Yesterday I put in notice at my job.
I am at once hopeful, excited, scared shitless, energetic, and faithful.
This day has been some time in the making. I have known for a while that it was not the right path, that I didn’t belong there, and that I wasn’t pursuing what was most passionate to me. It’s been hard. It’s been hard for me to hear people say “you should be grateful just to have a job” because I KNOW. Without that stability over the last year and a half, I don’t know what we would have done when Ryan was laid off (without possibility of unemployment benefits) for nearly a year. And while I’ve been grateful for the comfort that afforded me, I do not encourage anyone to stay in a job if the main reason is because someone else tells you “you’re lucky to have it”. It’s not good for the soul.
And I’ve stuck it out, but I’m elated today because finally the time is right to venture onto my true path, interior design.
Do I have it all figured out? No. Do I know for sure that decorating will pay all my bills in the next six months? No. Am I prepared to work at the coffee shop down the street to make ends meet? Yes.
So, what’s next? I’ve lined up some freelance work as kind of a design assistant. I’m also taking on more clients (so especially if you’re in the Seattle area, let’s talk!), both locally and online. I’ll be setting up a client referral reward system. I have some photo shoots up my sleeve and some event design. If I have to pick up something part time to fill the gaps, I will (and I’m sure it will be necessary at some point before I am booked full-time). I’m also excited to spend more time on the blog, more time on the shop, more time connecting with local designers and creatives, and am open to the possibilities! My last day is May 31st. I have some major work projects to wrap up and hand off, but I’ll still be here, five days a week, and with even more goodies and excitement in store.
I am by nature a planner. For the first time, I’m not exactly sure what is ahead of me a few months down the pipeline. But I’ve been strangely zen about that – I just have faith that great things are coming. I’m welcoming them with open arms! You know when you just KNOW? I KNOW that this is the right move for me now, even though the details are still hazy. And yes, I’m slightly terrified and wondering if I’m crazy from time to time and have doubts and fears. But it’s time to DO something that I’m passionate about and that energizes me and makes me want to jump out of bed in the morning and get to work.
And a huge, big warm fuzzy hug to all of my readers and fellow-bloggers, especially the long-timers, and particularly to these lovely people: Laura, Jackie, Jill, Deanna, Christina, Jess, Michelle, Cassandra, and Kelly Beall. Thank you ALL for your support, emails, twitter-hugs, pom pom shaking, and tough love. I would not be here today with the confidence I have without you.
Much love and gratitude, Maggie
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From someone who just went through that a year or so ago, you’ll be SO happy about the decision you’ve made! Best wishes!
HURRAY! You are gonna rock it!!
Congrats, Maggie! I’m sure you are excited!
Congrats, what an exciting opportunity you have!! Xo, Katie
So happy for you! I’m excited to see where this takes you!
I’m here to support you every step of the way! Congratulations on this big move. I’m excited to watch this new journey unfold!
YAY!! CONGRATULATIONS!!! It’s going to be fantastic!
CONGRATULATIONS! What a big, brave step to take towards making The Dream happen! I did the same thing almost exactly a month ago, and am in love with life now that I’m free of the job I didn’t love.
Wishing you all the best through the transition!
Maggie! Congrats to you!! As I’ve said before…you are amazing, and keep me inspired too. I’m so happy for you! xox
So exciting Maggie! I’m eager to see where this will take you… great places, I’m sure!
Congratulations, Ms. Maggie Morgan! You have now made your bold move in the family tradition of pursuing your passions. Such decisions have led each of us to where we are today, and we’re all happier (if sometimes a bit impoverished) people because we’ve followed our chosen paths. Welcome to the sometimes scary, but ultimately liberating and soul-sustaining, world of “Jumping Off the Deep End with Faith that All Will Be Well.” You will be fine. I know you’ll be much happier than you’ve been, and sometimes that’s more important than anything else. You have stepped forward to reclaim what the poet Mary Oliver refers to as “… your one wild and precious life…” I’m so proud of you!!!
Much love,
Mom
(one who reminded you how lucky you were to have a good job in these economic times)
Maggie,
What a huge step! Very exciting and yet terrifying at the same time. I sort of had a similar experience this past year when I left my job of 5 years to go back to graduate school full time. My family asked if I had lost my mind! But I am doing this for me and I couldn’t be happier. I wish you all the best in your new adventure! You are very talented so things should work out well for you!
Lauren
Way to go Maggie! That is so exciting!
I’m sure it must be very scary, but you will do great!
