If you saw my Facebook status the other day, then you know that my self-employment switch date is very soon (check it out if you haven't yet!). As all of you know, I am very close to leaving my day job and switching to full-time self-employment.
FYI – This is kind of a rant post. Please don't get upset if anything sounds crazy, I'm just trying to get everything off my chest. That's what a blog is for, right?
I have many freelancing services, such as website management, social media management, staff writing, freelance writing, and so on.
I provide services for many different clients: finance companies, hotels, travel websites, tourism boards, personal finance websites, and so on. I have been building my services for a couple of years now, and earlier this year I decided that I would eventually make the full-time switch and rely on my freelancing services for my income entirely.
Something that I have encountered a lot lately is people asking me if I am throwing my life away. They will often ask if I regret going to college. They will ask if I regret obtaining my Finance MBA. They will ask if I regret everything that I've done.
I am completely serious. For some reason, many people who I tell my story to do not consider freelancing to be a “career.” I'm not sure why my boring financial analyst job (where I just sit in my office by myself all day and give millionaires even more money) is considered to be full-filling by others, whereas doing what I want to do and interacting with people on a daily basis who I actually care about, is considered to be not full-filling and throwing my life away.
Others think that I will be bored all day and that “they could never do what I want to do.” They say this in a way that makes it sound like they are sad for the life that I am about to live.
Almost like they pity me and my choices.
I have worked hard for what seems like forever.
I have worked very hard in life. I have been working full-time for over 10 years, and as a 24-year-old, I think that says something. I started as a full-time nanny to a neighbor when I was around 14 years old to a newborn (who coincidentally shared the same first and middle name as W) all while going to school, so if that is not considered hard work, then I do not know what is.
I then worked full-time in retail as a manager, and then full-time as a financial analyst at the same firm that I still work at today. I have always worked full-time while having something on the side, such as school or a side business. I did all of this while obtaining awesome grades in high school, undergraduate school and graduate school.
So, why is it that since I'm working towards having a successful business considered letting everyone down and me not being successful in life? I feel like everything that I have done in my life has been working towards this important moment in my life.
Obtaining my degrees, along with my Finance MBA is something that I would never change. I do believe that jobs and/or careers can help shape a person, but it does not make anyone less or more (or at least in most cases). I don't care if you're the President of a company, I don't care if you're a Walmart greeter. If you're an awesome person, I won't judge you 🙂
I do realize that the world of freelancing can be hard to understand for those in the outside world. However, just believe in me!
As a public announcement:
- I'm excited for this new beginning in my life.
- Freelancing can be hard, and I am ready for it.
- Even though I will probably be in my pajamas a lot, it does not mean that I am not working hard.
- I am a business owner.
- I am a freelancer.
- I enjoy life.
- I am my own person.
- I CAN'T WAIT! WOOHOOOO!
Also, another instance in where we have witnessed this is with how W is going back to school. Many think that he is throwing a successful career in sales away by going back to school. They also think that he is choosing to go back to school in order to “live the easy life,” or because he got fired. Come on people, he is not choosing the easy road, and he did not get fired. He genuinely wants to go back to school. Why is it so hard to believe that someone wants to learn something new?
Mo Money Mo Houses also recently had a post similar to this on her site. Check it out! Great personal finance writers think alike, right? Ha 🙂
Are you defined by your career? Do you judge others by what they do?
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I have people who think that about me just because I work part time. I can’t imagine if I ever quit. I think truly successful people are often those who buck the status quo. Sure you could work 30 years in your office job and retire well, but you’d probably lose part of your soul before then. I’d rather do what motivates you. You can always get another job if you decide to down the road.
Thank you Kim!
I stopped caring a while ago what people thought about my online freelancing pursuits. Being able to work from home as a freelancer, bring in money, and be at home is something that works for my family and I intend to fully pursue it. I say kudos to you and anyone else who wants to go against the norm and make things work for them the way it should be. We can’t live our lives according to everyone’s expectations…if we did we’d be miserable. I can’t wait to read more about your journey, it definitely inspires me!
Thank you Latoya, I agree!
I’m really excited for you. I’d LOVE to “throw away” my law degree and freelance and your website inspires me to get a few side hustles. Slowly but surely!!
Good luck and tell the naysayers to put down their Haterade.
Thank you!
Perhaps you are experiencing some of this negative feedback because of your age. In general, early 20somethings don’t really know what they want out of life. I didn’t at 24, even though I thought I did. Your success and out-of-the-box thinking about career probably throws some people for a loop. I think it’s incredible what you’ve been able to do and how focused you are on making it work. Keep following your passion!
