There’s something special about the first sip of coffee in the morning. It’s quiet, and it’s just me and my thoughts.
Lately, I’ve been using these moments to reflect on my life, my goals, and the future I want to create for myself.
I have a confession: I’m considering leaving my management job (one day🤞). This deserves a longer post, so I will publish it in September or October, mainly because of the logistics and planning that go into a decision such as ‘leaving the job’.
It’s a terrifying thought, and I have many questions and some ideas swirling around in my mind and giving me daily headaches.
Like many of you, I have responsibilities and many bills...
To put it mildly, it’s daunting.
It’s not a decision I can make lightly or overnight. In fact, I’m giving myself three years to make this insanity dream a reality.
But can I really quit my unexciting management job for good and become a full-time writer for my publication in three years?
Honestly, I have no idea. But for sure, the idea sounds A-W-E-S-O-M-E
Here’s the plan I’m considering:
First, I need to establish a solid writing schedule around my full-time job. Something I am doing now, but doubling down on writing work. As said, I’m giving myself three years to transition fully–mainly not to add any financial stress.
Second, I need to build my writing portfolio. This involves writing daily and submitting work to publications on Substack and elsewhere.
Lastly, I'm not sure what else…
So, I’m turning to you, dear readers, for your insights, advice, and maybe even a little encouragement.
Have any of you made a similar leap from a stable career to pursue a passion?
What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?
What practical steps did you take to make your dream a reality?
If you have written about a similar topic in the past, please include the links in the comments so that I can draw some tactical inspiration from you.
So, what do you think? Can it be done? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Jana, just recently discovered your newsletter when someone linked to you on my note looking for guest authors (I am still looking for someone to write about coffee by the way). I am 46 and I recently left (retired) from the Navy after 24 years. It was somewhat daunting as I was definitely on an upward track and could have continued serving for a long time if I wanted to. The money was pretty good due to my seniority and there was a lot of security. But I wasn't happy. No real regrets per se but it wasn't my passion. Two years ago I made the decision I was going to retire and I gave myself a long lead time to get everything in place. At the time I wasn't writing but that did come about through the process.
As of today I am only writing (and drinking coffee and walking my dog). I am not making much money yet, still need to figure out that piece. However, I am much happier. Most of my counterparts leave the military and immediately take high paying jobs in another industry or go back as a civilian for the government. But when I assessed where our finances were and what I really wanted out of life I realized that I was fine making a little less money if I could do something I loved. As long as our needs were met then it would be ok. My wife continues to work and our kids are in college but we planned wisely over the years and so I find myself in a place of flexibility.
I think with the time you have given yourself it is definitely feasible. Be intentional about the process. Don't put things off until the last minute. The more you get done on the front end, the smoother the transition on the back end. Best of luck and hit me up if you have any interest in sharing your thoughts on coffee with my readers.
Matthew, I think it was thoughtful Amanda who linked us up (Thank you, Amanda, if you come across this comment).
Funny enough, I am writing something about coffee and will pitch it this weekend. Let's cross🤞 it's up to the standards.
Leaving after 24 years must have been a tough decision. But I do get part about not being happy. This is the thing: often, we can compile a list of 'pros', and only ONE essential 'con' can tip the scale. If you're not happy, why stay right? It's the same for me. I used to love my job, the team, the workload, and the industry's business, yet there's no meaning or purpose to it. After all, it's chasing tales to make big organisations richer. There's no creativity to the numbers. It provides relative security, and the financial side is excellent. For sure, to match my salary, another way would take the work. Yet, that's the challenge, and I have the nudge to see if I can make it. It fills me with excitement, worries, and all the mixed emotions you can imagine. But I know that type of work would push me out of bed at 4:00 with no troubles.
I love what you do now: writing, drinking coffee, and walking. That sounds like a dream way to spend your days. I'm so happy for you and that you're still happy with the decision you made for yourself.
I also appreciate your approaching this decision and assessing the situation and needs before taking the leap.
Thank you for sharing and for your generous advice. You've helped more than I can express. I will create a thorough strategy and put things in motion now. It is amazing to have a deadline, even though it's three years away. I'll be in touch with my article to share my thoughts about coffee with your readers this weekend. Thank you for considering my thoughts.
I love that you're taking your time with figuring out what is next. I have made the mistake in the past to rush into things, only to realize it wasn't what I really wanted. Congrats on leaving a job that didn't make you happy!
Firstly I love that you've given yourself 3 years, so it's not a huge amount of financial pressure to make it happen. I too have similar aspirations regarding my coaching, but got sucked into marketing online that I could make it happen in less than 6 months, which then massively dented my confidence when that didn't happen 🤦♀️
I'm not there yet, so I'm not sure I'm the right person to be sharing any advice, but something I have learnt is that it needs to be sustainable along the way. Last year I pushed myself too hard because "when I reach the goal it'll be worth it", and I nearly ended up giving it all up. How you create that second income while still holding a paid employment, AND still enjoy it all, is something I'm still figuring out, so I look forward to others' perspectives 🥰
Lucy, thank you. The only way I can do it without breaking my bank account is within three years; that seems reasonable. The work I must put in will create enough pressure without financial worries.
