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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These questions really got me thinking. I know that I’m not supposed to really know what I want do yet since I only just finished my freshmen year of college, but as of now I hope that I will be in a good law school studying to be an entertainment or buisness lawyer. I also want to run a half marathon eventually and climb Mt. Whitney. I want to have traveled around Europe and Russia.
I’m so happy for your decision to follow your dreams. That’s an incredible feat, and it’s amazing that you know exactly what you want out of life.
Julie! You are so inspiring! Congratulations on your new life adventure! you will do great! Right now I am pursuing a career in nursing, which I like but I know it’s not something that I will want to do forever. My real passion lies in holistic medicine and holistic nutrition! I think it would be SO cool to open my own wellness business, with a very “zen” feel. Where people could come to learn more about holistic nutrition, take yoga and pilates classses, get massages as treatment for ailments, as well as accupuncture. This would be my ideal!!
My dream for the future.. 5 years down the road or so.. is to be financially stable enough in my relationship to be able to have kids and stay at home (hopefully still blogging as well). My mother stayed at home with me.. and I would not have wanted it any other way. I would hope to eventualy get back into teaching as my kids get older.. because I do love the career path I have chosen.
Great question, Julie. Professionally, I don’t see much changing for me – hopefully just moving up the ladder in good ole’ corporate America. Personally, in five years, I want to be married, have at least one baby, and be happy 🙂
Good luck with EVERYTHING! I know there is nothing but success awaiting you!
I’m enrolled in classes to become a certified health coach right now, so my dream would be to health coach and blog as my career! I hope I can make it happen!
I would like to be a counselling psychologist (I am going back to school in September), living where I am now. I love BC.
In 5 years I woud like a solid counselling practice, a home and a partner and to be planning for kids:)
Congrats, Julie! You must feel so much better now, and the risk will be worth it. I just finished up my job, too. I’m going back to school for nutrition (which is hopefully what I’ll be doing in five years!).
I can’t wait to see more of your writing in the future!
Only one request//dream–more time with my babies and the money to support it! I think I would volunteer at the older kids school like two days a week. I would also like to exercise, bake and cook more–who knows maybe I would make a kick butt blog like yours. You are a joy to read!! E
I would be a FT running coach (right now I do it PT). It’s my dream and one day it will become real! Thanks for sharing your journey…you are an inspiration!
CONGRATULATIONS! i rarely comment, but read always. very excited to see whats to come 🙂
holy cow that cake looks incredible. made me salivate.
First of all, that cake looks amazing!
Right now I am currently doing what I want to do – I’m heading back to graduate school to get my PhD in Immunology & Molecular Pathogenesis to work towards developing cures and treatments against infectious diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria.
In 5 years time I hope I’m close to graduating as Dr. Chloe! 😉
Congrats on the big move toward your dreams! Your annoucement brought a chill to my bones and the hopes that one day I have to the nerve to go for my dreams. My dreams has been to open a vegan restaurant . I have thought about it a lot.
OMG I need that cake in my life NOW. Jealous!
I honestly have no idea what I would do for the rest of my life if money/location were not a factor. I just recently finished nail school and I actually am sort of in love with doing nails, as silly as it sounds. I am hoping it will take me somewhere eventually.
In 5 years I hope to be working from home doing nails to help support my family, and hopefully have a kid or two. 🙂
Oh. My. God. That cake *needs* to happen in my life.
My dream career would be to do freelance projects on topics that interested me all around the world! I love travelling, learning new things and writing so this would be a great fit for me 🙂
In five years…I hope to be healthy and fit, with a great job that involves writing, a great group of friends and maybe even a boy 😉
That cake looks amazing! And you know my answer since I already shared it in our email. I want to be still blogging along with some sort of personal training or wellness coaching coupled into it. And having the freedom to be there for my kids at the same time.
I love that goal and think it is a perfect fit for you. I loved emailing with you today!!
