I put in my two week’s notice at my full-time job.
All my life, I’ve considered different career paths. Many things jumped out at me… a dolphin trainer, a news anchor, a high school English teacher, a public relations professional. Each one intrigued me, but didn’t really excite me.
When I graduated from college with a degree in advertising and public relations and a minor in marketing, I found myself working in the public relations and marketing field. I quickly learned marketing and living by sales numbers was not for me and I gravitated toward tasks that involved writing.
Brochure and magazine content, press releases, e-newsletters. These were my favorite assignments.
After almost two years in the real world, I realized I wanted a career in writing. I accepted my current job in December 2008, excited to write website content for two large sites, even if the topics weren’t ones that peaked my personal interest.
The Beginning of Blogging
In 2008 I discovered Tina’s blog, Carrots ‘n’ Cake, while reading an article she wrote on Health.com. Her blog led me to discover the healthy living blog community and I immediately fell in love with blog reading. It wasn’t too long after I began reading blogs that a little voice in the back of my head started telling me to start one of my own.
In September 2009, I began Peanut Butter Fingers, thinking it would be a fun hobby that would serve as an outlet to write about topics that interest me – fitness, food and living a healthy, fun-filled life. I figured a blog would allow me to share recipes with friends and family while also providing me with a space to write every day where I could work on my personal voice and writing style.
I never really expected anyone to read it.
In the beginning my readers included my family and Ryan. I began participating in the blogging community by commenting on blogs. Slowly but surely people began commenting my blog and stopping by Peanut Butter Fingers regularly. I was so excited to hear from readers and receive comments from bloggers and the sense of support and genuine care that I felt from people that I had never met in real life was unbelievably moving and motivating. I kept on blogging, looking forward to sharing my life with my small amount of readers three times a day.
A Passion Begins
As the months rolled by, I found myself enjoying blogging more and more. Blogging was my “me” time. It allowed me to write and reflect. To share, laugh, learn and grow. I fell in love with my hobby and felt something inside of me.
I felt a passion begin to form.
Prior to blogging, I never really knew what I wanted to do with my life. I had ideas and career paths that sounded okay, but nothing lit a fire in my heart and brought me to life. Until blogging.
The idea of blogging for a living crossed my mind many times. It didn’t seem like a realistic goal, but it became my dream.
And now it is my reality.
My dream is coming true because of you and your readership… and my heart overflows with gratitude for the support you provide to me every single day.
So, What is My Plan?
I don’t want the core of my blog to change. I have worked very hard to build a blog I am proud of and will strive to keep it that way.
While my blog will serve as my “backbone” and is allowing me to take the plunge and leave my full-time job, I am not depending solely on my blog for income. Not at all. In fact, I hope freelance work is what inevitably keeps me afloat. I have been actively pursuing freelance writing opportunities and my desire is to continue to seek out freelance work regularly.
Throughout the past several months, balancing my blog with my full-time job became too much. I wasn’t pouring all of my efforts into either my blog or my job and I felt like I was spread too thin, approaching both my blog and my job at half-speed. My love for my full-time job, which I absolutely adored in the beginning thanks to fantastic coworkers and a wonderful office environment, began to lose its luster and didn’t ignite me like it once did. My commitment was first and foremost to my full-time job, but that caused me to turn down freelance writing opportunities that I otherwise would have poured myself into because I simply did not have time to maintain my blog daily, work full-time and balance freelance work. I also couldn’t provide my blog with the attention I longed to give it every day.
My blog consumed my thoughts… in a good way. I found myself thinking about things I wanted to share on my blog all the time. Unfortunately I didn’t have time to implement the exciting ideas I have for my blog or complete backend work on my blog (coding, aesthetic changes, etc.) because my free time away from my job was dedicated first and foremost to simply writing daily blog posts. I struggled greatly with feeling like I was not giving my best effort in my everyday job or my blog.
Finally, after many, many in depth conversations with Ryan, I knew I had to make a decision.
My decision was to take a chance and follow my heart.
