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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Ahh! How exciting Julie! 🙂 That’s awesome!
Congrats!!! I was guessing you were changing jobs or moving! I can’t wait to see how your blog evolves now that you will be able to focus on it all the time! I’m sure you are so happy!!
Julie, I’m about to celebrate my one-year anniversary of reading PBF (I’m a nerd). Your blog lead me to the healthy living blog community and ultimately lead me to healthier changes in myself.
I’ve seen PBF (and its readership) grow over this year and have felt like I’ve been there with you through many things. I waited excitedly for your wedding, bookmarked cookie recipes and commented regularly at the excitement you bring to this blog. I’m soo soo so happy for you! You’ve created a “happy place” for yourself -something others long for! And even better – it’s a place you can share and inspire with the world.
This new venture I KNOW will bring you much successs! CONGRATS!! Big, exciting things are in store for you 🙂
Congratulations Julie! I LOVE your blog, seriously. I don’t want this to sound creepy, but when I found it I loved it so much that I started to read from the first post, like a book! So I’m SUPER excited that this means bigger and better blog-things for you 🙂 Yay!
That’s amazing! Congrats on your new adventures! 🙂
Because of your fantastic title, I had that song in my head while reading your post! The one that goes, “Because of you- there’d be no sun in my sky, there’d be no love in my life….” lol
Like I’ve been saying, I’m so incredibly happy for you! This is a bold move, and I think you’ll definitely be rewarded because of it! 😀
P.S. The office will not be the same without youuuu!
Congratulations! This is so exciting! I’m excited to see what happens. You are such an encouragement and an inspiration! I started a blog the beginning of this year (mainly because of the same little tug you were talking about). Thank you for your inspiration! 🙂
Super exciting, lady! Congratulations on the big step.
I just realized how much more time you’re going to have with that little scrawny tator of yours! Sadie is going to be OVERJOYED!!!!
Woohoo Julie!! This is fantastic news! I’m SO proud of you for taking the leap. Your blog is definitely one of the few ones I read daily and as weird as it may be to hear, you have become an important part of my life. Like you, Carrots n Cake was my intro to reading healthy living blogs. I appreciate your insight, your healthy and happy attitude and all your super delish recipes. Thanks for sharing your life with us! Can’t wait to read more!
Jules~
I am SO proud of you and your recent leap of faith to go after what you truly love! Peanut Butter Fingers was the first healthy living blog that I started reading, and to be honest, it is the only blog that I check on a daily basis. Your personal stories, nutrition & exercise tips, and passion for life shines through, and you never cease to put a smile on my face. I can’t wait to follow you on this journey as your professional career evolves! CONGRATS!
~*Ali*~
CONGRATULATIONS Julie!! I have been a daily reader of your blog for several months now and I absolutely LOVE popping in every day to catch up with your daily happenings! I have always wanted to have a job that I am passionate about and enjoy waking up for everyday – consider yourself so lucky to have the ability to make this huge/scary change. Best of luck to you!
This is amazing news! Congratulations Julie! I can’t wait to continue to read, whats awesome is I’m sure you’ve motivated others to take a risk and follow their dreams, life is too short not too! 🙂
I can’t believe your post came at the right time! You made me feel so much better!!! I’ve been working for a state agency in NC for 5 years. I am ready for a new change. I’m thinking about applying for the same position in Chicago. I, too am scared but so ready for this new chapter in my life. All good tidings to you, Julie!!! 🙂
Congrats! Your blog was the first one I found (thanks to a link on fitsugar). I owe to your my own inspiration!
I think what your doing is brave and will be well worth it! Do what makes YOU happy. You influence, inspire and motivate all of your readers. It will be great to have you around more often. Congrats! 🙂
Congratulations Julie!!!!! I have been reading your blog for a while now and it really is what inspired me to start my own! I’m so excited for you becoming a full-time blogging (and I’m so jealous as well)! Seeing all the effort and passion you put into your blog and where it led you to gives me even more inspiration to keep with mine!! best of luck!!! 🙂
Wow way to go girl! I’m so proud of you as are a 300+ other followers according to the comments haha =D Doing what you love is the best thing that you could do 🙂
Way to go, Julie! I started my blog back in January and am still in the process of deciding what works for me and my style. Reading your blog and a small handful of my other favorites have inspired me to stick with it and pursue my dreams as well. Best of luck to you and I can’t wait to read about your journey.
Way to go, Julie! I started my blog back in January and am still in the process of deciding what works for me and my style. Reading your blog and a small handful of my other favorites have inspired me to stick with it and pursue my dreams as well. Best of luck to you and I can’t wait to read about your journey!
