Posted in: Business, Life

Gainful

I’ve been self-employed since May 2011, working mostly from our house. The first two years involved air travel and visits to new and exciting places like Wisconsin (sadly, Delaware hasn’t happened yet). The last two involved a flagging proposal environment and learning how to coupon effectively. Both phases of the business have been valuable experience that I wouldn’t trade for a fat 401(k), but now that I have said experience, trade it is exactly what I’m about to do.

After four years of doing my own thing, I’m putting Verb Forge on the back burner to accept a full-time position.

No Regrets
From a personal growth perspective, starting and running my own business is one of the best things I could have done for myself. Dealing with fear of the unknown and general anxiety are a lot easier because I know what I can handle now. Numbers? No problem. Weird subject matter? I’m your huckleberry. I know my strengths and I’m harder to scare; that alone is worth the price of admission. So why am I shifting focus now? One word.

Consistency
Over the past year, I realized the lack of consistency was making me unhappy. While the big chunks of time off were fun at first, my brain is not wired to enjoy the natural ups and downs of the small business cycle. I need routine, and my peace of mind needs a steadier paycheck.

Takeaways
At first, switching back to a full-time gig felt like packing away my shingle and giving up. Then I realized two things: (1) I can still help my friends and colleagues in my off time, and (2) I love doing the work, but I don’t like hunting for it. Sales is not and never has been my thing, and it is the one part of self-employment that I actively hated. Shifting my focus is the best of both worlds; I feel freer now than I did in 2011.

Looking Ahead
On Monday I’ll start my new job as an editor. I’ll get to work on training materials, learn new technology, and work with new subject matter. I’m beyond excited about this opportunity because I see it for what it is: a new phase and another chance to improve. Things are looking up, folks. I can’t wait to see what’s next.

Comments (6) on "Gainful"

  1. I’m so thankful for you. And I’m so proud of you. When I see the sheer distance you’ve crossed in terms of personal and professional (and physical) achievements—I’m astounded with joy! Remember that little ol’ girl who was afraid of everything? Now, she’s afraid of NOTHING. Go, girl. ❤️

  2. Congrats on your new job. I hope it is all you want it to be.
    For what it is worth a lot of people myself included try out
    self employment and find it is not all that it is cracked up to be. I had my own little online sales business for three years at the end of which I hated it. Now when I think of “work”
    I know it would be working for someone else where a
    pay check is guaranteed based on your hours worked
    etc. Anyway, best of luck. I hope you will keep blogging
    and let us know how you like it.

  3. That’s fantastic news!!!! Well, except to the extent that it might mean seeing any less of you on the interwebs. :(

    But sounds like a great job that you will excel at, and what’s not to like about that? Just hope it leaves you with time to futz around online and keep me entertained.

    Congratulations!!!!!!!

    1. Thanks, Crabby! This first week is definitely seeing a reduced interwebs presence due to the holy-crap-I’m-tired syndrome that accompanies a fresh commute, but things will even out. I’ll return to futzing about and entertaining ASAP. :-D

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