I hope you can make it happen with coaching aspirations. How much time you're giving yourself, now? I think when you want something badly, it's easy to get sucked into marketing. I don't know if you are familiar with Robin Cangie; amongst many publications, she also has one focused on Marketing; here's the link: https://easefulmarketing.substack.com/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=profile_page.
I love her non-sleazy approach.
We both are in a similar boat. Perhaps, we could hold each other accountable and make our big goals a reality.
You mentioned that you're not the right person to share advice, but and it's a big BUT. Sharing your experience of pushing yourself so hard last year that you almost gave it all up means a lot. You don't know how many times last year and at the beginning of this year, I thought of giving it all up and doing nothing else. Yet, the next day, I'm back typing. Let me know if you want to collaborate to make it work via accountability and friendly support. And a big thank you for sharing; it means a lot.
Jana thanks so much for this thoughtful reply. Currently the goal is to be matching my part-time income (so to create a full-time income from two jobs) by the time my youngest starts school - so also 3 years! Although the amount of stress my paid employment is giving me, it's hard to not want it a lot faster than that, with full time income from coaching in 3 years... For me, aiming for a part-time income working evenings and weekends, feels doable.
And YES would love to hold each other accountable! Now we know we're super local (who's have thought?!) maybe we could meet up in real life for a bit of friendly support, like you say? I'd love that 🥰
Lucy - I've also pushed myself too hard, tried to do too much - then inevitible burnout. This side thing is supposed to be enjoyable! I am currently in a pivot and going in the right direction of less is more. Are you back to enjoying creating the second income?
Thanks for sharing Melissa! On the whole, yes, I'm back to enjoying it - I took 3 months off at the beginning of the year, the longest ever since I started, and then came back with exactly what you've said as my mantra "there's no point doing this if you don't enjoy it". A few times in the last 2 months I've noticed myself slipping into pushing too hard again, but I'm much more aware of it now, and I have a much better balance 🥰 Less is definitely more!
Lucy, haven't we all fallen into those promises from a marketer promising something could happen really fast! I'm embarrassed to admit how many times I believed it. I truly believe you have to find your own pace and do it your way, and when you do find out what works for yourself, it's time for the slow build. When I made my first move away from my long-held career, it took me quite a while to get my groove. But that's ok... because if you stay consistent, it will happen eventually!
Thanks Tracy 🥰 I'm certainly starting to see the benefits of being in it for the long game, with referrals coming in and people that have been following for a while now wanting to work with me. I do think you need a bit of a strategy, and can't just mooch along, and I think that's part of the balance I find tricky sometimes! x
We are clearly on the same wavelength today, Jana! I have been self-employed full-time before. It wasn't a leap as much as it was a shove. In 2017, my company got acquired. I didn't want a job with the new company. I didn't want to commute to another job. I'd dreamed for years of striking out on my own. The severance + my savings were juuuuuust enough to make it financially feasible, and money was tight for several months, especially since I'm the sole breadwinner for our family.
But honestly, money was never the hardest part. The hardest part was believing that I deserved to want this, that I was enough to strive for it, that I and my goals were worth the effort. I got there eventually with that dream (and ironically accepted another day job a few years later, but it was a good and needed change of pace). I have a new dream now, a bigger dream, and it feels like I'm going through that process of learning to believe I'm worthy of it all over again.
Tactical things:
- Find a good accountant. Can't emphasize that enough.
- Take the time to understand your strengths. What are you really good at? What attracts people to your writing, and what do they get out of reading it?
- Take the time to understand your audience. Who are they? What do they value? How can you give them more of that in your writing?
- Both of the above things will take time. You will sometimes get it wrong. That's okay, it's part of learning.
Thank you for sharing your journey. It's truly inspiring to see how you've navigated through work situations. Your approach has got me thinking: Most people do get out of 'unhappy work situations' by leap or shove. I am currently leaping with a three-year plan, but if I got shoved for whatever reason and they would let me go, I would not mind. Yet, financially, leaping is a better option.
I read your work weekly, Robin, and let me tell you, you deserve it. I am 100% backing you up with your decision today. Your work is excellent; take it from me, who reads every creative letter. I am counting on you to show me the way via Easyful marketing, so your advice and the tactical things you've included are gold and so helpful.
Thank you ☺️ I'll be cheering you on in the comments.
I'm someone who has made some very rash and reckless decisions in my life, and I have to confess, these have turned out to be the best decisions of my life.
