Over at Shaken Not Blurred, I was reading her awesome story regarding leaving the rat race behind in pursuit of true happiness. Lately, I had been having fleeting thoughts of putting my baby in daycare and returning to work..just for the paycheck. After reading her post the other day, I fell back in love with the idea of being home and chasing after my dreams. Exactly one year ago today I left ummm I think hauled tail would be a better description to describe the sentiments I felt regarding leaving my comfy corporate position for dreams of becoming an entrepreneur. I was so over the 4 hour commutes, the meetings, the travel, conference calls, blackberry dings..I needed to get away. I was in a weird space, I had just lost my mother and it almost felt like the world was caving in on me. I needed to take some time to grieve and I am so blessed that financially with some huge sacrifices and budget adherence tactics we were in a positon to allow me to take some much needed time away to reflect on where I, independent of wife and mother status wanted and needed to go. Something had to give and with a few months of preparation and a whole lot of faith, I put in my notice and walked away from a steady paycheck and walked into a world of uncertainty…and I haven’t looked back.
I had plans, huge plans to grow my side business into my full time hustle once I was home for good. As God and life would have it, as soon as my at home stint began I found out I was expecting and some of us know the havoc the first trimester of pregnancy can wreck on the most resilient of women. So my plans were ditched and my job description became keeping my eyes open and my food down. My business was put to the side, and has been until now. Being a stay at home mom has never been my dream (disclaimer: there is nothing wrong with that..its just not me), I want to be a mompreneur, a mogul, I want to empower young girls and show them they to can own businesses. With one class left until my MBA I have a passion for business and what it entails, I just need to do it on my own terms, God willing. As I visit more blogs I see the enormous amount of women who manage to stay home with their children while pursuing their dreams and I want to be one of them.
I am very prayerful these days regarding my next steps, I am digging deep for the discipline I am going to need but so excited for progress. I may use you all as a sounding board from time to time (thanks in advance)!!! Stay tuned, you know I am going to keep you all in the loop..I love y’all..my cyber, blogosphere family!!
What are your dreams? Are you working toward them, if not what’s holding you back!! Business owners out there…got any advice, I’m soliciting for tips and words of wisdom!!
20 Comments
Christina
September 23, 2010 at 10:44 amGood luck as you venture out! I too have the desire to be in business for myself! Graphic design is SUCH a passion for me, and while I have done some things here and there, I want to REALLY be in a business, with a steady stream of income from it. Fear of failure, and nothing else, is the only thing holding me back.
(love the shirt, btw! I'll definitely be a customer!)
Sharina
September 23, 2010 at 11:06 amGood luck! You can do it! Through God all things are possible, and I can tell you have the determination to follow your dreams.
I can really relate to where you are coming from in this post. I have been a stay at home mom, and it was never my goal to be just that (though I love it more than anything). I have always been a go getter and I too am in the process of becoming a "mompreneuer." Its a lot of work, and I am in my beginning stages, but I am learning to take things one step at a time, one day at a time and just keep focused.
Looking forward to going along the journey with you! Love, love, love the shirt! I have been working on some myself, but have been putting it off. You actually inspire me lady!
-Kasey
September 23, 2010 at 11:08 amI admire all women who are able to stay home with their children. I would love to be home with my little guy but the market and cost of living around here require both my Husband and I to work. Of course their was a time when I had NO choice, that was when I was Active Duty Military however I got so tired and exhausted of deploying that when my tern was near it's end I high tailed it out of there and into the Reserves [a little more freedom]. As for my civilian job I work for the Government, specfically with aircraft and am currently going to school for Biological Science but in the end I really don't know what I want to do. I would love to do Graphic design as a side job/hobby and if it built up over time I would work from home and take my son out of daycare.
My dream before kids was to be an F-15 Fighter pilot. Sometimes I still think about it and 'dream' about it but after deploying so many times my ears ring now and I would automatically be disqualified 🙁
In the end I still don't know exactly what I want to do but I would love to be home with my little guy :)…. Someday!
Alicia
September 23, 2010 at 11:36 amGreat post!!! Follow your dreams!!!!! Always follow your dreams!!!! It does seem easy to go back to that steady paycheck, but for me I would feel like I wasnt being true to myself! Good for you for being true to yourself!!
I love your shirt!!!! I want one!!!!!
