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.
![\"Quantcast\"/](\"//pixel.quantserve.com/pixel/p-1e3-7hOJ_U8Bg.gif\")
OH MY GOSH that’s so exciting! Congratulations, I can tell that you’re super passionate about this, and like fully into it, you’re gonna do awesome! 😀
Congrats! I know how you feel about not really being passionate career wise. I love your blog! I went to the same gelato place in Florence a few days after you did because I saw your blog post about it. LOVED the chocolate mousse and the white chocolate flavors!
The true modern day American dream. Good for you Julie! I am so happy to hear this! This is how life should be; filled with spending time doing what you’re passionate about. SO, SO happy for you!!!
Congrats, dear, this is incredible. You have a fun, honest, easy-going blog that I believe resonates so deeply with so many (as evidenced by these comments!) because you seem like someone we would all want to be friends with. I wish you nothing but success with these endeavors – and I will continue reading along with them! Cheers!
Congrats, Julie – I’m so proud of your decision and following your heart. It’s so admirable!! 🙂 I can’t wait to see what you have in store for us readers in the future!
Oh my goodness, you’re such an inspiration! I only hope that after I graduate from college in a few years and get settled in my own professional life, I can follow in your footsteps! I have no doubt that you will look back on these days and feel proud that you took such a leap.
Congratulations!!
Good for you for taking the leap and doing what you believe in! Congratulations!
that’s awesome! congrats Julie!
I started tearing up while reading this. As an actress, I am going to be doing freelance stuff for my entire life, practically. All of the emotions you have to this leap of faith, I have as well, and something I struggle with embarrassment of telling people I am pursuing my dream, but thank you, thank you so much for being so open with us, taking a chance on yourself, and being PROUD of your dream. You are such an inspiration <3
Congrats! Your blog is my favorite, and I’m so happy for you.
Congrats! I am glad you found your true calling, and you are so passionate about it! Best Wishes!
Wow! Congratulations! I know you’re going to do fantastic!
Congrats Julie! I’m so excited for you, you are going to amazing! 😀
Hello Julie! I don’t usually comment but I have always secretly wanted too haha So…Congratulations on this huge leap of faith. I am currently in college and fell in love with your blog because of your inspirational blogs and fun filled life. I also moved into my first apartment and literally plan my meals around your recipies 🙂 they are awesome! I love reading your blog because you write about so many of the things I can relate to at this point in my life. Anyway, as you can see I am not a writer haha but I would like to say that you seem like an amazing person and just remember to leave your worries to the lord. He will guide you through this new adventure in your life and I know great things will come of it! Best of Luck
ps: my boyfriend started reading your blog after I showed it to him one day and he is now looking into Vizsla breeders 🙂 He is in love with Sadie!
How exciting! It takes a lot of courage to take big risks–you go, girl!
“I’ve learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.” — Maya Angelou
This is my first comment on your page, but I have been faithfully following you for quite a few months now.
Congrats, this is the time in your life where you should be taking these “risks” and following your passions. I wish you nothing but great success and can’t wait to see what PBF evolves into in the future.
This is so awesome! I honestly believe that you will be fine. With a winning personality like yours, you can only ever go up.
Congrats this is awesome! I love your blog 🙂
WAHOO!!! I had a feeling this would be the announcement! 🙂 You have a passion for this, and it comes through in your writing. SO proud of you!
This post resonated with me because I too am taking a professional jump of faith, and it feels AMAZING. When we feel a passion within us stir, aka a really good feeling, that is something we need to follow…and you are doing JUST that. Woot, WOOT!
Many congratulations!! While I think it’s cool when bloggers have a “real” job too, I think that it will be such an amazing opportunity for you. You will be able to live out your creative desires and I can’t wait to see what new things you will have in store. So exciting!
Congrats, Julie! You’re an incredible person, a phenomenal writer and there’s no doubt in my mind that you’ll be successful in anything you put your heart into! Your blog is the first (and only!) one that I found and love to read on a daily basis. You’ve motivated me to make smoothies with spinach in them and remind me that it’s a privilege to workout everyday. Thank you so much for all your wonderful advice, I look forward to reading your blog in the future and perhaps a book one day by you too :)!
Congratulations!!! This is so inspiring and amazing – just like you. Good luck, you’ve got this.
AWESOME!!! Soooo happy for you! Your bravery inspires me! I love your blog – you have a gift for writing and for making healthy living seem practical, fun and doable. I know this will be a successful journey for you!
Congratulations! I’m so proud. I feel like you’re my little sister (I’m just a little bit older (34) and ahve 1 1/2 year old twin boys). Following your dreams is what life’s all about. Stay passionate and AMAZING things will happen!!! 🙂 I’m new to the blogging world, but I’m discovering it’s my passion as well. You inspire me little one!
Congratulations Julie!! You are such a brave woman. I am sure that you will be very happy with your decision.
I love reading your blog!! Congrats and I wish you the best of luck!!
Julie! That is so exciting! I can’t wait to see what happens next 🙂
I was wondering – if you don’t mind sharing – how you are contacted for freelance gigs? It’s something I’ve been trying to get into for a while.
Congratulations Julie! I love your blog and I can’t believe likeyou feel like you’ve only been giving 50% these past few months. I didn’t notice 🙂 You’re going to be amazing and have such a great time writing. I wish you all the best!!
Julie,
We are in the same boat. I am in the process of training my replacement at my own full time job. I will be leaving at the end of this month to move back to Miami where I have NOTHING lined up. People call me crazy, but a good job in a place that isn’t my “happy healthy place” sounds to me like selling myself short. So congratulations on following YOUR HEART and doing what YOU think is best for YOURSELF. Too many people are scared to do just that and essentially fall out of love with their life. I never want to be that person, and it’s great to see someone with the cojones to take the same jump!