I hope you’re giving yourself the rest of the week off to soak it all in!
My dream job would be to work in your blogging factory 😉 I hope one day my dream can come true like yours did! Again, so happy for you!
Ahh, just catching up on your blog! This is so exciting. Congratulations!!
My dream career would be to write full time (fiction) and have enough time to spend on volunteer work for animal welfare — domestic animals, farm animals, and wild animals.
That combined with a long life with my amazing husband and my complete nutjob of an adopted shelter dog would equate to my perfect life 🙂
At this point I can’t even think about a “dream job” because I’m dying to just find a job. I never thought I’d have a law degree and no job. It seems that no one wants to hire me for any job–legal or otherwise. It’s frustrating to feel your talents are being wasted.
Hopefully, in five years I will be happy and settled in a career I love!
Hang in there Babs! I too got to the end of my law degree and was like, what now… But don’t worry, something will come up! I’m now in a job I love. And you’ll never even remember that horrible job-hunting time. Be patient! All the best x
Thanks Amanda! I actually got a call for a temp job shortly after I wrote the comment 🙂 woot, woot
I too am debating my future job choices as well, I am thinking about going back to school to be labor nurse or the nurse that educates mom’s on child care before they go home or possibly a lactation consultant. Although if I could have anything and not worry about money I would love to be a stay at home mom. I cannot wait to have children with my husband and the most important thing to me is nurturing, caring an loving our future children. That would be my dream job : )
O man if that cake was gluten free I would dive right into that frosting!… although I might poke an eye out on those dagger looking chocolates, eek! Still looking forward to your next endeavors!
So happy for you! I’ve been reading your blog for about a year and a half and you definitely inspired me to start my own! If I could do anything… I would have a job where I made my own hours. I would teach private music lessons from my house, play for all kinds of groups, workout all the time and vacation!!
I’m so so happy for you! I’ve actually been following healthy living blogs for a little over a year now and finally made the plunge with my own blog!! I can’t believe that I have only had it up for two days and have already had over 70 views 🙂 … future goal-wise, I want to keep growing my blog, and become certified to teach a million different kinds of fitness. I love inspiring those around me through fitness and nutrition, and although I don’t know exactly what job i want in the future, I know that it will somehow involve fitness and nutrition — that would be my dream job!!!
I have always wanted to be a dolphin trainer. I thought that was the coolest job.
Although now, traveling around and dining and then blogging about it would be my ideal job. 🙂
Congratulations! I read you everyday and love that you are doing this full time.
just read your last post and so happy for you Julie! you go girl!! that takes balls to take a chance and step into an unknown territory! you rock!
Congrats your new adventure!
I’m doing things backwards. Right now I stay at home with my 3 little ones and it is hard but awesome but I’m also finishing school. So in 5 years I hope to be done with school, my kids will be in school full time and I can find a job in the field I’m hoping to get into.
I think it’s so fun to talk about dreams and goals because saying them out loud makes them seem just a bit more attainable. I just got home from a rough night at work so I’m more than happy to talk about my dreams!!
If I could do any job for a living: I’d be a writer/editor for a women’s magazine; ideally one of my fave health/fitness mags like SELF and Women’s Health but I’d also love to be the fitness editor at a more mainstream women’s mag like Glamour
In 5 Years….I hope to be at one of those magazines or doing something that incorporates my passions of healthy living and writing. On the family front, I hope to be married and THINKING about having kids! Oh and of course with a dog, preferably a beagle, but you are totally turning me on to Vizslas. Sadie is adorable!
I commented on your official “outing” post, but I have to say it again: congrats! Your story is so inspiring to me.
Currently, I’m a high school English teacher, and most days I love it. Empowering kids (sometimes) is absolutely rewarding.
However, I’d love to be a full-time running coach and race director, focusing on encouraging new runners to get into the sport. I’ve been thinking about setting up a local 5k for some time now, but I have to take that leap!
