine is very helpful. The most rewarding aspect of it all, is knowing that I am creating my own business and making it work!

Best of luck to you!

-Melissa

Maggie Rose said...

You are going to be awesome! Can't wait to see what great things are ahead for you.

xo Maggie

Unknown said...

Best of luck Mackenzie!

Julip Made said...

Congrats on making a tough decision. You definitely are good at what you do here on this blog of yours and if you can turn that into a career, I applaud you. Best wishes for your future endeavors! xo

Full House said...

I am so happy for you to experience things at such a young age so that you can have it all figure out by the time you turn 25;-)

Good luck and you know I will be following along on your journey/

Vanessa Stern said...

Go get it kid!

tara - as long as its fancy said...

It took a few years in finance to realize that job security doesnt make you as happy as following your dreams. It is going to be hard, but happiness is always worth the work.

http://theloveofglitter.blogspot.com/

Bold and Beautiful said...

I know I am late reading this post, however I think you made a wise move and I guess we should all be following our hearts. You are so talented and very creative and I love your blog!!! I wish you the best!!!

Shannon

sharmin said...

Congratulations!!! I wish you all the best. It takes courage to follow your heart, and it's worth it!!!

Unknown said...

Yay! So proud of you and excited to see all of the open doors ahead. You are such a talent and I have no doubt in your personal success. It is such a liberating feeling to take control of your life, and worth every ounce of doubt. The outcome is so fantastic! xoxo

Dana Gastelum said...

Congratulations! I just did the SAME thing a few months ago and have not regretted my decision for a single second! I realized that life is too short to be unhappy at a job, and let's face it, job's take up a huge chunk of our lives. I'm just trying to figure out what it is exactly that I want to do ha! Good luck with everything, it is SO worth it! :)

Fargerike Dagny said...

Congrats!! Rooting for you all the way from Norway!

xx
dagny

Unknown said...

What bravery! Best wishes, Mackenzie. Follow your dreams!

Marcus Design said...

Congrats on following your heart & your dreams, I wish I could be half as brave as you. I will keep working towards it! Wishing you much success in your next steps :)
Nancy xo

PDC said...

Mackenzie - I'm late to this post but I just want to say that I applaud your courage. When we move away from things that aren't right for us, we only move towards the things that are. And when you do what's right for you, the universe has a way of making it easier, opening up....I can't wait to see what's in store for you

.....

Our deepest fear is not that we are
inadequate, our deepest fear is that we
are powerful beyond measure.

It is our light, not our darkness that
most frightens us. We ask ourselves,

“Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous,
talented and fabulous?” Actually, who
are you NOT to be?

......