Life only happens ONCE. And it is either what you make it, or what you allow it to be.
When I began my blog I had one mission: to be as debt-free as possible, which should allow me to stay home with my kids and take up homesteading. It’s been a wonderful year of self-discovery, focus, education, and, yes, many sacrifices.
Though the odds seemed stacked against me, I am happy to say that my first goal has been achieved.
Last week I took the biggest leap in my journey… I quit my job. As terrifying and nerve racking as it was I felt completely liberated. I’m not going to cry. I’m not fretting. I’m not second guessing myself. I am savoring this moment and looking forward to the future. “I’m all in”, as my husband says.
Most folks would slap me silly for leaving my job. In retrospect I did give up a fairly big position, full of advancement potential and salary to boot. I am also very aware of the situation in today’s economy where there are thousands of people looking for employment who are not as fortunate as I am. However, when balanced against my goals, after months of nail biting and angst over the decision, I surprisingly sailed out that door and I haven’t looked back yet.
Am I crazy? Perhaps. But I was not happy any longer. I needed something more.
My life has taken a dramatic turn over the past few years. I’ve always teased myself (and have been teased) that I’m the black sheep of the family. I’m much like my late grandmother, Rosie. These years have reinforced it. So rather than fighting it, I choose to embrace my heritage. I am what I am and I like to think Rosie and I would see things the same way. I have her traits, her preferred way of life, her somewhat obnoxious attitude. It’s “the Rosie gene” that has guided me to the realization that I must do what makes me happy in life.
When my grandmother died she was still very young. I was only 16 at the time. It was unexpected. What made it most heartbreaking was that she still had so much to give, and had such a fire for life. She always had something going on… her garden to tend, her cooking, her trips to the lake with her best friend Babe, her collections of chickens, and her old, yet cool, light blue VW Rabbit. I would have learned so much from her. She was just a lunch lady at the local high school who always had a waiting line because of her good cooking.
Although she didn’t make a lot of money her life was rich with accomplishment. That is what I aspire to be. A person beyond the flashy dollar sign and the latest gadget. I want to downshift. To get away from “living competitively”… job stress, consumerism, and feeling I have to live up to someone else’s expectations. I am not okay with this anymore. It no longer fits… if it ever did.
So, goodbye rat race. I am going to pursue the things that enrich my soul. For me, I am choosing to be home with my children. I choose to live a lifestyle that may seem simplistic to some, but to me it has all the potential of the rich loamy soil in my garden. I can grow anything with what I have.
I’ve heard life is what you make of it. If so, I see a challenging, exciting road ahead of me. I am going to make something I can be proud of.
And so can you…
This post was featured at the Homestead Barn Hop
Diary of a Wannabe Homesteader 
Saw this on the Barnhop. Good for you, I say. I agree that it might seem “foolish” to take this kind of leap in the economy that we’re in. But I do believe that this economy is going to bring a lot of change for a lot of people and that much of it will be good. So many people have been forced to make big life changes – going back to school, getting new jobs in industries they never thought they’d go into, giving up a life of rampant consumerism for a life of simplicity and so on.
My husband and I have 2 more bills to pay off and a baby on the way. I’m actually the breadwinner, which includes a job that provides EXCELLENT health insurance. But we’re looking forward to the day when I can take this same leap. I’m scared and excited at the same time! It’s so encouraging to hear from other women like you who are embracing their own new paths.
Hi Jill-
Thank you so much for the encouraging words. I was (still am) a bit terrified but, so far, I do not regret the decision I’ve made. Just this week I’ve had devote a substantial amount of time with my daughter and her school work (she has been struggling in math). If I was working I think I would have short and too stressed over my day that I wouldn’t have been able to help her as well. I’m blessed my husband carries the insurance because, as you said, it’s a huge factor.
I wish you the best of luck. You can/will do it! It will all fall in to place one day and you’ll just know. And when that moment comes take the leap… And enjoy every moment! )
Lynette
Congrats on achieving your goal! Moving up in the corporate world isn’t always for everyone (and I’m finding myself at a similar junction in life ,trying to figure out what I want to do) – there’s much more to life than how much one can make – my dream is to be where you’re at someday 🙂
You’ll get there, Emiko! I see it already with Skooder’s. How awesome is that?! Believe me, one day it will all fall in to place. 🙂