And, if you’re in a place in your life where you’re feeling apprehensive and nervous about taking a risk and leaping into the unknown, please read the comments on this morning’s post. The inspirational quotes and stories of triumph attributed to taking risks and following your heart are amazing.
I cannot tell you how happy I am that the big news is finally out!!!
It was eating me up inside and I have wanted to write about it on the blog for what feels like forever. I’ve been filled with so many emotions as I grappled with whether or not to leave my job. Putting in my two week’s notice was so nerve-wracking and keeping everything inside and off the blog has been a big struggle!
I wanted to keep the news private until everyone at my work knew and all my ducks were in a row. Today is officially my last day of work with my current company and I am filled with mixed emotions.
The Old Stomping Grounds
I packed up my personal belongings this morning and everything is waiting next to me in a big cardboard box to be unloaded at home.
All Packed Up
It’s weird to think I won’t be making my usual drive to work in the morning and I can’t help but feel a bit anxious about it… Until I look at my “to do” list that is overflowing with ideas for freelance opportunities I want to pursue and blog topics I can’t wait to tackle. I’m excited!
Lunch
Today I enjoyed lunch out with several coworkers in honor of my last day. We walked to Jimmy John’s and I ordered a roast beef unwich, one of my favorite lunchtime meals from a downtown restaurant.
Dig In!
We ate our meals while discussing our goals and the future (some of my favorite topics!). I love learning more about where people want to go with their life. I am always thinking ahead and find myself overflowing with dreams and hopes for the future (but I’m still LOVING the present!) and think it’s so interesting to hear about what people want from their life.
When we arrived back at the office, it was time for cake!
One of my coworkers, Lisa, brought in a gorgeous an unbelievably delicious chocolate cake in honor of my last day.
Cake!!
Believe it or not, it tasted even better than it looked. I had 30 three slices. Don’t be surprised if you see this cake on the blog again tonight as my dinner… and dessert. 😉
Question of the Afternoon
Since I’m clearly in an “anything can happen if you love something enough and just believe” mood, feel free to share your hopes and dreams in the comments section below…
- If you could do anything for a living, what job would you want to do? (Money, location, etc. not being a factor)
- Where do you want to be in 5 years both professionally and personally?
P.S. Be thankful that I didn’t post my breakfast this morning. I made a smoothie with waaay too much ginger and it tasted like armpit. Peach and vanilla-flavored armpit.
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That cake looks AMAZING. Oh my gosh.
I honestly have no idea what I want to do, and I hope my *next step* (which I cannot WAIT to announce, hopefully next week) will help me figure out what I want. In five years, I see myself working in a job I love, hopefully in a serious relationship that would lead to marriage. My biggest life goal is to have kids and be a good mom, because I think that’s one of the hardest jobs in the world!
OOOH a big announcement from gabriela!?!? i hope it’s similar to mine!! 🙂
I am a new reader who found you via Twitter, and I just wanted to say congrats, and your courage to follow your dreams is inspiring and admirable! Looking forward to following your (new) journey.
thanks so much, maura! i’m so glad you found me.
Ahh so exciting congratulations on your big change I cant wait to follow your journey 🙂 and that cake looks amazing I dont blame you for making it dinner!
Ha, I love your comment about your smoothie–I’ve done that before!
I’m actually not sure what I’d like to do if I could do ANYTHING. I think this is because I know I’m happy doing lots of different things, so as long as I’m doing one of them, I’m good! Maybe if I could figure out how to combine them all??
And in 5 years, I hope to be married, a homeowner, and respected trial lawyer!
I AM SO HAPPY FOR YOU!!!!!!!!! and wow! alrdy packed up!! u are so speedy!!
anything!?!!? gosh i have NO idea… i wud love 2 be famous..! so maybe an actress! or start my own business! or BOTH!
anything for a living?! ha foreign war correspondent is on my mind currently! Not sure if I would want to report on TV about it or write about it or both, but it sounds pretty good to me right now! 😀
Professionally, starting out at a job that will help me get to where I want to go, graduated from college, maybe getting my masters.
Personally, in a relationship for sure! 😀 Maybe married, maybe not, but definitely with someone is really compatible with me!
Woop woop! I’m so excited to follow along on your new journey, Julie! I faithfully follow your blog everyday and LOVE it! I talk about posts with my boyfriend and refer to you as ‘Peanut Butter Fingers’ so he knows which blog I’m talking about LOL!
If I could do anything, I would paint. I don’t even paint as my hobby to be honest (even though I have a ton of supplies just sitting for me waiting to be used) I love it, but I let fear get in the way – I get too caught up in how others view my paintings or how it will turn out. It’s sounds ridiculous but it’s something I’m working on overcoming because I truly do love it!