If I could do anything I would choose to either be a stay at home mom or open a cafe that served all kinds of wonderful, healthy breakfast and lunch options.
My dream job? A temp! (see my Monster-in-law comment on your Because of You post)
I would be a party planner, an office organizer, doggy daycare attendant/walker/rescuer, brochure/flyer/card designer, book editor and more.
In 5 years, personally I hope to own a bigger home, be financially stable and increase my clan of doxies. Professionally, I hope to be doing something I trully love doing so much so that I look forward to work everyday.
I’m a music education/piano performance major. I have been doing music for almost my whole life so I think I should stick with it! My dream is to be teaching music at a good high school or college, or just teaching piano at home + blogging. 🙂 I also dream of living in Austin, TX, Charlotte, NC, Nashville, TN.. basically a place that is a city, but also has some small town charm and a good music scene! 🙂
i don’t even think CONGRATS is a strong enough word for you…but it will have to do! way to go, and i know SOOO many of us out here in blog-o-world are so excited for you. you work so freaking hard you deserve it, girl! 🙂 sorry to comment on this post, and not when you dropped the word, but i was a tad late in getting my usual blog reading done today.
at any rate, you should be thrilled and did the right thing. you have every right to feel a little nervous (any major life change will do it) but you didn’t just do a free-fall you’ve established your blog enough that you can make that jump. most of all you’re doing something that will make you happy. 🙂
now, as for that cake, i don’t think there is a prettier send off that i’ve ever seen…hehe! BEST of luck, but i really don’t think you’ll need it. keep it up! 🙂
Thank you very much! And I love comments… even “late” ones. 🙂
Ohh thought-provoking post! I just quit my job bc it got to a stage that I hated being there and those 9 hours would pass at snails place. Fortunately a great job offer came up and although it’s not a field thats directly in line with my future career goals, I know it will help me to develop the relevant skills! In 5 years, i hope to be running my own wellness coaching and consulting company while doing freelance writing in fitness and nutrition! Personally wise, I want to be married and emotionally settled. Here’s to 2016! 🙂
CONGRATULATIONS, first of all! Wonderful for you!
I wish when I was just starting out – or even close to just starting out – that I knew a job even existed to be a food stylist for a photographer. I love finding unique dishes and placemats/napkins/table setup for various meals/desserts and displaying them creatively for my family. I am the only one who appreciates it, but hey, ya gotta do what ya love! 🙂
You could probably help me out a TON!!
In five years I hope to be… Healthy and happy.
I’m 16 and right now I’m far far from that. I’ve never commented on your blog or any of the “health living” blogs I secretly adore, but your last post really made me… think. I’m so incredibly happy for you and not in a negative way whatsoever, but also jealous. Although it’s almost impossible to believe right now, you give me HOPE. Something I am longing for.`I just wanted to let you know that I’m sure your decision is the right one and that you are effecting people in great ways. You’re so inspirational and although I’m nothing but a stranger to you, you’re a role model to me. Thank you.
Thank you, Ellie. 🙂
That cake looks amazing!!! I wouldn’t want anything but to stay at home with my 4 year old boy, and 14 month old girl– it’s not easy, but I love being here for my kids 24/7. I went to school and became a Respiratory Therapist, so that or anything in the medical field I LOVE!
Right now I’m currently working on my last year as a pre-pharmacy student. I’ll be starting pharmacy school soon (I just have to decide which one!) I’m excited to be working towards a goal, a stable career; however, I feel a little sad when I think about it because I’m not sure it’s exactly what I want to do.
I think I chose pharmacy for its stability, not because it’s something I’m passionate about. I’ve often contemplated a career as a dietician, a writer, a baker, an interior designer (obviously, I have a lot of interests- ha!). I never pursued any of these things because I am young and have always been worried about making the “right” decision and having something secure to fall back on. Your announcement this morning really has me thinking… I need to make sure pharmacy is what I want to do before I dedicate four more years of my life to it!