Thank you Brian! 🙂
Hi, Michelle
Your life, your choices, right? The thing is when it’s time to make these types of decisions there is no end to the line of people that want to give you their opinion. But when it comes time for the consequences of these types of decisions if there isn’t a good outcome, you’re standing alone. So as long as this is something you want, go for it. You can spend time worrying about what “they” think when they pay your bills. This is between you and W – your career, his education, whatever. And if you decide you don’t like this or it doesn’t work out for some reason? You’re 24 yrs old. You’ll get another job. Best of luck in your new venture.
Thank you Susan. 🙂
In two years I plan to “throw away” my degree and work for myself. And, call me crazy but you will be using all of the education and skills that you’ve developed throughout your working career. I think people are quick to shoot down other people’s dreams because they can’t imagine themselves taking a risk like this. I think you’ve learned an important life lesson-not everyone supports and understands your dreams. I’ve already told you I consider you a mentor. So keep at it!
Thank you Michelle! And yes, I am using all of my education and skills, so I don’t get why people think I’m not. Haha people are just confusing!
Are you a member of the Freelancers Union? I don’t see your decision to pursue self-employment as throwing anything away, I see it as throwing chains OFF! Congratulations and good luck with economic liberty. I hope the joy that self-employment brings you outweighs any negativity thrown your way.
If you want to stay involved and get active:
http://thebitterconsumer.wordpress.com
I’ll have to look into that. Thank you Ryan!
Ignore the naysayers, they are just jealous of you. I think freelancing is an amazing opportunity and a great career choice. I don’t think some people (I suspect my parents are some of them) really understand following a non-traditional career path. When I quit my 9-5 in pursuit of my passion I think they will think I’m nuts, but that’s OK, I’m preparing myself for the reactions.
Thank you!
You go girl!
I am always amazed at how those who choose to live a sheltered life, those who choose not to take a step forward and make a better life for themselves are so very quicky to criticize those who choose to make a plan, put it in action and reach their goals.
Michelle, you’ve proved, month after month, your freelancing business is a success. Your side-hustle income increases every month.
It shows these people who are so quick to criticize your decision in making this change for the better have no idea what freelancing is all about, they haven’t been following your posts and they clearly are not reading about your ongoing success.
It shows that these people are JEALOUS of your hard work that pays off! I’m sure they are not making anywhere close to $12,000 a month, therefore, they have no reason to be criticizing anyone. They definitely are not making a lucrative income criticizing anyone, they are just showing everyone they have no life of their own.
It’s time these people reevaluate their life, their career and make some positive changes. They need to learn how to be successful and then find a passion that will pay them a lucrative income so they can stop being so NEGATIVE towards your proven success!
Michelle, I am sure you would be very successful in coaching them. That is if they truly want to make a better life for themselves and their family!
BTW… would these criticizing people be those who you thought were your online friends that have asked what you do to earn a healthy side-hustle income, then turnaround and try to take your work?
Oh, and congratulations to W for deciding to go back to school and furthering his education.
I think you both are on the right track, if not, you wouldn’t be where you are today with your side-hustles. Like you said, once you are no longer working your full-time office job, you will have that time to add to and increase your freelancing. I can’t imagine what your monthly income will be at that point.
Again, congratulations Michelle to both you and W.
Keep up the great work! Hopefully someday I will be making a good side-hustle income like you!
Thank you Barb. Seriously, you are awesome 🙂
The people criticizing are people who don’t really know what blogging or freelancing is. They’ve just never met a person like me 🙂
Hey Michelle. I really enjoyed this post. I’m 23 and I too have been working since I was 14 without any breaks. I think what you have accomplished is great. I plan on leaving my job soon too for my business but good luck.
Thank you so much! We sound very similar 🙂
You are inspiring! And smart. Working for yourself and your family doing something you enjoy makes life worth living! Yes, it is a gamble but so is working for any company or organization. Just ask the Blackberry folks or the Nortel folks or the Hamilton steel workers or the automotive workers. And those situations did not only affect hourly workers but all the admin and professionals supporting the business. They all thought their companies would last forever and provide them with good retirements. And I have difficulty finding government workers who are happy in their jobs….they might like the work but can’t stand the bureaucracy! You go girl! And tell W, I too went back to school and don’t regret a minute of that decision. The new knowledge and skills served me well.
Thank you! You are too nice 🙂
Can’t wait to hear more about the switch. Good luck with it! I’ve recently wanted to make a change too but I work in government and the benefits and pension make it hard to leave. Definitely would like to work for myself instead. And I do like interacting with other whereas all I do right now is done in front of a computer.
Thank you Andrew!
I think you’re doing absolutely the right thing by going freelance. Some people can’t understand that, that’s fine – but what you do is up to you. And anyone making $12000 + per month in SIDE income, is going to have a very successful freelance business very soon I should think! I can tell that you are highly motivated and focused Michelle – I only wish I could have done what you’re doing at 24 years old. You have a fantastic chance at a new career ahead of you. You’ve got to be happy in your work (in fact I’m publishing a post on this very subject tomorrow!).
Thank you Hayley!