When I was 36, making $8 an hour at a bookstore in SF (the only union job I'd ever had) I chose to have the baby I was pregnant with by a man who had recently been homeless and whom I barely knew. It was hard, it was terrifying, and I would be a shell of myself if I hadn't had my child.
7 years later, I chose to move from Prescott AZ to Santa Rosa CA with my child; I didn't have a job there, and I no longer knew a single person in the entire state.
Second Best decision I ever made. Four years after making that move, I met my soulmate and my son met his very best friend on the very first day, (an adorable young man who is still a treasured part of our family almost 20 years later).
Your plan is infinitely doable.
Also, one of my favorite sayings (I think it comes from Brene Brown) is "What's worth trying, even if you fail."
Thank you, Penny. I absolutely love your "rash and reckless" decisions and how they turned out to be the best decisions of your life. That's very inspiring!
"What's worth trying, even if you fail."
Because even if you fail, there's so much you've gained along the way. 100%
However, I think the 3 year time frame is doable (depending on what number you need to get to) and at the very least you will be able to draw up an earnings forecast for the next 2 years after year 1, to check you’re on track.
Also start laying the groundwork to possibly taper off the full-time work, I.e. the 9 day fortnight, followed by the 4 day week etc, to avoid burnout as your writing business develops.
Am happy to bore you to death with my spreadsheet which illustrates all this. 😉🤓
I've been thinking about it as well - to keep a close eye on the progress, and if things don't go according to the three-year plan, I can transition into a part-time job if need be.
I've been listening to an interview with Steven Pressfield this morning. It took him his 20s, 30s, and 40s to get to full-time writing.
I am happy to take you up on the offer regarding the spreadsheets. I love to break things down especially in numbers. I do that with time often. Numbers can make a big scary things feasable and doable. I'm in. Thank you for your sound advice and support, Kate. It means a lot. 😊
Love it Jana. My perspective is - move towards your dreams, but hold them lightly and be prepared to change course (potentially towards something even better). There's a path we're each on and destinations we're heading towards, but they don't always match the map in our thinking minds. I believe there's a deeper intelligence guiding us - what Yogis might call dharma. When an idea has energy and creates vitality, that may be a clue that you're headed in the right direction....
I've written more about the concept of dharma here, if you're interested.
I could not say it any better; thank you for sharing, Dr. Vicki! 100%! When an idea has energy and creates vitality, as you put it, it's not only the sign. It generates the drive to push forward and fight resistance on the way.
Thank you for sharing your article, I'm really looking forward to reading it.
I made the leap (from a corporate career of 25 years) in a very UN sensible way (ie without a plan) just with the knowledge that I preferred uncertainty to unhappiness.
I had enough money to manage for a year without earning and that is now 5 years ago (having a years cushion was the only thought-through element!).
The main thing I think I did ‘well’ was to ‘treat writing as a job’ from the very start, before I’d earned a penny. I kept office hours and set up a regular routine (funnily enough my own Substack later this evening is about that routine).
The biggest challenge was fear. And my biggest piece of advice is to ‘hold your nerve.’ It’s without doubt the best thing I’ve EVER done.
Thank you for sharing your approach and your advice, Jennie. I hear you regarding the fear. It's the fear and self-doubts that creep up. This is why I'm not leaving my day job just yet. I do agree, you've got to treat is as a job even without money, which is what I do, paid is not turned on. But treating it as a job brings about the professionalism, persistance and fighting off any type of resistance that's needed to make it work. I'm happy you have the nerve, and it worked out. Thank you, Jennie.
I made the move to write full-time and I’m not sure it was for me. I found it quite isolating. I do think it depends on what you’re writing. I was writing novels so they were big projects - I found the more time I had , the more I dithered as opposed to knowing I only had a small amount of time to write and I was much productive !
Thank you for sharing, Karen. Did you ever read Steven Pressfield's book "Put your ass where your heart wants to be"? He talks about time and productivity in the sense that you've described. Sometimes, you can do the same amount of work in short periods. The more time you have, the more you spend on other activities.
Hello Jana, that sounds so exciting. I also made a career change from NHS management to writing and feel I’m on the right path now.
Moving to a four-day week helped me try things out without sacrificing financial security. I’d also recommend seeking a community of other writers and business owners. Striking out alone in a completely different industry can feel isolating, especially if you had an extensive network in your previous role.
Wow, Louise! Thank you, I've gone and read an article you shared— I found it so so helpful, eye-opening and uplifting. Thank you for sharing and for your comment ☺️
Jana, I believe if you can imagine it, you can create it. I left several jobs and a couple of careers with nothing on the near horizon. What I knew was that I had the confidence and some skills to make it one way or another. Returning to graduate school at age 32, with three very young children and a stay at home mom, was not easy for those 4 years. But we made it through OK., picking up two more degrees along the way. Then leaving again, at another time, age 42, I saw the possibilities to transfer some experience in one job to a different environment. And two more times, finally self-employed on my terms, and after 20 years of that, enough already. I "retired" 3 times and each time went back to work part-time because I loved what I was doing. Now, I love what I am doing too albeit different from when I had to earn an income
Yes, it can be done. Challenges were met one at a time as they came up. I will look back at some old posts and see if there's a link that might shed a little more light. The PLAN is critical!