PS, congrats on your exciting news! I just know you’re going to be a success 🙂
Ryan actually started college planning to be a pharmacist!
If I could have ANY job I think it’d be an editor. Preferably, of course, I’d like to do a job that I could work from home as well! In 5 years I’d like to have completed college, be married, have more financial stability and have a puppy! Of course, if I wanted to dream REALLY big I’d also have a house, but that will come in later times, I’m sure 🙂
First of all congrats on your new job with sadie. I am sure she will make a great co-worker. Thanks for being so dedicated to your blog, it makes my day a little brighter!
On another note there are tons of things I would love to do, but sometimes after watching SYTYCD I will do a leap in my room to see if dancing could maybe be in the cards… (did I say that outloud?)
I have big dreams and plans coming out soon too! SO excited for the future 🙂
Way to go for it!! Love that cake look…I want some too please 😉
I am so, so excited for what you have in store! As a long time reader, all I can say is IT’S ABOUT TIME 🙂
Haha thank yoooou!
Congrats Julie! I admire your courage and look forward to all of the new adventures your decision will bring you. You rock and you deserve it!!
Annd I don’t even really like chocolate, but that cake looks amazing!!
If I could do anything for a living and money is not an issue, I would pursue exactly what I’m pursuing right now…I am gonna go to medical school this Fall and am considering pediatrics 🙂 In 5 years, I want to be heliping medically underserved populations, possibly be married by then and be living back in my hometown (sunny Southern California) so I can be with my family and surf all the time! 🙂
P.S. I am so excited to see how much more amazing your blog will be with this big news, but then again, I can’t quite imagine your blog being more amazing than it already is!!
Very excited for you as you mover forward with this new phase in your life.
If i didn’t have to worry about money, I’d quit my job as a project engineer and work in environmental or in fitness. I’d love to become a PT and own a gym one day. After the student loans are paid off.
So incredibly excited for you. It’s so inspirational. My goal in the next 5 years is for my husband and I to work on our company full-time (NaturaStride) and be able to have the freedom and flexibility to work on other opportunities that come our way!! CONGRATS!!! CHEERS!
I am soo happy for you. Congrats on following your heart! I envy that! I hope in five years to be a mother and be able to stay home and raise my children. Until then, its work work work until so I too can hopefully someday do all that I truly want!
I found your blog after seeing tweets congratulating you on your big decision. Congrats! 🙂
If I didn’t have to worry about money, I’d be a professional photographer. It’d take me awhile to learn what I need to learn to be good enough to quit my job and do that full time (and actually for money!), but maybe it’ll happen some day! I’ve loved taking pictures since high school when one of my electives was photography so it would’ve been a great career choice, in retrospect!
I kind of want to have my own holistic nutrition company one day, or work part time as a holistic nutritionist for the elderly, and live on the beach. and be in an awesome relationship. one day!!
If money was not an option I would own a dog bakery/daycare. I love my boys and could not think of anything better than spending each and every day with them. I also enjoy baking and feel like a doggie bakery would incorporate well with my desire to be around pets all day but also bake.
In 5 years I would love to be a mom. Upon making this my priority a little over a year ago it has consumed me. Though I still am motivated to be the best accountant I can be, I no longer feel like my job defines me. I’m not sure if that is why this year when I started my own accounting firm I was unprepared by just how successful it would be.
OMG. Dying over that cake, especially on AF day today!!
•If you could do anything for a living, what job would you want to do?
Something fashion or shopping related, like a buyer for a company & some design. I always dream up things in my head and I always “see” things in places, give them homes..
•Where do you want to be in 5 years both professionally and personally
Since this is the real world, I hope to have finally graduated with my degree and happy in a career (whatever that may be). Right now my degree is in Education and I love the idea of having my own classroom of little knowledge soakers and having the summer off with my son. I also hope that we have had the ability to sell our house and build another with a pool. I hope we are enjoying those things with our son and another child 😉