Two weeks ago I decided to put all my eggs in one basket and take a leap into a career in blogging and freelance writing – a career that excites me, energizes me and terrifies me all at the same time. I am a planner and not really a risk taker by nature, so this transition will be the biggest leap of faith I’ve ever taken in my professional life.
Never in a million years did I think I would not work in an office environment. I thrive on a schedule and have always been hard working and ambitious, thinking about how I can benefit a company and grow to my full potential. Though now I will technically be reporting to myself, I plan to work hard and keep my current schedule. I will still wake up with Ryan early in the morning, go to the gym, walk Sadie and head to work by 9 a.m. – only my work will be freelance writing projects (or actively pursuing freelance writing projects) and dedicating time to making Peanut Butter Fingers a place on the internet that you want to visit.
I have so many ideas and thoughts running through my head and I cannot wait to continue to share my life with you every day.
I am scared… but I am thrilled. I have never, in my entire life, felt this passionate and excited about a career path.
I feel like I’ve finally found where I am supposed to be.
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Congratulations!!! Very, very exciting 🙂
CONGRATS!! So excited for you! It takes so much courage to follow your heart like that and make such a big move! Can’t wait to see what happens next!
Congrats on making this HUGE decision!! It’s always scary to step out from something you’ve been doing for a while and heading in a new direction, but something tells me you’ll be just fine! Good luck 🙂
Congratulations Julie! This is amazing 🙂 I’ve read your blog for a while now, and I absolutely love it! I’m so happy that you’re taking a leap of faith to do something you love. Congratulations. and Thank you for inspiring me 🙂
Congratulations on finding what you want to do & actually doing it! I did the same thing last year around this time & as scary as it was to step out of my comfort zone, it has also been very satisfying to have finally found what I want to do & loving every minute!
I’ve only been a following your blog for a few months now, but I was hooked after the first post I read, so I know you’re going to be awesome in this new career path & I’m excited for you!! :o)
Congrats Julie!!! We know you’ll do great 🙂 . Good luck and we’re all here to support you during your exciting new adventure!!
lots of good luck!
I had a feeling you’d do this sooner or later – congrats! While it certainly is a big leap, it seems like you were very responsible in your decision, which is equally important!
Now that you’re working from home, I expect more fun baked good recipes from you! 🙂
Congratulations, how exciting! Not everyone has the guts to follow their heart and their dreams, so kudos to you. I think it’s fantastic.
Congratulations! That is so, so, so exciting! I work in the PR industry, so I can understand your frustration. Best wishes! I will definitely continue reading PB Fingers and looking froward to what you have in store!
Wow, Julie!! I’m so happy/proud of you! I, too, left a full-time, full-salary job a few months ago and have been picking up random jobs while searching for the right teaching job in the right school environment. My passion is kids, and I am determined to find the right job before being miserable in a job again. It’s scary to take risks, especially when we are planners and like to be on “schedule.” I’ve found, though, that sometimes God presents these “Plan B” situations that we must embrace. Trust in Him and rely on family and your wonderful husband for support, as I know you will, and I have no doubt that you will continue to SHINE. I cannot wait to see what’s in store for PBF! I will keep reading, don’t you worry 😉 I’m so happy for you!!!!
Wow! good for you! I’m still on that path of trying to figure out ‘what i really want to do’, but so happy to hear that you’ve found it!!!
I wish you the best of luck. 🙂
You go girl—way to go
What a courageous leap of faith!! God’s plans are bigger than anything we could imagine!
I am very excited to see more from PBFingers! You were my first blog I started reading about 6 months ago and although I’ve added others to my reading list, I still always return to my comfort blog!
Put forth your best effort and you will be INCREDIBLE!
CONGRATULATIONS!!
congrats!!! your blog is one of the first things I read in my google reader every day – I’m excited to see what you have in store! good luck!!
Congratulations!! I’ve been a long time reader and I adore your blog!!
Congratulations!! What exciting news! I work in a career advising capacity at a university, and the struggle to find one’s passion is so universal. But if/when it is found, it can bring wonderful things.
Wishing you all the best on this new endeavor! You will do great work, and I’m excited to follow your journey.