Wow, that is fantastic. Very similar to my story and future plans too. I want to retire from my day job at 60, I'm 56 now, so that leaves me around 3 1/2 years. For the same reasons, a writing career. I reduced my hours in March this year, so I'm now working a 4 day week instead of 5. I can't tell you how much of a difference this makes alone. We have just bought a camper van, so my dream is for us to go off in the van on our travels for longer periods of time once we finish work, and I can write on the road so to speak. So, like you I have 3 years to build up my writing portfolio and any other creative endeavours that come along. Lots of planning to do but all very exciting. The only advise I can offer at this stage is maybe to cut your hours down a little, if that's at all possible. I wish you all the very best on your journey. I'm right there with you :)
Thank you, Debbie. It is so good to read that we are kindred spirits in this sense. I love your planning approach and think you are wise to reduce your hours. I so admire and secretly envy all the people with camper vans; the same goes for you now. Living on the road, seeing places and writing about your experiences sounds like a freedom to me. I am cheering on for you.
You might like April Issac's newsletter, "The Ecstatic Wanderer."
Thank you for sharing; let's support each other and make this transition easier and friendlier. 😊
Hey Jana, this is an exciting move. Life is too short to be in a dull job. I’d say 3 years is a nice length of time with margin for error. I like Kate’s plan to gradually reduce your hours as you add to your writing business. I’d also say do some budgeting so you know the minimum you need to be comfortable. And save! Save yourself a nest egg as a buffer for when you finally stop the corporate job.
In 2006 I left London and my secure job to move to the seaside. I was on maternity leave at the time and did go back and work my three months notice - but part time (I had just become a mother!). I set up as a freelancer but never managed to make my business pay, but what it did do was give me time to be a mum, to learn some things and try some things and work out what I wanted to do. Or mostly what I didn’t want to do. Now I’m only working 10 hours a week paid (that was all that was on offer to be fair) and building up my writing to hopefully take over from that.
Not really advice I’m afraid, but hopefully helpful to hear of others taking leaps of faith. I don’t regret leaving London and moving to the coast - the only hardship has been being further from family and having a smaller dating pool ;)
Thank you for sharing, Leigh. It's more helpful than you think.
I agree, life is too short to be in a dull job, indeed. I admire your approach and also agree. Money is needed for survival, yet, the freedom, joy of doing what you enjoy, pursuing unconventional type of living and earning money is too exciting to pass on. And we get one chance so to say, so if not now (or in three years time), then when?!
You prioritised what you valued the most—motherhood—and, as you mentioned, it gave you time to figure out what you wanted and what you did not want to do. I cheer you on. Let's hope the dating pool on the South Coast picks up.
Ha - there is always hope. I find myself (52 now) often saying ‘if not now, when’ as a reason for following my dreams. Trouble is I have low energy (iron deficiency and drugs I’m on plus perimenopause) so can’t always do everything I want to do. I look forward to following your journey 💚
Hey Jana! I wish you all the best moving towards what you want in your work, and for sure you can do that in three years if you stay consistent. I believe anything can happen, truly. Something I have noticed here on Substack (and elsewhere) if you're open to it: that you may actually monetize something else alongside your writing. Anything is possible. You'll likely find out what it is on your writing journey along the way!
Thank you, Tracy for your kind words. I am the same. I believe anything is possible if you persist and stay consistent, and of course, work on the craft.
Hi Jana, I share the same goal but haven't gotten as far as you in terms of a timeframe or plan! As others have said, I think you're wise to give yourself an achievable time frame. This reminds me of a section from Elizabeth Gilbert's Big Magic - where she talks about not placing the pressure on your work to provide for you financially up front as this can stifle your creativity. I also wanted to share my friend and fellow writer Anna Mackenzie's Substack - she creates insightful content around portfolio careers so I'm sure this could be a valuable support for you on your journey: https://substack.com/@annamackstack
This post really speaks to me. I had that choice made for me by fate so I might not be able to give the best advice. I had to quit my job for health issues and that pushed me quickly into my current career. I started an online language school. It was all accidental. I started my Instagram in 2016 and through my profile I learned to communicate online with my writing, my photographs and videos.
It wasn't at all easy because throughout the whole time, I had health issues.And there was also the financial pressure. But now I keep my family with what I'm making and I'm able to live life at my own terms. Thanks to my business, I was able to take care of my mother when she was sick.
You've given yourself plenty of time so that will allow you to come to this from a place of calm instead of pressure. You can think things through, plan and with the support of this incredible community, you'll find it a easier transition.
