Dear Readers, I know its been a while since my last post. But some major life changes have hit since then: between buying a new house, getting engaged, and now wedding planning! Life has moved pretty fast, but I'd like to share with you this post expressing how everything can turn around so fast! Love, Katie
In hindsight, my career path has taken some interesting twists and turns. I realized that they all happened when they needed to, which of course I didn’t understand or see at the time. If there is one thing I’ve learned out in the real world of work it’s this: everything in your life happens for a reason. Growth only begins to really happens when you’ve reached rock bottom.
In hindsight, my career path has taken some interesting twists and turns. I realized that they all happened when they needed to, which of course I didn’t understand or see at the time. If there is one thing I’ve learned out in the real world of work it’s this: everything in your life happens for a reason. Growth only begins to really happens when you’ve reached rock bottom.
I struggled to figure out my career for a very, very long time. When I was an undergrad, everyone kept asking me, “What the heck are you even going to do with an English degree?!”
No. Not teach. Yes, I will figure things out. Yes, reading and writing are the only things I enjoy in school. Stop giving me that pity-look. I absolutely cannot fathom a life where I go to a job I hate every day.
And go, I did, every day since I was 16: from fast food to retail, retail to cubicles, cubicles to small offices. Punching the 9-5 clock, slowly killing my soul. I long for the days of a short commute from the coffee pot to my computer. For years I have dreaded every alarm, praying for change. I knew what I wanted, just no idea how to make it happen.
Back when I was young (and foolish), I was dumped hard by a long-term boyfriend and with little warning. I was devastated and lost. Little did he know that I decided to give up pursuit of a Master’s degree abroad in Scotland for the relationship. In this moment I was lost, but utterly exhausted with unhappiness.
Scrolling through my feed: a Facebook ad, of all things, sparked an idea to finally just go ahead and start a Master’s program for professional writing. I figured at least having homework would take my mind off of just how miserable I was. Maybe even get me a step closer to my dream, which wasn't even defined yet.
So I studied. I wrote. I slowly began to carve out a plan for my career. School made me realize that I WAS capable and worth so much more than what my day job was allowing. So I began looking for a job that would let me move out of my parents house. Miraculously, I found a well-paying job and thought I was happier. This was short-lived.
August of last year was perhaps the worst time of my life. Working in another cubicle job, I was making enough to afford my first apartment…but barely. Life was still pretty miserable, yet somehow worse this time. I had just made the decision to end another relationship. With the emotional whirlwind of the breakup still fresh, I was fired from my job 24 hours later. Totally unexpected yet not surprised, I gathered my things in a box and drove back to my apartment - wondering how long until I had to move back with my parents. I was told that “its just not working out. You’ve just made too many mistakes.” I’ve never worked so hard to fail so hard before. Mistakes were made, yes. But no business was lost and any mistakes were quickly fixed. Product never went out to a client incorrect. I tried my best to alleviate the daily struggles, however I was only digging myself into a deeper hole and found that there were snakes. This stress went on for at least 6 months: resulting in ulcers & chainsmoking.
I did this. Now, jobless, loveless, hopeless, terrified, & utterly rejected. Welcome to rock bottom.
I truly believe that if your mind is open, the universe will recognize that you cannot take anymore and may just cut you a break. It’s quite amazing what will happen when you have actually hit the bottom. Within a couple days and some panicked texts to friends/past coworkers, I was offered a part-time job by a friend who needed help. Within weeks, I was offered my current full-time position which has allowed me to further my career. After one month, I met the man who will be my husband. We bought our house a few months later. We are now planning our wedding.
Everything was on the up.
I recently received a phone call offering solid contract work for another company. I now have a client!
This is my first step towards breaking the 9-5 cycle. Sometimes news comes out of nowhere that delivers everything you have been working towards for so long.
I am one step closer to reaching my goal of full time freelance work and couldn't be more excited for what’s coming next.
No. Not teach. Yes, I will figure things out. Yes, reading and writing are the only things I enjoy in school. Stop giving me that pity-look. I absolutely cannot fathom a life where I go to a job I hate every day.
And go, I did, every day since I was 16: from fast food to retail, retail to cubicles, cubicles to small offices. Punching the 9-5 clock, slowly killing my soul. I long for the days of a short commute from the coffee pot to my computer. For years I have dreaded every alarm, praying for change. I knew what I wanted, just no idea how to make it happen.
Back when I was young (and foolish), I was dumped hard by a long-term boyfriend and with little warning. I was devastated and lost. Little did he know that I decided to give up pursuit of a Master’s degree abroad in Scotland for the relationship. In this moment I was lost, but utterly exhausted with unhappiness.
Scrolling through my feed: a Facebook ad, of all things, sparked an idea to finally just go ahead and start a Master’s program for professional writing. I figured at least having homework would take my mind off of just how miserable I was. Maybe even get me a step closer to my dream, which wasn't even defined yet.
So I studied. I wrote. I slowly began to carve out a plan for my career. School made me realize that I WAS capable and worth so much more than what my day job was allowing. So I began looking for a job that would let me move out of my parents house. Miraculously, I found a well-paying job and thought I was happier. This was short-lived.
August of last year was perhaps the worst time of my life. Working in another cubicle job, I was making enough to afford my first apartment…but barely. Life was still pretty miserable, yet somehow worse this time. I had just made the decision to end another relationship. With the emotional whirlwind of the breakup still fresh, I was fired from my job 24 hours later. Totally unexpected yet not surprised, I gathered my things in a box and drove back to my apartment - wondering how long until I had to move back with my parents. I was told that “its just not working out. You’ve just made too many mistakes.” I’ve never worked so hard to fail so hard before. Mistakes were made, yes. But no business was lost and any mistakes were quickly fixed. Product never went out to a client incorrect. I tried my best to alleviate the daily struggles, however I was only digging myself into a deeper hole and found that there were snakes. This stress went on for at least 6 months: resulting in ulcers & chainsmoking.
I did this. Now, jobless, loveless, hopeless, terrified, & utterly rejected. Welcome to rock bottom.
I truly believe that if your mind is open, the universe will recognize that you cannot take anymore and may just cut you a break. It’s quite amazing what will happen when you have actually hit the bottom. Within a couple days and some panicked texts to friends/past coworkers, I was offered a part-time job by a friend who needed help. Within weeks, I was offered my current full-time position which has allowed me to further my career. After one month, I met the man who will be my husband. We bought our house a few months later. We are now planning our wedding.
Everything was on the up.
I recently received a phone call offering solid contract work for another company. I now have a client!
This is my first step towards breaking the 9-5 cycle. Sometimes news comes out of nowhere that delivers everything you have been working towards for so long.
I am one step closer to reaching my goal of full time freelance work and couldn't be more excited for what’s coming next.
RSS Feed