Wow! So, you put in your 2 weeks notice 2 weeks ago… so you’ve already left your job? Moved out of your office and everything? Wow!!
I am glad to be on this journey with you! So excited for you!
today is my last day. 🙂
That is AMAZING!!! Congrats! I too feel that way about my current job. I am not thrilled to be here at all and it’s not my passion. Hopefully soon, I too, can take that leap of faith and quit my day job and focus on my passion and what I love to do!!
Excited for you and love reading your blog, keep up the fantastic work!
Julie… this is SO exciting! I’m so proud of you/want to be you/admire you so much for following your heart and taking a leap of faith. Those are the kind of steps you hafta take to be happy, right? I know you’re gonna be awesome. I’m so impressed!! 🙂
Congratulations!!! Your blog was one of the first ones I started following and I love reading it every day 🙂
Congrats Julie!!!! I’m so excited for you! I quit my desk job in February to pursue a career as a wellness counselor and blogger. It was very scary at first, but I have never regretted my decision for a single moment. It feels so amazing to follow your dreams, and you should be very proud of yourself for having the courage to do so. 🙂 Wonderful things await you!
Congratulations Julie!!! I’ve only been a reader for a few short months, but I’m so excited and happy for you! I absolutely adore your blog and it’s the only blog I check on every day….multiple times a day! You are living your dream and that is amazing!!! Way to go!! 🙂
I am so happy for you! I’ve been reading your blog for a while so while we’re not real life friends, I still feel so proud! Haha. I actually hope I can do something similar one day. Congrats, this is an amazing step and I know you’ll do great!
haha thanks, dani!
Congrats! I love your blog and look forward to it everyday!!! You truly are an inspiration 🙂 Maybe one of your freelance writing projects will include a book deal at some point in your new career 😉
This is wonderful news! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your blog. I never knew what blogging was until I began searching the web for red-velvet cupcakes and came across your site – I’m addicted now!! Congrats on your move….remember one thing – Worrying does not empty tomorrow of its troubles – it empiest today of it strength!! Congrats and Good Luck!!!
Oh my gosh! I am so thrilled and excited for you!! I just exclaimed to Travis the news when I read it and he started laughing at me. 🙂
I totally identify with what you’re saying! When I think about my blog, I am super happy, excited, and feel it is what I am MEANT to BE DOING! I just started my career in occupational therapy at the beginning of March. I am not completely fulfilled by my job (at all) but there are advantages too. I am trying to focus on the positive and I truly believe that my blog is also go to grow into something much bigger! I just need to give it some time!
Again, congratulations on making a very tough decision. I wish you the best and will continue to offer my support and follow your blog!
Best Wishes!!!
Wow, Julie! Congrats! I was hoping that this was what your big annoucement was going to be about! I am so excited for you! You really are an incredible writer and I’m so happy you are going to be able to share your gift with so many people in different ways! Woo hoo! You are an inspiration! Can’t wait to follow along!!!
CONGRATULATIONS GIRL! I’ve been reading alon for quite awhile now, but haven’t ever really commented. This is very exciting news and you should be so proud and excited! Looking forward to reading about your journey.
What a big, bold move! So impressed with your courage 🙂 Good luck with everything and let me know if you’re ever in Charlotte … If not hopefully I’ll “run” into you (pun intended) at the RnR half in Savannah.
aot 🙂
Congratulations Julie! Love your blog and that you had to courage to follow your dreams!!
This is awesome! Congratulations! I just did the same thing two weeks ago – quit my job and I’m going to culinary school this July. It’s something you always say “in a perfect world THIS is what I would do”. I finally realized “Why can’t I live in that perfect world?” Props to you and best of luck!
ahhh! how exciting! i hope it’s everything you dreamed it would be.
Taking chances is how you find what you’re looking for!! 🙂 Good luck to you! I believe I found this quote on your blog, maybe. “On the other side of fear, is victory.”
I’m happy for you 🙂 and I love reading your blog
Congrats and good luck as you continue on on your new path!
