It’s time to update you on the circus that is my life. You might remember I was laid off from my job in marketing three months ago. If you don’t, I’d like to know your tips for magically erasing such events from ones mind, because it’s been all-consuming here on my end.
The internet is bursting at the seams with life mantras, preaching at you to go for it and everything will fall into place. I didn’t go for it – I was more or less shoved – and things didn’t exactly fall into place for me, until now.
I was flipping through the May issue of SELF magazine recently (talk about being behind) and I read an article written by Emma Straub, a novelist, who said, “Too much freedom, I found, can feel as stifling as too little – purposeless and desperate.”
While we’re at it, this Levo Leauge article also resonated with me. Jessica Knoll, author of Luckiest Girl Alive said, “If you suddenly quit your job and have all this free time to devote to your passion project, I just don’t think you’re going to be as motivated to work on it. I think you’re actually going to feel really overwhelmed and like you don’t know where to start because you have too much time on your hands.”
This is precisely where I found myself. Overwhelmed and unsure. I thrive on being busy and the workload I created for myself wasn’t cutting it. So…
I got a new job.
And let me tell ya, the past two and a half weeks have been a true testament to the amount of work that goes into blogging – not to mention working full-time, maintaining a social life, working out and taking the necessary time to unplug and recharge. A moment of silence for my sanity, please.
I’ve found myself in a position where I’ll be writing, editing and managing projects within a corporate communications department. It’s a few blocks from our apartment (hallelujah, no commute!), the hours are great and it just felt right, ya know? Best of all, I have a renewed sense of motivation to grow and nurture this little side hustle of mine.
I’m of the belief that if you ever get to a place where you feel like you have it all figured out, you’ve stopped learning and subsequently, stopped growing. No matter what I’m doing in life, I always want to be bettering myself. That is my new mantra.
So that’s where I’m at. Right here, right now.
Top photo by Sarah Sweeney Co.
Woooo new job! I’m really glad to read this perspective. It’s definitely a different one than what’s out there, but it really resonates. Congrats, friend!! xx
Annie Reeves
Woo, thanks girlfriend!
Woo hoo! Congrats, Jess. Sometimes it’s necessary to unplug and really focus on getting settled in a new opportunity.
Thank you so much! Agreed 🙂 I wish it was a billion degrees out so we could walk!
Congrats, Jess! I know we have yet to meet – but I can tell you have such a hard work ethic and do a fabulous job on your blog. You’re going to keep rocking it professionally and as a blogger. You go girl!
Thank you, Katie! That means a lot to me 🙂
I completely agree! The more I have going on the better I am at juggling it! But give me free time and I will give you procrastination city! ha! Congrats on the new job!!
Haha, totally. Glad I’m not alone 😉 Thank you so much, Gentry!
This is seriously exactly what I needed today. So excited to hear about your new job and I’m lovin the new mantra! I might have to start using that one myself!
xx
Maggie
http://www.maggiekeel.com
I’m glad it could help you in some way, Maggie! 🙂
Congratulations, Jess! That’s awesome news! I really love the quotes you shared, too!
Thank you so much, Kelly!
Yeah! I’m so happy for you!! I think you are so inspiring and I’m lucky to know you girl! xo Jana
http://www.janastyleblog.com
Woo! Thank you miss Jana 🙂 The feeling is mutual!
That is SO wonderful Jess – congrats!! And I’m totally the same way… the busier I am, the more productive I am. But give me a week of to do whatever I want and I’ll waste it away! Keep working hard – I love your blog!
xo, ellie
with love from ellie
Agreed! That pesky procrastination gets in there 😉 Thank you, that means a whole lot!
Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks, Elana!
Congrats on your new job!
I appreciate it!
Congratulations!! I went through a job change of my own a few months ago and that in between time was not so fun. It seems like you handled it much better than I did. Here’s so figuring it out as we go!
Oh, don’t let me fool you 😉 Cheers to that!
Congrats! So glad you found something to fit what you were looking for!
PS. Lets plan brunch soon!
Annica
http://www.lifemodifier.com
Thank you! Yes, finally! I’m in 🙂
So glad you are out of your slump, and excited about what you are working on! I think everyone goes through those kinds of periods, and I knew you would get out of it. It also helps that you finally got those tech issues resolved! 😉
Girls, I’m in that slumpity slump and it’s not even funny. We all go through it!
Oh no! I think the worst thing about slumps is the pressure I put on myself to get out of it. That’s like 1-2 days of the initial slump. Then, once I either realize that the pressure is doing nothing, I get out of it! Hang in there!