See it was an incredible journey because that's what it is.
Jana, just recently discovered your newsletter when someone linked to you on my note looking for guest authors (I am still looking for someone to write about coffee by the way). I am 46 and I recently left (retired) from the Navy after 24 years. It was somewhat daunting as I was definitely on an upward track and could have continued serving for a long time if I wanted to. The money was pretty good due to my seniority and there was a lot of security. But I wasn't happy. No real regrets per se but it wasn't my passion. Two years ago I made the decision I was going to retire and I gave myself a long lead time to get everything in place. At the time I wasn't writing but that did come about through the process.
As of today I am only writing (and drinking coffee and walking my dog). I am not making much money yet, still need to figure out that piece. However, I am much happier. Most of my counterparts leave the military and immediately take high paying jobs in another industry or go back as a civilian for the government. But when I assessed where our finances were and what I really wanted out of life I realized that I was fine making a little less money if I could do something I loved. As long as our needs were met then it would be ok. My wife continues to work and our kids are in college but we planned wisely over the years and so I find myself in a place of flexibility.
I think with the time you have given yourself it is definitely feasible. Be intentional about the process. Don't put things off until the last minute. The more you get done on the front end, the smoother the transition on the back end. Best of luck and hit me up if you have any interest in sharing your thoughts on coffee with my readers.
Matthew, I think it was thoughtful Amanda who linked us up (Thank you, Amanda, if you come across this comment).
Funny enough, I am writing something about coffee and will pitch it this weekend. Let's cross🤞 it's up to the standards.
Leaving after 24 years must have been a tough decision. But I do get part about not being happy. This is the thing: often, we can compile a list of 'pros', and only ONE essential 'con' can tip the scale. If you're not happy, why stay right? It's the same for me. I used to love my job, the team, the workload, and the industry's business, yet there's no meaning or purpose to it. After all, it's chasing tales to make big organisations richer. There's no creativity to the numbers. It provides relative security, and the financial side is excellent. For sure, to match my salary, another way would take the work. Yet, that's the challenge, and I have the nudge to see if I can make it. It fills me with excitement, worries, and all the mixed emotions you can imagine. But I know that type of work would push me out of bed at 4:00 with no troubles.
I love what you do now: writing, drinking coffee, and walking. That sounds like a dream way to spend your days. I'm so happy for you and that you're still happy with the decision you made for yourself.
I also appreciate your approaching this decision and assessing the situation and needs before taking the leap.
Thank you for sharing and for your generous advice. You've helped more than I can express. I will create a thorough strategy and put things in motion now. It is amazing to have a deadline, even though it's three years away. I'll be in touch with my article to share my thoughts about coffee with your readers this weekend. Thank you for considering my thoughts.
Such good advice! Congratz on your retirement!
Thanks Melissa!
I love that you're taking your time with figuring out what is next. I have made the mistake in the past to rush into things, only to realize it wasn't what I really wanted. Congrats on leaving a job that didn't make you happy!
Firstly I love that you've given yourself 3 years, so it's not a huge amount of financial pressure to make it happen. I too have similar aspirations regarding my coaching, but got sucked into marketing online that I could make it happen in less than 6 months, which then massively dented my confidence when that didn't happen 🤦♀️
I'm not there yet, so I'm not sure I'm the right person to be sharing any advice, but something I have learnt is that it needs to be sustainable along the way. Last year I pushed myself too hard because "when I reach the goal it'll be worth it", and I nearly ended up giving it all up. How you create that second income while still holding a paid employment, AND still enjoy it all, is something I'm still figuring out, so I look forward to others' perspectives 🥰
Lucy, thank you. The only way I can do it without breaking my bank account is within three years; that seems reasonable. The work I must put in will create enough pressure without financial worries.
I hope you can make it happen with coaching aspirations. How much time you're giving yourself, now? I think when you want something badly, it's easy to get sucked into marketing. I don't know if you are familiar with Robin Cangie; amongst many publications, she also has one focused on Marketing; here's the link: https://easefulmarketing.substack.com/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=profile_page.
I love her non-sleazy approach.
We both are in a similar boat. Perhaps, we could hold each other accountable and make our big goals a reality.
You mentioned that you're not the right person to share advice, but and it's a big BUT. Sharing your experience of pushing yourself so hard last year that you almost gave it all up means a lot. You don't know how many times last year and at the beginning of this year, I thought of giving it all up and doing nothing else. Yet, the next day, I'm back typing. Let me know if you want to collaborate to make it work via accountability and friendly support. And a big thank you for sharing; it means a lot.
Jana thanks so much for this thoughtful reply. Currently the goal is to be matching my part-time income (so to create a full-time income from two jobs) by the time my youngest starts school - so also 3 years! Although the amount of stress my paid employment is giving me, it's hard to not want it a lot faster than that, with full time income from coaching in 3 years... For me, aiming for a part-time income working evenings and weekends, feels doable.
