For the past 2.5 years, I have worked two jobs: 20 hours a week as an administrative assistant at a Catholic high school and 15-30 hours a week as a web designer and photographer. Although things got a little crazy at times, I really enjoyed the variety in my roles and the social aspect my day job gave me. I had lovely coworkers and clients; it was so good for to get out of the house but also have time to work from home. It was what I wanted to do.
Until I didn’t anymore.
I knew it was time to leave my job (which I vaguely alluded to in May at the end of this post), but suddenly the exit was less clear.
Then Mike got a new position a few weeks ago and things fell into place for me to leave.
I could work for myself 100% of the time. I could be my own boss. I could live the dream I always had for myself.
But I was terrified. What if client work dries up? What if I go crazy working at home? And most of all What if I regret it?
Uncertain and with what ifs flooding my mind, I wasn’t sure I could go through with it. Suddenly, with the opportunity I’d dreamed of for year in front of me, the uncertainty was too much.
The night before I was going to tell my boss I was leaving, I saved my friends’ encouraging and supportive messages in a note on my phone to read over and over so I didn’t lose courage.
Brian tweeted this night before I gave notice. It was just the kick in the pants I needed to stay strong. And take a risk.
And so, next Thursday will be my last day working for someone else before I’m full-time Little Leaf.
I’m thrilled and terrified and ecstatic. I’m ready.
Here goes.
Holly says
Congratulations! That’s so exciting!!!
I’ll be working from home in another six months … “Thrilled and terrified and ecstatic” sums it up!
Ashley says
Oooh, exciting! :)
Caroline says
Congratulations!! I can relate to this so much. Way to take the risk!
Ashley says
Thank you! Glad you can relate – sometimes it helps to talk about fear and risk and ahhh!
Lisa // Elembee says
Congratulations!!! Cocktails at Designer Vacay to celebrate!
Akirah says
Yay! Congrats! This week is my last at one of my jobs. I will still be working 30 hrs a week at my day job, but me quitting this other position is a big deal! I am scared out of my mind, but I know it’s best for me. I have to at least try! So good luck to you, friend. We can do this!
Ashley says
Fear goes hand-in-hand with taking big steps. Hard but necessary! Good luck!
Crystal says
Good for you! I quit my job at the beginning of August to work for myself full time, and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. You will be AWESOME, and you will probably find yourself more driven than you’ve ever been before. You can do it!!!
Becca says
Wonderful! Now, time to celebrate!
Ashley says
Indeed! Thanks, friend. :)
Sarah Anne says
SO, so glad you made this decision and found the guts! So brave and so strong Ash!! Congrats!
Reading (and chickens) says
Congratulations! Your bravery is inspiring. :)
Kelly says
I’m so excited and happy for you! :) I’m sure it will work out and you will end up loving it!
thatShortChick says
that’s so awesome!!! Good luck with all things Little Leaf!
Eva says
Congrats! Sending you positive thoughts for a smooth transition.
Heidi says
So exciting!!!! I have loved watching you grow Little Leaf – you are truly an inspiration to all of us who aspire to live the WAH dream :)
Congrats lady!!
Michelle W says
Yay, congrats! That’s so exciting!
Sheila aka NerdyMinimalist says
I’m so excited for you! I’m sending prayers and positive vibes your way for an even more successful, flourishing business!!!
Brian Gardner says
Ashley, just wanted to drop by and say a HUGE congrats on your leap of faith. I remember very well the same decision I had of my own when I chose to leave my day job to become a freelancer.
I haven’t looked back and it’s easily been the best years of my work life. Hope you have an incredible career and look forward to cheering you on from the sidelines!
L.C.C. says
Congratulations! So thrilled for you and I must admit, also so very jealous!! The biggest congratulations to you :) you so so deserve it.
Shannon says
Congrats, this is great! I’m thrilled for you. You are an inspiration as I work on reaching a similar goal, and I have no doubt you’ll be successful!
Becky says
Wooo!!!! Congratulations!!!!!! So excited and proud of you!
Tori says
Congratulations Ashley! I am so happy for you. You do wonderful work and I know this will be a successful and fruitful venture. Any time you’d like a client testimonial, please let me know and I’ll be happy to write one!
a/k/a Nadine says
Congrats and best of luck to you!
Kristin Hardwick says
Jump… and the net will appear :)
You got this!
Kris says
Congrats on taking the leap! And good luck :)
Nilsa @ SoMi Speaks says
All my friends who now work for themselves say taking that first step of quitting the stable job was REALLY hard and VERY scary. But, not one of them regret the decision to follow their dreams. Congrats and good luck!
Jess says
Yay, I’m so excited for you! Good luck… but I know you’ll be great! Xo.
Holly says
Happy for you! You will do great!
Stephany says
I felt a lot of these same fears and anxieties when leaving my old job for my new one! So normal! But it’s such a good fear. :)
Biggest congrats. You were born to do this, Ashley. You deserve it!
Emily says
You are such an inspiration! I’m still working full time while trying to start a business and I love following you and your success.
San says
OMG! So excited for you, Ashley!
Melissa says
This is amazing and well-deserved… you worked hard to get to this point, and the same drive and talent that got you started is what will earn you continued success as you transition to Little Leaf full time. I’m so happy for you. :) Congratulations and good luck!!
Hilary says
Congratulations!!! So excited for you!
Margarita says
Congratulations! It’s so exhilarating to go off on your own, isn’t it?
Gina says
Congratulations! This is super exciting news. :)
Ronél says
WOW! It’s amazing how exhilarating it can be to work for oneself. My husband was the big driving force behind me to quit my job. I had wanted to do so since September last year, but only finally mustered up the courage in April of this year with August 2nd being my last day at work. Since then I’ve found the joy of being a full-time stay-at-home-mom and also living my dream of baking and decorating cakes. I take my hat off to you for living your dream!
Kate @ GreatestEscapist.com says
This makes me so happy. You’re an incredible designer, not to mention an incredible person, & you deserve all the best. Good luck!