I can’t tell you how many times a month I get asked the question, “How did you know when you were ready to quit your job and go full time?”. It is an awesome (but totally scary!) question to ponder!
I was a server for 12 years,12 years!!! Don’t get me wrong, I loved it, and secretly miss it ALOT, but I needed to pursue my first love – Photography. I remember being at work, talking with my close friend who was also a creative and wanted to go full-time. I remember one day she came to me and said, ” I’m quitting.” My jaw dropped and I thought, “WOW she’s really doing it!”. She went on to become a yoga instructor, a massage therapist, ANNND owns her own store. Well months later, she was doing fine and didn’t live in a box (my biggest fear of quitting), so I thought – maybe I can do this too. With the encouragement from my husband, I put in my two weeks notice and I was off to be my own boss. I think this is something that ANYONE can do, there just needs to be a plan of action; don’t just drop it like its hot (your job, that is).
PLAN AHEAD
In the months leading up to my departure date I did everything I could to book weddings. I made sure I had weddings throughout the year. Not only weddings, but I was making sure I had every TYPE of photography job booked ; Weddings, families, head shots, babies etc. I wasn’t going to go into this without income coming in & if I didn’t have enough weddings, you better believe I was going to be shooting something.
PRAY ALOT – I’m not kidding.
This sounds silly, but honestly He’s in control and we aren’t. Even though I was about to get married and would have the support of my amazing husband, that still didn’t mean we were financially stable. I needed to be bringing in my half so I was a little nervous for this leap of faith. God gave me this passion and desire so I KNEW He would provide. I expected God’s provision and constantly kept my thoughts positive. I was scared out of my mind. Questions like “Will I make enough? Is this really from God? Should I really do this?” constantly swarmed my mind but I had to dismiss those immediately. I wasn’t letting negative get into this pretty little mind!
UTILIZE YOUR TIME & HUSTLE
During my first day at home, I didn’t really know what to do with myself. I DID, however, know not to let time go to waste – – I had to hustle. I was my own boss and I had to utilize every second to make this business happen. I posted all over social media marketing myself, I contacted other vendors, I blogged, I educated myself; I learned how to own my own business.
Today I’m going into my third wedding season (woohoo!) and still learning. Learning is a process, so is giving yourself grace. As a business owner I mess up all the time but I have to remember no one turns into an expert overnight. I’m still tweaking things and learning new ways of how to operate, but man it’s a good feeling to know I did it. I conquered my fears and started my own business. You can do it too!!!