Oh no is right!! At least you know you aren’t alone 🙂 I hope that things start looking up for you soon. Get out there and enjoy the summer!!
It only took three months 😉 The tech issues finally being resolved definitely brought my stress levels down a few notches, too. Thank you again for all of your help!
I’m so excited, proud, and happy for you! Way to go, lady!!
You da best 🙂
Congrats girl!! I absolutely love your outlook on everything! It sound like you are in a much better place and getting back to the work life- blog life- social life balance that you crave and thrive on!! Keep it going and I can’t wait to see you in a few weeks! 🙂
Thanks, lady! I seriously can’t wait…eeeee!
You made things fall into place, Jess! That’s so amazing. I tend to laugh a little when I see those mantras all over Pinterest. Never stop learning, never stop growing- now that’s a mantra to live by! Wishing you the best!
Kira
Let’s live by that from now on 🙂 Thank you for your sweet words, Kira!
Congrats!!! It’s great you have such a clear perspective and found the perfect solution for you, right now. The articles you referenced couldn’t be more true! Ahhh I wish I could write like you 🙂 Your new job is lucky to have you!
Thank you so much, Amanda! Ahhh, that is way too nice of you 🙂 I hope your summer is off to a great start! p/s going on a hunt for that Target side table because of you 😉
Congrats!!! Exactly wait until it feels right. It took me two years for something to feel right about relocating. I am so happy you found something.
Thank you! I appreciate it so much 🙂
Congrats! Also, I LOVE that quote by Emma Straub. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you, Joyce!
Yay! Only good to come! Congratulations 🙂
Yay! You’re awesome – thank you!
Congratulations Jess! I love your new mantra – it just might have to be mine too. Best of luck at the new job!
I don’t mind sharing 😉 I appreciate it, Hannah!
You go girl! I love the is post because it is so real. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you so much, Lauren! I hope you are doing well 🙂
Love it! I’ll be working less soon so to focus on launching a new product, and know I need to get way disciplined to keep up momentum! BTW – your blog design looks so gorgeous!
Yes, sounds like you’ve got the right mindset! Thank you! Lindsay from White Oak Creative hooked me up with it 😉
So glad that you’re happy and found a new job! I can totally relate to the struggle to find time. I work full-time and I’m trying to plan a wedding, apartment hunt, AND stay fit while juggling this blog. So tough!!
Can’t wait to hear more about the job. It sounds perfect for you!
Thank you, Jen! It’s rough, but it’s so worth it 🙂
yay! so happy for you and you had such a great attitude through it all. Congrats lady xoxo
Thank ya! I really appreciate it 🙂
So happy for you!! Congratulations on the new venture and wish you much success!!
Thank you! I’m bummed I couldn’t make it to the meet up here in KC….my new job got in the way 😉
Congrats on the new job! That is so exciting!
Nikki
thefashionablewife.com
Thank you so much!
I can really relate to feeling like blogging full time would make things change. I almost appreciate the crazy balance that I attempt to do with my full time job and blogging. It keeps me on my toes! Congrats on the new job– you go girl!
It really did, but I think for me since it wasn’t planned, everything just burned me out that much faster. For now, this is what I want and it’s what works. Sounds like we have the same type of mindset 😉
Congratulations lady!! So happy for you!! Wish I could buy you a drink to celebrate! Some day, some day 🙂
Ahh, thank you!! July….I’m coming to Chicago! Let’s make it happen.
Congrats!
Thank you!
yayyy congratulations!!! I’m so happy for you!
xo,
Angela
I appreciate it so much, Angela!
That is great, Jess! I completely agree with you. While I’m at work, I’m always thinking of how much I could be accomplishing at home if I didn’t have a job. But when I do have time off, I don’t really do a lot:) I think it’s nice to be busy, not too busy, but busy enough where you have a structure to your day. Although I do like those times when I can just do whatever I want:) I’m so happy that you’re happy and now that big things are in store for you!
Ahhhh just catching up. So glad to hear it all worked out! xo
Thank you so much, Juley! Who knows where I’ll be in 5 years, but right now, this is what’s right.
Congratulations on the new job!! So happy for you and what’s in store my friend.
Ahhh, thank ya, thank ya!
Yayyyy! Congrats on the new job! How exciting!
WHATTTTTT! How on earth did I miss this?! Congrats Jess! Cannot wait to hear about your new job and catch up SOON! xoxo