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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Congrats!!! I am so happy that you are following your dream and I know you will be successful!!! Let me just say that PBF is already a place that I do and look forward to visiting on a daily basis (multiple times each day, really!) Congrats and best of luck! 🙂 🙂
Huge congrats to you, Julie! I’ve been reading for quite some time. So happy you’ve found what really makes you happy and took that leap. =) All the blessings and well wishes in the world for you, girl!
Congratulations!! You are an inspiration to people everywhere – we CAN all lead the lives we dream about.
Thanks for inspiring me to go get the life I want♥
Good for you! As a fellow planner I know how hard it would be to do something for this but I know you will do great and succeed in whatever you do! Best of luck in your future! Congrats!
How wonderful that you are going to be doing something that you absolutely love. Congratulations! As your readers, we look forward to your posts and we will continue to watch your success 🙂
I KNEW this would be your big announcement! Congrats Julie on following your dreams!! I must admit that I am jealous you will be embarking on this exciting journey. I am also a writer and would love to blog and do freelance writing full time. You will love it when you guys have babies too. 🙂
you’ll get there, too! just keep plugging away. it WILL happen!
Congratulations! That’s a very brave step you’ve made. You have continuously inspired me and I know you inspire others so I think this is great news. I can’t wait to see what you accomplish!
Julie this is so exciting!
I can’t wait to see the changes you are going to be making to the blog, and I’m so happy that you have found your passion!
Congrats, Julie! You are such a talented writer and blogger I cannot WAIT to see what’s coming next!
Congratulations, Julie! I read everyday, I just don’t usually comment 🙂 Best of luck in your new endeavor!
Congrats Julie! You’re an amazing blogger and writer! Your blog is absolutely one of my favorites, and I’m so excited to see all you’re going to do with it!
Congratulations Julie!! I can’t think of anyone else who is more fit for the job! I recently started following your blog and I love it. Love the high spirited, get up and get ’em type of energy you have!!!! Good luck and best wishes!
Wow, congrats!!! What a brave and exciting move! I’m sure that you will be successful in anything you do. There’s no reason why you can’t see how you like working on your own and devoting your time to your blog, and if you really didn’t like it, you could just get an office job again in a few years (tho I doubt you’d want to!)…since you’re obviously awesome at what you do. Good luck on this new journey 🙂
that’s exactly what i said to ryan. it’s not like i CAN’T go back to work if this doesn’t work out. 🙂
Congratulations Julie! You are very brave and I believe in you 100%. Your passion for life and writing is clearly seen through this blog and draws me in every single day!! I can hardly wait for the next post. Reading your blog makes me happy and I know I can count on PB Fingers to make me smile on days I am not so happy. Keep on keepin’ on Julie!! You inspire us all 🙂
Congratulations! This is the first time I’ve commented but I wanted to say I know you will do well. The reason I read your blog is for your writing. You have the gift of making people feel like they know you 🙂 You are one of the reasons I am starting my blog, to get out there and start writing. You cover a little bit of everything (food, fitness, fashion, and fun — all of my favorite things!) and it never gets stale or boring.
Life is too short to be stuck in an office!
Good luck! About a year ago fitsugar link time had a linked post of yours that intrigued me. If i hadn’t clicked on it, I would have never discovered pbfingers and in fact, the whole healthy living blog community! My reader is always packed because of YOU! you’ll do great!
Congrats, Julie!! Your leap of faith hits close to home for me. I too am at a career-path-crossroad in my life.
I always admire when people ‘go with their gut’. Go Julie!
ahhh Julie! I am sooo excited for you. I know how you feel when you say, “I wasn’t pouring all of my efforts into either my blog or my job and I felt like I was spread too thin,” because I’m feeling the exact same way right now. It’s such a challenge.
I’m really proud of you for taking the risk and going for your dreams. I can’t wait to see where PB Fingers takes you!! xoxo
Julie! I am so glad you are following your heart! You only live once and I think you are doing the right thing by following your passion. You inspire so many people and I wish you the best of luck! Good things happen to good people. WOOT!
JULIE!!!! Congratulations! I am so incredibly excited for you! Though I’ve never left a comment, I read your blog every day (usually 3 times a day to catch all your posts). Your blog is one of my absolute favorites and I’m so excited for all the great posts ahead! With great risks come great rewards and I just know your leap of faith will reward you! Congrats again and best of luck!
I’m so excited for you! I know you will love this arrangement so much better!
This is amazing!! I too have been thinking the same thing about my current job. I think it’s awesome that you have the courage to pursue something that means so much to you. I look forward to reading more!!
Good for you Julie!! It takes amazing courage to give up what is easy and comfortable for what you know can ultimately make you happy but poses a challenge to begin with. I wish you all the best in your new career!!!