And YES would love to hold each other accountable! Now we know we're super local (who's have thought?!) maybe we could meet up in real life for a bit of friendly support, like you say? I'd love that 🥰
Lucy - I've also pushed myself too hard, tried to do too much - then inevitible burnout. This side thing is supposed to be enjoyable! I am currently in a pivot and going in the right direction of less is more. Are you back to enjoying creating the second income?
Thanks for sharing Melissa! On the whole, yes, I'm back to enjoying it - I took 3 months off at the beginning of the year, the longest ever since I started, and then came back with exactly what you've said as my mantra "there's no point doing this if you don't enjoy it". A few times in the last 2 months I've noticed myself slipping into pushing too hard again, but I'm much more aware of it now, and I have a much better balance 🥰 Less is definitely more!
I love it Lucy - I can relate totally and glad to chat with you about this subject!
Lucy, haven't we all fallen into those promises from a marketer promising something could happen really fast! I'm embarrassed to admit how many times I believed it. I truly believe you have to find your own pace and do it your way, and when you do find out what works for yourself, it's time for the slow build. When I made my first move away from my long-held career, it took me quite a while to get my groove. But that's ok... because if you stay consistent, it will happen eventually!
Thanks Tracy 🥰 I'm certainly starting to see the benefits of being in it for the long game, with referrals coming in and people that have been following for a while now wanting to work with me. I do think you need a bit of a strategy, and can't just mooch along, and I think that's part of the balance I find tricky sometimes! x
We are clearly on the same wavelength today, Jana! I have been self-employed full-time before. It wasn't a leap as much as it was a shove. In 2017, my company got acquired. I didn't want a job with the new company. I didn't want to commute to another job. I'd dreamed for years of striking out on my own. The severance + my savings were juuuuuust enough to make it financially feasible, and money was tight for several months, especially since I'm the sole breadwinner for our family.
But honestly, money was never the hardest part. The hardest part was believing that I deserved to want this, that I was enough to strive for it, that I and my goals were worth the effort. I got there eventually with that dream (and ironically accepted another day job a few years later, but it was a good and needed change of pace). I have a new dream now, a bigger dream, and it feels like I'm going through that process of learning to believe I'm worthy of it all over again.
Tactical things:
- Find a good accountant. Can't emphasize that enough.
- Take the time to understand your strengths. What are you really good at? What attracts people to your writing, and what do they get out of reading it?
- Take the time to understand your audience. Who are they? What do they value? How can you give them more of that in your writing?
- Both of the above things will take time. You will sometimes get it wrong. That's okay, it's part of learning.
- It's worth experimenting with social media, but don't fret if it's not for you. Definitely don't burn yourself out trying to be on all the platforms. More on this here: https://easefulmarketing.substack.com/p/you-dont-have-to-be-on-all-the-social
Bon voyage, fellow dreamer! Hope this helps a little!
It's an absolute wavelength match today. I have just left a comment on your today's post: https://creativeletters.substack.com/p/im-not-ready-to-tell-you-this
(Which was inspiring, as always)
Thank you for sharing your journey. It's truly inspiring to see how you've navigated through work situations. Your approach has got me thinking: Most people do get out of 'unhappy work situations' by leap or shove. I am currently leaping with a three-year plan, but if I got shoved for whatever reason and they would let me go, I would not mind. Yet, financially, leaping is a better option.
I read your work weekly, Robin, and let me tell you, you deserve it. I am 100% backing you up with your decision today. Your work is excellent; take it from me, who reads every creative letter. I am counting on you to show me the way via Easyful marketing, so your advice and the tactical things you've included are gold and so helpful.
Thank you ☺️ I'll be cheering you on in the comments.
Thank you, Jana, and likewise! We're in it together. 😁
I'm someone who has made some very rash and reckless decisions in my life, and I have to confess, these have turned out to be the best decisions of my life.
When I was 36, making $8 an hour at a bookstore in SF (the only union job I'd ever had) I chose to have the baby I was pregnant with by a man who had recently been homeless and whom I barely knew. It was hard, it was terrifying, and I would be a shell of myself if I hadn't had my child.
7 years later, I chose to move from Prescott AZ to Santa Rosa CA with my child; I didn't have a job there, and I no longer knew a single person in the entire state.
Second Best decision I ever made. Four years after making that move, I met my soulmate and my son met his very best friend on the very first day, (an adorable young man who is still a treasured part of our family almost 20 years later).
Your plan is infinitely doable.
Also, one of my favorite sayings (I think it comes from Brene Brown) is "What's worth trying, even if you fail."
The only real failure is not to try at all.
Go for it!
Thank you, Penny. I absolutely love your "rash and reckless" decisions and how they turned out to be the best decisions of your life. That's very inspiring!