How exciting, I thought this blog was great already i cant wait to see what it will be like in the future! <3 you have all of our support!
“dedicating time to making Peanut Butter Fingers a place on the internet that you want to visit”.
Your blog is already a place I want to visit =] I love it!
I’m excited for you, what a big decision. One I’m sure you stressed about. In the end it will probably benefit you in so many more ways because it’s something you’re so passionate about. I look forward to follow you on your new career path =]
Good luck! <3
Congratulations! I am very excited for you. I got a lil warm and fuzzy inside and a tad teary eyed because I know you are passionate about what your are saying. I can very much relate as I am trying something new that lights the fire in me. It is a very scary, abnoxiously exciting and surreal thing. I wish you the best of luck and hope you are very successful!
I got goosebumps reading this. Can’t wait to see what you/PBF can become and, as I love your writing style, what freelance pieces you’ll work on! Keep us posted on everything, congratulations, and I know I speak for most when I say we’re behind you 110%!
Congratulations for following your heart and being so brave! I am so excited to see where your blog goes and follow your career.
CONGRATS! I am so excited for you!! I am interested to see how you still manage to keep up with your routine and work from home at the same time. I work from home in online marketing and It’s so hard for me not to put my workouts off until later (because I’m able to run on my “lunch” break) or to lay around in my tempo shorts and work while in bed…. Haha! Basically I can’t wait to steal some of your tips and tricks. 😉 You rock, follow your heart!
congrats and best of luck julie!! i am so excited for you and i know that taking this leap of faith will work out for you!
Congratulations, Julie! The feeling of following your dreams is like no other. I’ve recently been thinking about the fact that life is so short, and we should make the most of it and fill it with as much love, happiness, and dreams and aspirations as possible. Your leap of faith gives me hope, too, because I would love a career in writing after I graduate from college. So, thank you Julie! I’m happy that you are about to pour all your love into what makes you smile the most. I think that includes a precious Vizsla who will love keeping you company, too.
Julie- I know this is the 141st comment, but I wanted to say congrats as well! You have a very fun and unique writing voice and I can’t wait to see how successful you become in the future. Best of luck!!
Congratulations Julie!!! I truly believe your leap of faith will only lead to great, wonderful things in your life!!
Julie! I am so excited for you! I read your blog every day, three times a day =) I love coming here, it’s kind of my escape from my life and it’s always so refreshing to read about what you are doing and what you are eating. You write in a way that is very relatable and fun to read and I absolutely love your writing style. I wish you the best. And if the goal you are after doesn’t make you feel a little bit sick to your stomach then it probably isn’t worth it. So your leap of faith will be well worth it, I know it! I am a supporter and I am so excited to see what you have in store!
Kudos to you for following your heart and doing something so many of us are afraid to do: choosing the unknown. Cannot wait to hear of all the good things this brings!
Congratulations Julie!! I am so happy for you! I love your blog and read it every day..and have since got several friends hooked on it as well 🙂 I’ve been thinking a lot about what I really want to do with my life, and hearing your story gives me courage to one day go out and DO it!! Best of luck.
CONGRATS! i just tweeted you but i had to say it again!
“You have within yout RIGHT NOW, everything you need to deal with whatever the world may throw at you.” Brian Tracy
One of my all time favorite quotes and I thought it was pretty fitting for you right now. YOU GO GIRL! So few people actually take the plunge and follow their hearts, I know everything will work out just like it’s supposed to for you. I’m soooo excited to follow you on your new journey!
love that quote!
Congratulations Julie! It’s scary stepping into the “unknown” but it is worth it! I recently quit working in the “real world” of sales to go back to school (I already have my bachelor’s) and get my teaching certification in health and physical education. A complete 180 for careers. I still have 1 year left to go but am so excited. I know when I am 80 years old if I hadn’t made this change now I would have regretted it. Am I guaranteed a job when I graduate? No. But am I so much happier than I was at my previous job? YES! And I bet you will be too. Way to take a chance and go for what you love. Remember money isn’t everything, happiness is. So congrats again. You have the amazing support of family, friends, and readers…you will go far!