Personally in the next 5 years, I would love to advance at my current company or teach (I earned my teaching degree a year ago but there are no teaching jobs where I’m from…) I would love to marry my longtime boyfriend, and have a baby! 🙂
oooh painting would be so cool! i wish i had that talent!
HAHA i had to comment on this…. I do the same thing! I talk about my “blog friends” even though I don’t know them in real life, and my boo Ryan is always like wait, who? But once I say the blogname he get’s it… Oh man does that sound pathetic…. i swear it happens to the best of us!
I’m so excited for you and this new venture!!
If I could do anything, I would be a pro triathlete and freelance writer. I have been passionate about writing for as long as I can remember, and I have recently fallen in love with triathlons. With hard work, I am confident that at least the second part of my dream will be a reality!
For my personal life, I want be saving for a home with my current boyfriend. I am so excited about the life changes that I have coming up!
If I could do anything, I’d be a professional volunteer. I’d love to sit on various organization boards and help out nonprofits in any way I can. Now my husband just needs to sell a company, so I can volunteer all day long! 🙂
An armpit smoothie — that is so descriptive, yuck!
If I could do anything ANYTHING I would have Jason’s babies and be a stay at home mom. But, I also hope to have my own company one day — I’ve got ideas swirling around in my head but I’ve got a lot of thinking/planning to do. And for some reason I am so hesitant to say anything about it because I’m so unsure!
your last sentence sounds like me! i didn’t want to even TALK about full-time blogging b/c it freaked me out since it was leaping into the “unknown!”
First, that cake looks Amazing! Second– I would open a puppy massage parlor! I would massage and relax little puppies all day with a side business of baking gourmet puppy treats!
I’ve been checking back all day, anxiously awaiting your follow up post! 🙂 I love to shop, and I am pretty good at it. I’ve helped lots of friends and family find clothing that fits and flatters their body style. I would LOVE to be a personal shopper. Nothing makes me happier than finding someone an outfit that makes them feel fantastic when wearing it!
Other than that, I’d love to marry my boyfriend of 4 years and have a family.
I said it this morning, and I’ll say it again, congratulations!!! 🙂
come shop for me!!! 😉
You always look cute! You don’t need me! 🙂
youre so inspiring! way to go and follow your heart! that cake looks seriously sinful and delicious 🙂
I got 3 corny words for you, but they’re so true: YOU GO GIRL!!! 🙂
I think it’s a fantastic thing you’re doing … not everyone can do that though, but I know you can b/c you’re a brilliant writer. You’ll go far. Just don’t forget about us all when you’re super famous 😉
My dream (besides getting something published; a poem or novel) is to open up my own Bar Method studio here where I live (Omaha, NE). I moved here from Chicago where they had these workout classes (they’re all over the USA though, but none in NE) called Bar Method. I became instantly obsessed. It’s the only workout I’ve ever loved and been passionate about … and it’s my dream to open up my own studio here someday. Until then, I can dream …
Congrats again!!! Hearts!
Ah! I need a 5 year plan – I have no idea!
How exciting!
I’m working on one of my last weeks of my two week notice. We’re moving to Charleston SC so my husband can work at his dream job. As luck would have it I am also going to be trying to work from home to build my Etsy shop and career as an illustrator. I love working with my clients one on one and being able to make that really successful would be my dream come true.
When you have passion for something you have to run with it. Best wishes to you!!!
ahhh i am OBSESSED with etsy! please send me the link to your etsy site when it’s up!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/WonderlandPapers
If I quit my job, can I have a chocolate cake too? 😉
Glad you’re feeling good about your decision!
Honestly, if I could do aaaany job I would be a stay-at-home mom and wife who does baking part-time on the side. I’m hoping my “where I’ll be in 5 years” is doing just that!
Good luck with everything!! I can’t explain to you how inspiring it is to hear about a woman taking risks to follow her dreams. You should be so proud of yourself!!
Hey Lady-Cakes!
I am SO thrilled for you! I think you might remember … I was the one who asked the whole “how are you going to work in two weeks of vacation into your work schedule”? when you went to Europe. You were quite cryptic then … and I even posted I was SO excited to hear about it and I thought I might know what it was! Well …. I was right! And I am so excited for you 🙂 I too left my corporate job (ugh) to start my own private practice about 2.5 years ago … and for some reason I feel like those who have had the “itch” tend to identify and spot others who also have the “itch” to venture out beyond the corporate walls 🙂 You will be fabulous Julie! Gosh .. I wish I lived in Orlando … I think you and I would have a BLAST! Both newlyweds who love to talk, eat and walk with our animals 🙂 Anyways … I am an avid reader of your blog and since I keep random flexible hours as well … I will be checking in often to read all about how you are doing 🙂 Congrats again!