"What's worth trying, even if you fail."
Because even if you fail, there's so much you've gained along the way. 100%
Wow, what a story! Amazing!
Wow that’s a biggy!!!
However, I think the 3 year time frame is doable (depending on what number you need to get to) and at the very least you will be able to draw up an earnings forecast for the next 2 years after year 1, to check you’re on track.
Also start laying the groundwork to possibly taper off the full-time work, I.e. the 9 day fortnight, followed by the 4 day week etc, to avoid burnout as your writing business develops.
Am happy to bore you to death with my spreadsheet which illustrates all this. 😉🤓
Biggy indeed!
I've been thinking about it as well - to keep a close eye on the progress, and if things don't go according to the three-year plan, I can transition into a part-time job if need be.
I've been listening to an interview with Steven Pressfield this morning. It took him his 20s, 30s, and 40s to get to full-time writing.
I am happy to take you up on the offer regarding the spreadsheets. I love to break things down especially in numbers. I do that with time often. Numbers can make a big scary things feasable and doable. I'm in. Thank you for your sound advice and support, Kate. It means a lot. 😊
Love it Jana. My perspective is - move towards your dreams, but hold them lightly and be prepared to change course (potentially towards something even better). There's a path we're each on and destinations we're heading towards, but they don't always match the map in our thinking minds. I believe there's a deeper intelligence guiding us - what Yogis might call dharma. When an idea has energy and creates vitality, that may be a clue that you're headed in the right direction....
I've written more about the concept of dharma here, if you're interested.
https://drvickiconnop.substack.com/p/the-yogic-teaching-of-dharma
Looking forward to hearing more about how it unfolds 😀
I could not say it any better; thank you for sharing, Dr. Vicki! 100%! When an idea has energy and creates vitality, as you put it, it's not only the sign. It generates the drive to push forward and fight resistance on the way.
Thank you for sharing your article, I'm really looking forward to reading it.
Me too, exciting; I'll cover all of it here.
I made the leap (from a corporate career of 25 years) in a very UN sensible way (ie without a plan) just with the knowledge that I preferred uncertainty to unhappiness.
I had enough money to manage for a year without earning and that is now 5 years ago (having a years cushion was the only thought-through element!).
The main thing I think I did ‘well’ was to ‘treat writing as a job’ from the very start, before I’d earned a penny. I kept office hours and set up a regular routine (funnily enough my own Substack later this evening is about that routine).
The biggest challenge was fear. And my biggest piece of advice is to ‘hold your nerve.’ It’s without doubt the best thing I’ve EVER done.
Good luck.
Thank you for sharing your approach and your advice, Jennie. I hear you regarding the fear. It's the fear and self-doubts that creep up. This is why I'm not leaving my day job just yet. I do agree, you've got to treat is as a job even without money, which is what I do, paid is not turned on. But treating it as a job brings about the professionalism, persistance and fighting off any type of resistance that's needed to make it work. I'm happy you have the nerve, and it worked out. Thank you, Jennie.
Good luck Jana!
I made the move to write full-time and I’m not sure it was for me. I found it quite isolating. I do think it depends on what you’re writing. I was writing novels so they were big projects - I found the more time I had , the more I dithered as opposed to knowing I only had a small amount of time to write and I was much productive !
Thank you for sharing, Karen. Did you ever read Steven Pressfield's book "Put your ass where your heart wants to be"? He talks about time and productivity in the sense that you've described. Sometimes, you can do the same amount of work in short periods. The more time you have, the more you spend on other activities.
I haven't read it but will definitely check it out - thank you!
Hello Jana, that sounds so exciting. I also made a career change from NHS management to writing and feel I’m on the right path now.
Moving to a four-day week helped me try things out without sacrificing financial security. I’d also recommend seeking a community of other writers and business owners. Striking out alone in a completely different industry can feel isolating, especially if you had an extensive network in your previous role.
I shared this article on Substack - hope it helps with navigating the emotional side of big life changes: https://thecovecopy.substack.com/p/finding-calm-in-chaos
Best of luck with your new chapter!
Wow, Louise! Thank you, I've gone and read an article you shared— I found it so so helpful, eye-opening and uplifting. Thank you for sharing and for your comment ☺️
Jana, I believe if you can imagine it, you can create it. I left several jobs and a couple of careers with nothing on the near horizon. What I knew was that I had the confidence and some skills to make it one way or another. Returning to graduate school at age 32, with three very young children and a stay at home mom, was not easy for those 4 years. But we made it through OK., picking up two more degrees along the way. Then leaving again, at another time, age 42, I saw the possibilities to transfer some experience in one job to a different environment. And two more times, finally self-employed on my terms, and after 20 years of that, enough already. I "retired" 3 times and each time went back to work part-time because I loved what I was doing. Now, I love what I am doing too albeit different from when I had to earn an income
Yes, it can be done. Challenges were met one at a time as they came up. I will look back at some old posts and see if there's a link that might shed a little more light. The PLAN is critical!
