For all intents and purposes, I’ve made it!
I have a full-time job and multiple side-hustles on top of that. In 2017, I doubled my income by renting out rooms in my house and working as a virtual assistant on the side. I could quit my full-time job to be a freelancer and be fine financially… In theory “I’ve made it”, but I don’t have plans on quitting my 9-5 job to run my business.
My dream is to travel more and be more location independent, but I’m just not ready to make that leap.
That first taste of ‘freedom’
When I first started traveling, I read so many blogs that encouraged the reader to “quit their jobs to travel”. I dreamed about traveling around the world and having no commitments and responsibilities. In 2013, after 4 months of living out of my backpack, spending weekends on a beach and meeting incredible people, I came to terms that I actually love having a home base. I loved having places to be and seeing my friends and family regularly. It was this experience that helped me realize that “quitting your job to follow your passion” isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be.
And yes, I’m scared
Fast forward to now, 2018. I work with many entrepreneurs and see the struggles they go through every day. Many entrepreneurs look like they’re enjoying a rich life full of success but the reality is that it’s tough work, and sometimes there are dry spells. There are nights that I’ve gone to sleep crying into my partners’ arms because my freelancing gigs got too difficult. I’ve messed up, clients haven’t paid me, I broke my websites, I get overwhelmed and I get frustrated. While it’s so rewarding to run a successful business, it’s a lot of work! My day job is not stressful, and I like that for now. I’ve become self-aware of my anxiety and triggers and one of the main triggers is the lack of security. When I feel like things are not under control, I grind my teeth, clench my jaw until it hurts, scratch at my skin for no reason, get hives, and lose my breath. Financial security and stability is good for my mental health. While I enjoy the flexibility a freelance career affords me, I like knowing where my paycheck is coming from every month, and I like working my day job that doesn’t stress me out.
Losing half my income
On top of the stability my full-time job offers, I would also lose half of my income. I know I would be fine with this income because I managed to live off it before, but my lifestyle has changed. I’m not ready to build up that entire salary just yet…
Bottom Line: I am happy
Should I quit my job with security, benefits, and stability and take the leap into freelancing full-time just so I can travel more?
I’m content. I like the system I have right now, things are good. But I toy with the idea of “what if”
I know people out there will say “just go for it” “it will all work out” and I believe this! I know I could do it. I know I will be fine, but there’s a strong voice in my head that’s telling me to hold on a little longer… Just hold on.