Julie, this is awesome! I have been reading your blog for a few months now and ABSOLUTELY LOVE it. It is one of the favorites in my Google Reader! This is a big step for you but you are going to do great. You’re blog is what made my decide to revamp my domain and start blogging again!
Congratulations! I’m a technical writer who loves blogs and almost everyday I question whether I could be doing more with my life. Eagerly waiting to see what adventures you go on!
Congratulations! I love your blog and have become ‘a person that reads fitness and fashion blogs’ because of you. Thank you and I look forward to continuing to support your new ‘job’!!
Congratulations! I am just a beginning blogger but that is my dream one day! Good Luck 🙂
Congrats Julie! that must have been a difficult decision, but by the looks of how much you love blogging, I know you made the right choice 🙂
This is so exciting! I am so happy for you, and I am sure that you will find this to be a wonderful decision. You are so talented and all of your readers love you and support you so much. You’re a huge inspiration to a little blogger like me 🙂 Congratulations, Julie!
Congratulations! I’ve been reading your blog for about 6 months and I love it. Good luck. I know you’ll be fine!
Congratulations! That is amazing you have found your passion and career to be the same. You are so brave, and I know it’s going to an amazing experience.
You’re a huge inspiration to me and everyone else who reads this blog.
That’s so great!! Congrats!!
Side note: Is anybody else singing Kelly Clarkson now??? : )
Congrats! I’m a newer reader and your blog is one of my daily visits…you are refreshing and easy to relate to. I took a leap of faith one year ago and quit my full time job to pursue Real Estate full time….scariest move ever but I can tell you today, I am happier and feel more free than ever. You can do it…the universe will meet you halfway! 🙂
Good for you!!!!!! I have always wanted to own my own business and I need to just DO IT!!! Your announcement today inspires me!
I’m so excited for you Julie. My sister and I read your blog everyday–we love it. Your healthy outlook on life is so inspiring and contagious! Be excited for where this takes you and your blog–I am!!! 🙂
Whoo! I’ve been reading blogs for quite a while now, but I have to say that *your* blog in particular is the one that has really hit home with me. Good luck girl!
Not that a million others haven’t said it but congrats! and I wish you the best of luck! I can only hope that when I graduate I can do what I love:)
Congratulations!! What an exciting turning point 🙂
Congrats Julie!! I know you will do big things…I can’t wait to see what’s in store for you and PBF 🙂
Wow!! This is amazing, and I SO happy for you!! So inspiring that you are following your heart, and that Ryan supports you 100%.
Best of luck and I can’t wait to see what changes happen!!
Oh wow!! Congratulations! If anyone can do it, YOU can!
Congratulations Julie! This is so exciting! PB Fingers is the first healthy living blog I started reading daily…about 6 months ago. Your blog is the first thing I read every day! Thank you so much for sharing so much of yourself with your readers. I can’t wait to see where you go from here.
Congratulations Julie!
I have been a daily follower for quite a while now, and I am so excited to see you continue and pursue something that you are so passionate about!
Can`t wait for what`s in store!
– Lauren @ Neeps and Taters
Congratulations! PB Fingers is one of my daily reads. I’m looking forward to seeing what’s next! Keep up the great work (and pics of Sadie…)
Congratulations! I read your blog most mornings while I have my coffee and this morning you put a huge smile on my face! I can’t imagine how you could improve the blog beyond what it has already become, but I’m sure you will. 🙂
this is awesome!! i was wondering if a job change was in the works for you when i saw that you were training someone a few weeks back…congrats to you!
Oh my goodness! How exciting! I can’t wait to see how this unfolds; such an amazing adventure.
WOW! Congrats, there is nothing more exiting and fulfilling than doing what you love! I hope this brings you much happiness 🙂 reading your blog has become part of my daily routine, and I love that!
Congratulations! You are such an inspiration. I hope you find excitement and contentment in your new direction. I LOVE your blog, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.
I’m not usually one to comment on the blogs I read, but I wanted to let you know you have a supporter in me! Your smoothie and healthy dinner recipes are out of this world and your blog is one that I truly enjoy. Good luck! 🙂
congratulations! your blog is my absolute favorite, but i may be a bit biased as i am also a kappa delta with an affinity for bagel thins 🙂 you are definitely striving for the honorable, beautiful, and highest with this move! good luck!
THIS is one inspiring story. Thank you and I can’t wait to hear more about what’s coming!