DORI
September 23, 2010 at 12:05 pmYou post really spoke to me. I am not a stay at home but I am also chasing my dreams and refuse to sub-come to what the world says I should be doing. You really inspired me. Thanks for the post.
Laila
September 23, 2010 at 12:43 pmGet out of my head. I was thinking that I want more freedom to do what I love not what I have to do just to pay bills. I am on my way. Best of luck to you on your journey!
GG
September 23, 2010 at 1:55 pmGreat post and your words hit a vein with me and I'm sure many of your readers! **Sending lots of girl power vibes and support your way**
I love the shirt and can't wait to see more!
Putting All the Ps in one POD!
September 23, 2010 at 6:34 pmLove this… Even though I absolutely LOVE being a teacher, I also have dreams of becoming the next Diann Valentine.. She is the ultimate event and party planner. I wish you the best of luck on your new endeavor.
Kelli Flournoy
September 23, 2010 at 9:24 pmCouldn't be happier for you sister…you have stayed the course and more importantly stayed true to your heart and I have the utmost respect for you 🙂
Lisa Fergus
September 24, 2010 at 6:42 amGood for you!!! Can't wait to see what's in the works for you in the months to come!
With #2 coming is less then 6 weeks, I have nothing new (business wise) planned and I'm okay with that!!! 😉
Sometimes it's nice to take time and relax a bit!
http://lisafergus.blogspot.com/
Sassy Wife
September 24, 2010 at 8:51 amYou can do it lady and we your blogosphere friends are here to support, encourage and uplift you! I really admire you for leaving corporate behind. I am in the same bind and pray for the strength to leave and really pursue what makes me happy. I am looking forward to following your journey and watching your buisness and mind grow.
Chic Mamá
September 24, 2010 at 5:53 pmA woman never stops being woman just because she becomes a mom so i'm so glad to hear you are pursuing your dreams!
I know what it's like to put dreams on hold but eventually the time comes. Cant't see what you will be about. =] loving the sneak peek
Help! Mama Remote...
September 24, 2010 at 10:00 pmHow wonderful! Its totally worth it! Accountability partners are a must. There is no better time than now.
Vic
September 25, 2010 at 7:49 amI've been my own boss for over nine years. There is nothing better. At times, I've wanted to get back out there and work with others but I'm not up for anyone telling me what to do…I do what I want, when I want and how I want….You seem to have your head in the right direction and support is powerful so I've got your back….let me know if I can help in any way:) xoxoxo
Erika at BluLabel Bungalow
September 25, 2010 at 7:25 pmMimi, the vision God has given you is uniquely yours. I hope this past year has shown you that his plan remained the same even through all of life's changes. Actually they too have been part of the plan. As you move into the next chapter, you know I am here to support you just as you have supported me. I can see your end before it has even begun. The future is so bright and I'm sooo excited for all that's in store for you! xo Erika
MsBabyPlan
September 26, 2010 at 1:34 amGood luck, I know everything will work out well once you put your goodwill in it. I am focusing on realising my dreams too, i hope you will stay tune.
I am following you to see the progress :).
Bonhomie Jewelry
September 26, 2010 at 3:58 pmI'm SOOO glad I found your blog – I think you may have EXACTLY what I'm looking for (??)
I wish I had some advice for you but I don't. I've been struggling at this (my stay-at-home jewelry business) for a few years now but I don't think I was really taking it seriously. I'm focusing on God now and the direction I believe He's leading me in (in which He's leading me ;-P) so I'm taking a hard look at my 'practices' thus far. I found a great blog by a wonderfully talented, Godly entrepreneur so I'm spending some time there: http://www.maggiewhitley.com/
Good luck and my prayers to you! I look forward to following your journey!
Tracita Linda (Tracey)
September 26, 2010 at 4:39 pmLove it! Can I pre-order? 🙂
YUMMama
September 27, 2010 at 11:28 amYou go girl!!! I'm so proud of you for deciding to rededicate yourself to your dreams. So many times we get lost in the shuffle of being a wife and a mother that we let our own needs and aspirations linger by the way side. Thank heavens that we have an awesome God who is always there to remind us and encourage us though.
Remember, we can do all things through Christ!! Congrats on having one more class to finish before your MBA. Keep your eyes on that prize.
Bonhomie Jewelry
December 1, 2010 at 2:34 pmthe picture is no longer up but i remember what was there………and i'm still waiting!!! if you need a test audience, i'm your gal (hint, hint!!)