– Kara
haha i was JUST telling my coworkers about that comment! i loved how you caught on! 🙂
I was wondering if you were at your job today or at home since you said you gave your 2 wks notice two weeks ago! Guess I got my answer. Sounds like you had a lovely last day.
On a side note, I have to say that i never knew armpits tasted like ginger. I think I might actually enjoy that. If my armpits smelled like ginger I surely wouldn’t be using deodorant.
I wish wish wish that I could do anything other than my current job. It’s not that I don’t enjoy it, because I do…but I’d so much rather being doing something in the culinary or arts field. Well, truthfully I just want to be a housewife doing some things in my spare time. I love to paint murals for people’s homes, sell my artwork, do some catering…so many choices! The only thing holding me back is the fact that I need to have a roof over my head and being that I currently live in nyc, this would not be possible. Hopefully some day…you’re so lucky that tomorrow begins your DREAM JOB!
Good question!
My dream job would be a stay at home mom until the kids are old enough for school all day. Then I would be a wedding planner or interior designer. I don’t have skill in either category but I love planning.
That cake looks awesome! Congrats on your last and final day at an office job. The new job seems very exciting. Can’t wait to follow along. 🙂
If I could do ANYTHING I would open a workout studio/spa someplace on a nice beach, maybe affiliated with a swanky resort or something, where I could workout all day and spa it up all afternoon and then spend my evenings outdoors by a fire on the beach reading a book. I would LOVE to spend my days researching new tools for fitness and health and helping people implement things that would help them. I’d get to live in yoga pants and leggings. And I’d be able to spend more than my lunch break working out!
Wow congrats on your last day! I didn’t know that this was all going to happen so soon.
If nothing but my happiness mattered, I would go to culinary school and start a catering company, develop recipes and FOOD BLOG 😉
I love that you’re going for your dreams, and I hope to do the same in the future!
What Kimmah said…that would be ideal!!!
I love seeing others live out their dreams!
In my perfect world, I own and incredible event space (like an old barn) and rent it out for weddings and parties. Running a bed and breakfast sounds pretty cool too (a la Gilmore Girls).
It’s wonderful to see you go for your dreams! 🙂 I know that you will be awesome as a freelancer! 🙂
I’m actually doing exactly what I want to. I don’t make much money although that will change gradually. However, I really don’t care! 🙂
OMG, what is inside of that cake?! It looks outrageously delicious.
It’s strange, I never seem to think about 5 years down the road. I’m either all about the present, or all about the deep future (10-15 years). I’d love to publish a book filled with baking recipes someday!
That cake looks amazing! I start my dream job on Monday and I hope to be there for the next….forever. I honestly don’t think I will ever leave. I am beyond excited to start. And I’m beyond excited that you are pursuing what you want!!
I would love to be a food writer/editor. It’s always what I’ve wanted to do. I couldn’t imagine if it actually happened! I’m so excited for you and to see where your new journey takes you!
Wow! I’m really happy for you. I’ve been reading your blog for quite a while and when I read your earlier post I got so excited about your career change. Looking forward to reading more on your new career path! I’d love to own a bakery one day and a huge farm to grow and sell produce! Slight problem is that somehow I’m going to do economics in uni?? Hopefully it will all workout someday.
Congrats on everything!!! Follow your heart…and it will not only lead you to the job of your dreams, but apparently chocolate cake too!
What a decadent looking cake, I believe you can never have enough chocolate in your life 🙂
In the next five years I hope to have completed my masters in nursing and move onto a more advanced role, whatever that may be…
So happy for you! The cake looks greatttttt!
My dream job is to be a political science professor. Now working on trying to get into grad school 🙂 In five years, I hope to be married and finished with grad school 🙂
I am sure that Sadie will be THRILLED to have you at home more!! Jasper has been going to work with my husband since he was 10 weeks old…and sometimes comes with me too! He doesn’t know what staying at home alone means…but knows that Vizslas dont like it!
that cake looks AHH-MAZ-ING!!
I don’t know if I can identify my “dream job” but it would be something where I talk to interesting people everyday, utilize the digital world and get to write (and see it published)! Basically doing PR for a big online company in the culinary, entertainment, sports or travel industry would be pretty ballllin’ 🙂
GOODLUCK…again!
Good luck Julie! I know you will do amazing things and if you ever have a rough day we readers are here to support you! I am so happy for you!
Congratulations and good luck with your future career! I know it will be amazing, your blog is so inspirational.
