For years I have wanted to quit my job to write full time. I published my first book back in 2017. Since then have been working on the second book with every shred of spare time I had; regardless of whether or not I actually had the mental and creative energy for it. I wasn’t just burning the candle at both ends, I was trying to relight the ashes of what used to be a candle wick; which had long since stopped resembling a device of light, and had become a dark abyss of stress, anxiety, and guilt.
Instead of being excited to have loyal readers who were showing interest in my next book, everytime someone asked about it I wanted to vomit. I couldn’t believe it was taking me so long to finish the book, and get it to them to read. I was also really frustrated with what work I had done, because it really wasn’t my best. I knew I could do better and I desperately wanted to, I just didn’t have the time.
2020 came like an oasis to me. I know so many people struggled and had the hardest year of their lives, but for me it was a much needed wake up call; a chance to catch my breath and really look around. I felt strongly convicted that I was wasting my time, and that I wasn’t doing what I was made to do. Whether you believe in a creator or not, if you’ve ever felt like you have a calling, and you’ve ignored it, you know what I felt! I knew deep down to my bones that something needed to change, and it was going to be drastic.
Thankfully, I am a saver, so I had some money set aside. I decided it was time to take a leap of faith, and leave my day job, and try writing full time. My goal was to finally get my second book out, and fast! I didn’t want it to take as long for the third book in the series to come out, so I would work toward getting that out faster, too. I also wanted to have time to really study the publishing industry and book marketing the way I knew I needed to, in order to be effective at marketing.
I left my job on April 2nd, and haven’t looked back once. The gut wrenching feeling of fear, regret, and uncertainty I expected, never came. I have been full throttle; waking up every morning so full of excitement I’ve been “clocking in” at 6:30am and some nights working until 11:45… You know what, none of it has felt like work. I have enjoyed every second of this learning experience, and can FINALLY say that I love my life! I truly understand what they mean when they say, “If you find a job you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.” I have never been so productive, and it has never been more fun!
That being said, I am not actually “making a living” at this yet. I am living off my side hussle and a part time job. But, I can honestly say, I know this is what I was made for, and am meant to do. I love it! I show up and I put in the work. I am nothing if not curious and determined; a deadly combination for figuring this thing out and learning how to make it sustainable. I have no doubt that I will get there someday, because I intend to. When I intend to do something, I figure it out, and I MAKE IT HAPPEN.
If this is something you’ve been dreaming of, I highly encourage you to figure out what you need to do to get there, because the water is great, and you really need to jump in this deep end!
If you’re curious about how I was able to quit, I won’t go into it here, but I did make a YouTube video about it, I’ll stick that in here if you’re curious.
Whatever your dreams are, remember, we only get this one life, and we aren’t guaranteed how long it will be. There’s no more time to waste on fear, uncertainty, or insecurity. Figure it out, learn what you’re unsure of, whatever you need to do to start moving forward, do it! Because if you’re not moving forward, you’re not living up to your full potential. Don’t cheat yourself, or the rest of us, of your full potential. You have so much to offer, and it is your duty to show up and do it.
I’m here with the tough love if you need it. I want to see you show up for yourself. You owe it to yourself to try. So, go do it.
Love you guys!
Bee
brandyange.me 