Congrats Maggie! I have no doubt in my mind that you will be successful in your future endeavors. You are talented and brilliant! I’m excited for you! XOXO!
I literally just shouted “YAY!”
Be confident- because you have the skills and creative spark to back it up. Good things are coming! (And now that we’re both on our own schedules, I’m going to start pestering you about collaborative projects!
)
I have chills I’m so excited for you!
YAAAAAY
I know you will do great and people will be lining up to hire you! I have no idea what it feels like to do what you’ve just done but I can only imagine how terrifyingly wonderful it must feel.
I can’t wait until it’s my turn.
Super huge ‘congratulations’ to you!
It’s been such a long time coming! Congrats! And I totally choked up at your mom’s comment-such sweet words!
Congratulations and best of luck!!
I hope I can follow in your footsteps in a year or two.
I wish I had your guts Maggie! I wish you all the best in your new adventure! Keep on doing what you’re doing and I’m sure you’ll succeed. I always enjoy reading your posts
and when I can afford a designer I know who I’ll turn to.
Congratulations!! Best of luck to you.
You = amazing! I’m so, so proud of you, Maggie—life is short, and I’m so glad that you’re choosing to follow your dreams now. I have no doubt that you’ll be fabulously successful.
Huge congrats, Maggie! Can’t wait to feast my eyes on even more decorating schemes and maybe some more DIY tutorials! You are such a brave and dedicated lady!
as someone who has been contemplating my job situation for awhile now, i admire your passion in this endeavor. you’re going to be great!!!
That is awesome! I’m so happy for you! I quit a job like that once and it felt soo good. Now I’m ready to do it again
It will all work out, you have it in you I can tell.
I’m so excited for you, girl! I know this is really your passion and you will rock at whatever you do (: We need to catch up before I leave for summer!
I admire you! I stayed at the same job for 12 years knowing on the FIRST day that it wasn’t for me. Many happy blessings to you as you follow your passion.
You can do it Maggie! There will be times when it sucks but you’ll be happier in the long run. Saw your apartment on DTI today, looks awesome!
Congratulations, my dear!!!
I’m so happy for you. I know how hard you have worked at this and I know that from everything we’ve shared that you have what it takes to make this work. Just keep going when the times are challenging. Things will work out!
I applaud you! I’ve been going through the same process for the last six months. KNOWING I don’t belong but at my job. I just haven’t taken the leap of faith to quit and pursue a passion. I think about up and leaving every day, to do what I don’t know. It’s like I was meant to read this post on this day. Today is the first day I’ve read your blog. I got here via desiretoinspire.net. A sign? Could be… Congratulations!
Congrats! What a big change for you. Wonderful things will come your way. I am exited for you both and look forward to seeing new ideas and news from you. -Good Luck-
Go with your DREAMS.
Love you, Suzie (MOM)
I’m so late with my congratulations!!! All the best to you! Such an exciting time and you will do great!
Congratulations!! I’m currently doing the PT-at-a-coffee shop thing and it’s actually kind of fun. Best of luck to you!
Congratulations, Maggie! I wrote a similar blog 3 years ago!! I completely understand and I have not looked back since I quit my job three years ago to pursue my passion! Has it been challenging… YES! Do I regret doing what I did… NO! I am like you, I will work at the local coffee shop or beauty retail chain before I go back to a job I hate while not utilizing my real talent and creative skills. You can do it, Maggie! Stay focused and don’t look back! You’ve made the first move and the rest will fall into place! I’m rooting for you! By the way, I found you on Apartment Therapy! I love the inspiration board over your desk. Is that a DIY or a purchase. I love that and would like to know how I may obtain one just like it? Thank you and sending you positive vibes and best wishes! You’re talented and will be just fine! Hugs from a far! -Tamiko (a new friend)
Congrats! That’s great news!! You can do it!!! What an exciting time for you!
You’ll be fine, it’s only normal to be scared You’ll be a success!!
Sometimes you just have to go with your gut. Congratulations on listening to your heart! I have faith you’ll be a success!
Just found you through MML and I’m already hooked! I’m currently at the threshold you were at back in April – knowing this is the right move for me even though there are details that remain unknown. I’m excited to see where your journey takes you!
Hi Maggie- I also just found you through MML, and your thoughts truly resonated with me! I am on a countdown to say goodbye to my job. I dont know what will be next, but I know that I am my harshest critic so I will need to learn to give myself and life a chance! (Im so blessed to have a supportive hubby, who is ready & willing to help me find my calling!)