The best of luck to you!
i think you are so brave! following your heart is a fantastic decision. best of luck to you!
Way to go! I would bet there are countless numbers of people who only think about doing this and you did it. I was taking to my husband this weekend and we talked about how life is too short and there are no gaurantees. If there is something in life making you unhappy or just not sitting right with you, change it. You did just that!
Congrats, Julie! You’re a great writer and I’m sure you’ll thrive:)
i am SO excited for you! you have such an impact on this community with your enthusiastic personality and fun posts! you have been such an inspiration to me in starting my own blog. i cannot wait to see what you have in store, and i am so confident that this path will help you bring out your best self! XOXOXO
Julie! I don’t even know what to say; your post almost brought me to tears! I’m so happy that you have decided to take a risk to find a place in the career that you love. And as a daily reader of PBF, I am so proud to be one of your readers that has helped your blog grow into such a wonderful website! Nomatter how hectic my day has been, I always make sure to take about 5 minutes out of my day, three times a day, to simply relax and read your blog. Even though I don’t personally know you, I always wish I did! You are always so optimistic, and the way you share your wonderful outlook on life is seriously contagious! If i’m in a crabby mood, I simply whip out my phone to read one of your posts and i’m instantly greeted with Sadie’s happy face at the dog park, a cute picture of you and Ryan, or one of your amazing new smoothies. You have the remarkable ability to make others happy by reading your blog, and you should feel so comforted by the fact that you make such an impact on dedicated readers like myself, without even knowing it! You are basically a blog celebrity to me (seriously, if I ever saw you somewhere I would probably freak out) Though I don’t comment much because I am some what shy, I knew I had to tell you today just how important your blog is to me! I have been hooked on your blog since the first day I started reading, and I look forward to reading one of your new posts every single day. In between classes, before bed, at work, I find myself consumed with PBF! (I even started back to your first post, and worked my way up to the present 🙂 ) Sorry for rambling, but i just had to let you know how happy I am for you, and how much i look forward to being there as you take on this new milestone in your life. While it may be frightening, exciting, and sad at the same time, take comfort in the fact that you are making the right choice, and your dedicated readers will always be here for you nomatter what career path you may choose! Best of luck, and I am positive you will look back at this moment and be so proud of yourself for taking this leap of faith!
Congratulations! It’s so exciting to hear that you are taking a risk and following your dreams! I can’t wait to see everything you have in store!
Yay that’s so exciting. I hope your transition goes well. I’ll be praying for you and your change, and of course be reading away like I always do 🙂
CONGRATULATIONS Julie!!!! So excited and proud of you!!! : )
I’m the 434th comment so I’m not sure if you’ll actually read this. I stumbled upon your blog while I was sourcing some wedding ideas on google and literally have been following your blog twice a day every day since! I live in Ontario btw so your influence is spreading far and wide!
i read every single comment. 🙂 thanks so much for reading and for following along! i hope your wedding day is/was magical!
Not sure if you’ll get to my comment either, but I just wanted to say congrats Julie! I’m looking forward to reading all about this next phase of your life. 🙂
of course i read it! 🙂 thanks so much for your congratulations. 🙂
Congratulations!! That is incredibly exciting. I wish you the best of luck and can not wait to see all of the amazing things you do.
Oh the places you will go….
http://www.teamhope.com/seuss.htm
Congrats! I can’t lie though, I’m a little disappointed. Part of the reason I loved this blog so much was seeing you balance work life with personal life and fitness/nutrition. It made you very relatable to someone like me, just your everyday normal girl! It’s a lot different having it just be your part-time thing vs. having it be your main gig. Anyway, I’ll probably still check back, hope this decision takes you in the direction you’d like to go. 🙂
Congratulations Julie! You can’t fail when you follow your heart :).
As if you need another comment on this post buuut….THANK YOU so much for inspiring me to take chances, work hard, and go for my dreams. 🙂 Congrats! I know you’ll do just fine- your writing is always genuine and honest and I can’t wait to see where you take the blog now that you have more time to dedicate to it, I also can’t wait to read some of your freelance work!
Congrats!!! I am debating leaving my “comfty” full-time career for my amazing part-time career. It would be a leap of faith and I was having this convo w/ my husband last pm. Your risk was just the push I needed to be brave and do the same thing. Thank you and best of luck.
What great news!
It takes a lot of guts to make a move like that, but you are so focused, positive, and motivated, I know you will make it work. You are an inspiration to others who are contemplating a life change!
Here’s to happiness!
Way to go! Follow your heart!
Julie,
This is amazing news! It’s also amazing how you have over 400 positive and happy comments so far just proving how wonderful this is and you are! I have always wondered if and when this day would come and could not be happier. I am so excited to follow you on your journey that I know will be a great one and see what tricks you have up your sleeve ;)…. I enjoy reading your blog daily and am looking forward to the continued inspiration, positive attitude, and beauty that you bring to the blog world and the real world too.
-Stace
Awesome. Just awesome. Life is too short to not be doing something you love with all of your heart! Congrats! I’m excited for you!
I don’t think I have ever commented before, but I just wanted to say that I am so proud of you! Your blog is absolutely one of my FAVORITES to read! You have such a natural talent, and I know you will be fantastic in all you do!
With faith & courage…. This is my life motto and it applies to your decision to move into full-time blogging. We are all behind you 100%!! Good move!