Congrats congrats congrats Julie!!! I am SO happy and excited for you! 🙂
“All men dream, but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their mind awake in the day to find that it was vanity; but the dreamers of the day are the dangerous men, for they may act their dream with open eyes to make it possible.” T.E. Lawrence
Julie! I’m so excited for you and know that you will succeed. You have such a passion for writing and it is shown through your blog every day. You truly inspire me to be a better person and I am so thankful to have found your blog a few months ago. I WISH YOU THE BEST! Can’t wait to read in the months ahead how you are liking the transition. Best of luck!
I am soooo excited for you, and excited about embarking on this journey with you through reading your AMAZING blog!! You are going to do GREAT!!
I am also someone that has always struggled to find a career path I was excited about…and two years into law school has still not made it clear to me. Congratulations on finding yours. Best of luck!
Major congratulations, Julie – I’ve read your blog since the beginning and will obviously continue to do so 🙂
Congratulations! It takes a lot of courage to take a big step like that – I’m sure you won’t regret it!
Congratulations — way to go for it! Very excited to read what happens next!
Woot! Congratulations!!!
Risks are scary, but they’re the only way to grow and totally worth it. Very, very few people ever regret taking a risk; most regret not taking one. And seriously, you’ve got a great reader base and reputation so I’m 100% positive that everything will work out for you with the blogging and freelancing. Just don’t give up or lose heart if it’s slow going at the beginning (I have no clue how the freelance world works); you’ll rock the interweb’s socks.
And more time to cuddle with Sadie!
Congrats Julie! I LOVE your blog and have been a reader for over a year now but have not commented. So exciting for you!
Congratulations! This is so inspiring and very exciting! Good luck!
This is so exciting! You will make it work because it’s your true passion. You are a huge inspiration to every single one of your readers and I know we’ll all be ‘by your side’! Congratulations 🙂
Best of luck Julie, I think this is awesome! I have no doubt you’ll do great 😉
Woo! Way to go woman! Hope for nothing but the best for you– You deserve it!!!
Congratulations, Julie!! I did the same thing and it feels so liberating 🙂 I know you will be fantastic and I am looking forward to reading all about it!
To change one’s life:
1. Start immediately.
2. Do it flamboyantly.
3. No exceptions.
~William James
CONGRATS CONGRATS CONGRATS!!! PBF is one of my favorite blogs to read on a daily basis. I can’t wait to read what happens next. 🙂
Congrats! I had a suspicion that this was the announcement, and I’m so happy for you!
Congratulations, that’s amazing! I’m excited to continue to follow along!! 🙂
I am so so so proud of you and so excited to follow your new adventures!
As you know 🙂 I am a BIG believer in pursuing your passions, and making your JOB your JOY. It will be a lot of hard work for you but I know that you will be amazing.
I OWE YOU SO MUCH, KATY! seriously. you got the ball rolling for me. you made me think it was something i really could do. you’re amazing. i can’t wait to thank you in person tomorrow.
Congrats Julie! How very exciting for you, and for those of us who <3 your blog! I'm taking a similar leap soon. The hubby and I are packing up and moving halfway across the country with no jobs, mostly to be with family but also because we feel it's time. It's terrifying and exhilarating all at the same time. Good luck with everything, I look forward to reading all about it!
Congratulations, Julie! The best moments are spent doing what you truly love to do… you go girl! Best wishes, and I can’t wait to see what unfolds on PBF!
Congratulations, sweet thang! For some CRAZY reason, I just knew this was going to happen for you! I’m always amazed that you have so many ideas for your blog posts. Your enthusiasm and passion really shine through, and that’s something that can’t be faked. I truly can’t wait to see what your blogging future holds!
Also, as a fellow writer, I would love advice on how to find/start freelance work! I have the chops, I just don’t know how to get it rolling!
Anyway, huge congrats again! 😀
Mazel Tov!! That’s wonderful news and I wish nothing but the best for you!!
Wow – this is very inspiring to me. I’ve been reading your blog for a while and always enjoy it. I am a very new blogger making baby steps. I work full time (and then some) for a marketing/PR agency and would LOVE to make writing a full time job someday. Best wishes! I will continue to follow your adventures on Peanut Butter Fingers.
You’ve got great things coming your way! Congratulations on taking the leap of faith. : ) Can’t wait to see more of you around the internet!
Congrats Julie! It’s soo difficult to find a path where your passions lie and be able to do it for a living. Thanks for sharing your life with me on your blog! I can’t wait for the new changes ahead for you. 🙂
What exciting news! Congratulations! I’ve been an avid reader of PBF for a while now and I’m so excited to see where you’ll take the blog in the future.
As Eleanor Roosevelt said, “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” Best of luck on this wonderful new journey!
Congrats! You are such an avid blogger that it made me wonder how you could handle a full time job too! Spreading yourself too thin is always an issue I have. Its great you knew when to stop!
Congratulations, Julie. Can’t wait to see the changes you make and watch you grow in this new phase of your life. It’s so exciting. I’m so happy for you. Happy Blogging!! 🙂