Wow, that is fantastic. Very similar to my story and future plans too. I want to retire from my day job at 60, I'm 56 now, so that leaves me around 3 1/2 years. For the same reasons, a writing career. I reduced my hours in March this year, so I'm now working a 4 day week instead of 5. I can't tell you how much of a difference this makes alone. We have just bought a camper van, so my dream is for us to go off in the van on our travels for longer periods of time once we finish work, and I can write on the road so to speak. So, like you I have 3 years to build up my writing portfolio and any other creative endeavours that come along. Lots of planning to do but all very exciting. The only advise I can offer at this stage is maybe to cut your hours down a little, if that's at all possible. I wish you all the very best on your journey. I'm right there with you :)
Thank you, Debbie. It is so good to read that we are kindred spirits in this sense. I love your planning approach and think you are wise to reduce your hours. I so admire and secretly envy all the people with camper vans; the same goes for you now. Living on the road, seeing places and writing about your experiences sounds like a freedom to me. I am cheering on for you.
You might like April Issac's newsletter, "The Ecstatic Wanderer."
Thank you for sharing; let's support each other and make this transition easier and friendlier. 😊
Yes definitely! , I think that is a fabulous idea :) I'm looking forward to seeing where your journey leads you to.
Thank you for the recommendation, I will check it out.
Hey Jana, this is an exciting move. Life is too short to be in a dull job. I’d say 3 years is a nice length of time with margin for error. I like Kate’s plan to gradually reduce your hours as you add to your writing business. I’d also say do some budgeting so you know the minimum you need to be comfortable. And save! Save yourself a nest egg as a buffer for when you finally stop the corporate job.
In 2006 I left London and my secure job to move to the seaside. I was on maternity leave at the time and did go back and work my three months notice - but part time (I had just become a mother!). I set up as a freelancer but never managed to make my business pay, but what it did do was give me time to be a mum, to learn some things and try some things and work out what I wanted to do. Or mostly what I didn’t want to do. Now I’m only working 10 hours a week paid (that was all that was on offer to be fair) and building up my writing to hopefully take over from that.
Not really advice I’m afraid, but hopefully helpful to hear of others taking leaps of faith. I don’t regret leaving London and moving to the coast - the only hardship has been being further from family and having a smaller dating pool ;)
Thank you for sharing, Leigh. It's more helpful than you think.
I agree, life is too short to be in a dull job, indeed. I admire your approach and also agree. Money is needed for survival, yet, the freedom, joy of doing what you enjoy, pursuing unconventional type of living and earning money is too exciting to pass on. And we get one chance so to say, so if not now (or in three years time), then when?!
You prioritised what you valued the most—motherhood—and, as you mentioned, it gave you time to figure out what you wanted and what you did not want to do. I cheer you on. Let's hope the dating pool on the South Coast picks up.
Ha - there is always hope. I find myself (52 now) often saying ‘if not now, when’ as a reason for following my dreams. Trouble is I have low energy (iron deficiency and drugs I’m on plus perimenopause) so can’t always do everything I want to do. I look forward to following your journey 💚
Hey Jana! I wish you all the best moving towards what you want in your work, and for sure you can do that in three years if you stay consistent. I believe anything can happen, truly. Something I have noticed here on Substack (and elsewhere) if you're open to it: that you may actually monetize something else alongside your writing. Anything is possible. You'll likely find out what it is on your writing journey along the way!
Thank you, Tracy for your kind words. I am the same. I believe anything is possible if you persist and stay consistent, and of course, work on the craft.
Hi Jana, I share the same goal but haven't gotten as far as you in terms of a timeframe or plan! As others have said, I think you're wise to give yourself an achievable time frame. This reminds me of a section from Elizabeth Gilbert's Big Magic - where she talks about not placing the pressure on your work to provide for you financially up front as this can stifle your creativity. I also wanted to share my friend and fellow writer Anna Mackenzie's Substack - she creates insightful content around portfolio careers so I'm sure this could be a valuable support for you on your journey: https://substack.com/@annamackstack
This post really speaks to me. I had that choice made for me by fate so I might not be able to give the best advice. I had to quit my job for health issues and that pushed me quickly into my current career. I started an online language school. It was all accidental. I started my Instagram in 2016 and through my profile I learned to communicate online with my writing, my photographs and videos.
It wasn't at all easy because throughout the whole time, I had health issues.And there was also the financial pressure. But now I keep my family with what I'm making and I'm able to live life at my own terms. Thanks to my business, I was able to take care of my mother when she was sick.
You've given yourself plenty of time so that will allow you to come to this from a place of calm instead of pressure. You can think things through, plan and with the support of this incredible community, you'll find it a easier transition.
See it was an incredible journey because that's what it is.