If I could do anything?… I would write and illustrate children’s books. I even have a whole series of books planned out in my head. However, in five years time, I want to be married with a child and in a more senior position at the university I work at. (Maybe then I’ll take the career break to write the children’s books? Who knows what the future will bring?). 🙂
What a HUGE leap you just made. I am still months new to blogging, but I can see your love and desire for it…it is a great network to connect with people all around the world and to find people who have things in common with you. I love blogging because most of my friends are not so into the fitness world, working out, running, eating healthy as I am. This does not bother me, because I have not always been that way either, but I have found a love for it. Being able to express my workouts, concerns and questions online gives me that outlet.
I am an elementary school teacher, but many times I have thought about flipping over to become a nutrionist or personal trainer. I am scared to death because I have such great routine that I would be afraid to lose that. In 5 years, I would like to be just working part time somewhere and having a family of my own. I am on my way their with hopefully a soon proposal this summer!
You are such an inspiration to others to follow your dreams!
CONGRATULATIONS! <–i didn't get to comment on the previous entry. so excited for you and your new career journey! blogging as a profession sounds wonderful! that would def. be my dream job as well 🙂
your cake…WOW. so beautiful and yummy lookin!
and i'm glad to know i'm not the only one that sometimes ends up w/smoothies that taste like armpit ;p
keep blogging! it CAN be your job, too! 🙂 we can be coworkers. 😉
If I could do anything, I would be an interior decorator. My husband has dreamed of flipping houses, so we could be a husband/wife team – he rebuilds ’em, I decorate ’em 🙂
In five years, I hope to still be at the university I work for. My husband and I bought land just outside of our hometown, so we won’t be going far. I would love if I were able to move up a little, but we’ll see how things pan out.
On the personal front, we will be building our home…or have just finished it. I can’t wait to start that project (if I can even call it a project) and share about it on my blog. I would love to see my blog grow over the years…maybe not to have it be my full-time job, but at least a substantive part-time one.
If I could do anything, it would be to travel the world. My dream is to be able to travel to countries less wealthy than us and help them out in any way possible. I love knowing that I made a difference in someone’s life.
http://www.challengerunconquer.com
Congratulations on having the courage to do what lights your soul on fire! Not enough people make that big leap and you are an inspiration.
I am fortunate to be able to say that I have wound up working my dream job. I have always been interested in health, fitness and the environment and stumbled into naturopathic medicine at a time in my life where I was blindly grasping to figure out what I was meant to do. I have just complete the 4 years of graduate study to become a Naturopathic doctor and am just building my reputation and practice. I love it! Each new patient reignites my passion for it so I am really blessed to be doing what I love.
I want to run a program/organization that is for child obesity… I want it to be like Shaq’s Big Challenge, I loved that show while it was on! I don’t know what ever happened to it!
I’d eat that cake all day long too!
Love the questions as they are ones I think about daily, if not multiple times a day. I’m at a place in my career (7 yrs in from college) where I’m just plugging away without any satisfcation anymore. I feel compelled to stay b/c of adult responsibilities (mortgage, bills, insurance) but would absolutely love to follow my dream of culinary school or something food/blog related. If my husband had health insurance it would be an easy decision but with me having the job that provides those type of benefits it’s a hard decision to make. I just started blogging last month and I’m so glad I did though. I already feel happier personally at least knowing that I’m doing something I love with the combination of food & writing.
Your success is an inspiration. You’re going to do great on your own, I just know it!
Congratulations! I’m really looking forward to see what you do with the blog. I love it!
I definitely want to be a painter and a teacher. Art is my passion and I am happiest with a pencil or brush in my hand.
Its awesome that this blog has been a blessing to you because you are a blessing to others because of it. Keep up the good work, Lovely!
First off…congrats on your big decision!!! Second, I want to dive face first into that cake!! Super yummy!! As for your questions, I would be a pediatrician. I am currently finishing up my Doctor of Audiology (hearing and balance doc) but about a 1.5 yrs ago, I realized I really really wanted to go to med school…still not sure maybe I will 😉
Where do I want to be….that one is an easy one…wherever the Air Force sends me 🙂 I am really really really hoping that the AF needs an Audiologist in a year and I get commissioned as an AF officer. Im super nervous about the training but I think I would be good at it and I love the military life. And personally, I hope that the hubby has his degree and is working as a mechanic and we are doing the paperwork for the adoption (we want to adopt children). Oh and cant forget our future dogs Luna (a dalmatian and my favorite running buddy) and Mad Eye (a boxer for the hubby). So there are my 5 yr plans…I will get back to you on how it all turns out.
I’m really happy for you going with what you want to do – especially after so much careful thought.
I honestly am doing what I wanted to do since I was 12 – though I stumbled a bit along the way. Helping produce low-carbon emission electricity. And it involves math. Score.
What great coworkers you have 🙂 ! I’m happy they treated you so well on your last day.
My dream job is to be a secretary at an elementary school. <3