In October last year, I was made redundant.
In all honesty, it was one of the worst experiences in my entire adult life.
At the time heaps of people said to me that I would look back on it in six month’s time and bless the day I left … which I found pretty hard to believe.
They were right!
I would happily have stagnated in that organisation until the day I retired – and it’s only now that I realise that I *was* stagnating!
Being booted out of my comfy “nest”, I had no choice but to do something different – so I thought I might as well follow my long-held dream of starting my own business, working from home.
It’s been a very steep learning curve. I work harder than I ever did for an employer, longer hours, and there have definitely been some tough days.
But I’m so very glad that my life has taken this unexpected turn!
As I carve out a niche for myself in writing (everything from this blog and content for other websites, to press releases, to magazine articles), editing and proof-reading, building WordPress websites, and social media coordination, I am astonished at how quickly my life has changed – and dare I say it – for the better!
But the ultimate irony?
Just this past week I landed a contract to look after one of the social media accounts of the organisation I used to work for – at a much higher hourly rate!
Revenge is sweet :-).
Leanne @ Deep Fried Fruit says
Love it!!
I will never regret leaving my 12 year job. Although the pay was bloody good. But getting out from under someone else’s thumb allows your wings to grow and flight to take hold.
Great office by the way. Love the wall thingos with the magazines etc up there.
Oh, and you asked about Roomba! I love roomba. If you go to my blog and put Roomba in the search bar you’ll find a few posts about it. I think the best warning I can give though is that while roomba (and robomaid) is advertised as a vacuum, it is actually more of a carpet sweeper. Either way, my floor gets cleaned while I’m doing other things. Gotta be happy with that!
Cheers
Leanne @ Deep Fried Fruit
Janet says
Hi Leanne, I never wanted to leave my old job as it was a very good fit for me initially but things changed – so gradually I didn’t realise it – but it was no longer a good fit. I do feel like I am starting to fly now – maybe flapping a bit frantically – but baby, just watch me soar!
Hmmm I don’t know if a Roomba would be much good for me then, most of our house is tiled …
carmen says
Ahhh I remember that feeling. Only I wasn’t made redundant… I resigned due to circumstances out of my control. Best thing I ever did.
Glad to see it’s all paid off! Good luck and onwards and upwards! xx
Janet says
Thanks Carmen – I’m looking forward to wherever this journey takes me!
Francesca says
Congratulations, that’s a great thing to be thankful for! It’s wonderful that this worked out so well for you. All your hard work is paying off. Hope it continues to in future π
Janet says
I hope so too Francesca!
Emily @ Have a laugh on me says
GO YOU Janet, sounds like it probably was the best thing for you – and who can argue against working PJs and slips! Keep on rocking that home work station, it’s very tidy I must say π
Janet says
Don’t worry it’s normally buried under papers … π
Kim-Marie from Kimba says
Love this! So very happy it has worked for you xxx
Janet says
Thanks Kimba!
Annaleis from Teapots and Tractors says
So glad it has now become a positive. Sounds like your are doing better than you were!
Janet says
In every way except financially, but that will come!
Vicki Adcock says
Well done. I love what you say and I love what you have done. I am so busy at work right now but want to expand myself(!) one day in my blog so may call on you for help. Blessings Janet!
Janet says
Thanks Vicki – it really encourages me no end to find I’ve had some fans cross over from Footprints to my new home on the web here!
Lynda @HomeleaLass says
Wow! It’s great that by being forced out of your comfort zone you’ve flourished! Good on you for making it work.
Janet says
It’s hard work but I’m loving it π
missRBit says
That is so great! Congratulations on having a successful business – I hope it keeps going up and up for you.
Janet says
I hope so too!!! Sometimes it just blows my mind!
Leigh says
Ahhhhhh, you made me smile! How awesome that you have come out on top! Well done to you and clearly you are where you need to be xxx
Janet says
It’s scary but amazing π
Anne @ Domesblissity says
Good for you Janet. I’m glad its worked out ok for you. I’m featuring this at this week’s party. Thanks for always linking up.
Anne xx
Janet says
Oh wow! Really? Thanks Anne!!!!
Amy Turner says
When a door closes, a window opens. And for the better. I always believe that things happen for a reason. You are a winner, and I salute you for coming on top. Keep it up and soar high!
Janet says
Thank you Amy!