What an ironic prompt for today. Throughout the past few months, I’ve said no to multiple job offerings in pursuit of my ultimate goal: being my own boss.
Past:
I left my previous job in hopes of finding a workplace environment that was suited to my values. I found a place that was hiring, but at the time it was only seasonal/part time employment. Their busy season, which was during harvest, was rapidly approaching. They said there would be a full time position opening up as soon they opened their new facility. I jumped on it and haven’t looked back since.
This job is great, but now that it’s slow, there is a lot of downtime. Because of that, I reached out to another potential employer, asking if they needed any seasonal/part time help as well. Their busy season started at the beginning of the year. I sent a “cold” email to inquire about working for them and what do ya know…it worked! I’ve been helping them out part time, as well.
Present:
For the past several months, I’ve been bouncing back and forth between the 2 jobs. I was really questioning myself at first, wondering if I was crazy. Now that I’m accustomed to it, it’s working out just fine. I don’t feel obligated to take work home with me, I’m able to focus on what matters to me in life, and I have more motivation and drive to pursue my personal goals. I’m able to be myself without the pressure or influence of others to change. I can be the “me” that I want to be.
Remember that full time position that was mentioned earlier? Well, this past month it was ready to be filled. After realizing how I was enjoying part time work, I wasn’t even going to apply for it, ready to ride whatever waves the universe was to throw my way. My employer was shocked, to say the least, and encouraged me to at least throw my hat in the ring. I agreed; what could it hurt? I applied and interviewed for the position. Afterwards, my employer asked me (off the record) if I had wanted this position to which I said, “I wouldn’t be heartbroken if I didn’t get it. I’m fine right where I’m at and if there is someone else better suited for the job, they should get it.” Needless to say, someone else was hired for the position and I am right where I was before: content, yet thriving. It’s not that I didn’t think I was capable of said position, but I felt that my talents and gifts would have gone wasted had I gotten the job; it didn’t ignite my spark.
I say this question is ironic, because just yesterday, an associate from my previous job reached out and offered me a position at their location. I was extremely flattered, and briefly considered it. (Nothing gives you a confidence boost like an out of the blue job offer, right?) I talked it over with my husband and he thought I should consider it. It meant we would have to move, start our daughter at a new school, he would have to transfer to another location, and everything else that comes with it.
As we continued to discuss it, I came to the realization that just because I’m good at something, that doesn’t mean that’s what I want to do. I knew that had I accepted this position, I would end up putting my personal goals aside, which I do not intend to do. I told myself that once I started this journey, I was not going to give up. It’s time to put my wants and needs first. I thanked them and and kindly turned down the position, but mentioned I would be honored to partner with them, offering my services if they were interested.
Future:
I went from one full time job, to one part time, to 2 part time jobs, then finally to 2 part time jobs and a few side jobs. I’m sure some people are scratching their heads thinking, What about benefits? Or job security? How are you paying bills? For me, I have a benefit that can’t be achieved with a full time job: freedom and flexibility. As far as job security goes, I’m not too worried about it. Life finds a way of making things work out for your highest good. As long as I continue to have faith and work hard to make my dreams come true, the universe shall continue to unravel the path I am meant to travel. As far as bills, we make enough to save and pay for the essentials, cutting out all the extra crap we don’t need.
I’m just at the beginning of my journey, and I have learned a lot so far. I have much yet to learn, but I am excited and looking forward to it.
If you have any tips, words of wisdom or advice, share it in the comments below!
What are your thoughts on the matter?