I know that they have been helpful although their insurance may have flaws. They have over 200,000 members and I believe are growing. Definitely give them a look-see and good effin’ luck!
http://thebitterconsumer.wordpress.com/2013/10/08/they-called-it-civics-once/
1) Fuck all of them.
2) I have a post in my drafts with the exact same title but different direction, will change it though 😉
3) You’re amazing. Don’t think for one second that that MBA hasn’t helped you 100% with this venture! You’d never have blogged about student loan debt for one.
Haha great minds think alike 🙂
I’ve been a custodian for two years. I’m 27 and I feel a little embarrassed when I’m asked what I do for a living. I feel like people think I’m poor ha. I mean the pay isn’t great, but I was attracted to the evening schedule as it would allow me to go to school all morning. I’m a junior in college. Can’t wait to graduate.
There’s nothing wrong with what you do! People who judge just don’t understand.
Michelle, people often view me as a stay at home mom the same way. Like so many have said, screw them. It’s your life, and you know what is best for you, and you also know how much time and effort you’ve put into your blogging career. I think it’s likely they’re mostly jealous.
I don’t get why people judge stay at home moms. Drives me nuts!
It’s true.. Within the first few minutes of meeting someone, I am almost always asked .. “S o what do you do?”.. That’s just the social norm. It has been odd for my wife, because she is a SAHM but sometimes feels judged by other women for taking that route (which is sad).
That said, big time kudos for your upcoming switch. I know it will go well for you. This site and your little mega-empire have been growing at an exponential rate for years.
That IS sad. Why do people feel the need to judge?
I am starting to hate when people ask me what I do for a living. When I tell them I have an online business you can tell that many people don’t think that it’s a “real” job. I think I am going to start telling people I am an MMA fighter instead. They reactions would probably be the same, Haha
Ughh. Yeah I’m sure that gets annoying! Haha and that would be hilarious!
I think most people who work from home find that domestic distractions can be a real hindrance to getting work tasks completed.
I ended up moving out of the house to a small office in order to keep up productivity.
Its an easy trap to fall into.
My friend is a Stay At Home Dad….always has been. He hates it when Stay At Home Moms ask him what he does all day!!!!!
Haha yeah that makes no sense! I don’t get why people judge.
Not everyone has the entrepreneurial spirit or the desire to work for themselves. They assume that your desire to change the path you’re on makes your previous work worthless but that’s a pretty limited way to look at it.
I agree Mike!
For the last six years, I have been a graphic designer for a printing company by day and a freelance graphic designer by night. It really bothered me for the longest time that while friends and family took my day job serious, they looked down on my freelance work even though I was doing the exact same thing and making more money doing it! It took me awhile, but I realized that the negativity stemmed from their own jealousy. Who wouldn’t want to have a skill they can rely on to earn them an income for themselves rather than for “the man”? Don’t let the negativity bring you down! Celebrate this new chapter in your life, celebrate the changes, celebrate the opportunity, celebrate you!
Yeah that makes no sense! I just don’t get people.
Thank you Alison!
I’ve been working as a VA for almost 3 years every time I met my friends and they asked me what I’m up to and then I answered “I’m at home doing an online job” and they looked at me with raised eyebrows! But I don’t care as long as I’m happy with my job and most of all I can even take good care of my daughter. And you’re right I’m always on my pajamas a lot! hahaha!
Oh, I’m so excited for you, my friend, and I wish you all the best! I know, you can prove all doubters wrong!
Hmm, I don’t know that it’s healthy to define yourself by one part of your life, even a big one like your career. Then again, I am one of those people who doesn’t really define myself at all. Most definitely not my career, or my side career, or my relationship. I hope I don’t define myself by my future kids, either, when I have them.
You must be very excited to make the switch, though. It’s a huge jump and a bold one!
I recently quit my job about 2.5 months ago and have been freelancing full time and I’ve gotten similar responses. Whenever I tell people I work online I don’t think they believe me haha. I’ve made a ton of money though in the past 2.5 months and while it wasn’t as much as my day job it’s probably close to the average salary of my peers(but a lot less than 40 hours a week!).
I’m gonna go back to work b/c I don’t mind my day job and I can do both pretty easily but eventually I’ll probably make the switch and at that point I won’t really care what other people think. They’re probably just jealous anyways 🙂
Go you, go you, go you! You are rocking this and I couldn’t be more excited for you to make this switch. The people who are doubting you are jealous and/or feel crappy about their own life or career choice. You obviously know that this is right for you, and please know, you have a whole community here ready to cheer you on! xo
Going back through all your posts and this one definitely hit home. It’s funny how people think having a job where you do work you don’t care about for people you don’t care about is supposed to be fulfilling and superior just because it’s a standard full time gig. Crazy!
I am so sorry you’re dealing with this. That is SO frustrating! People like to judge the success of others.
Plus, your degree is WHY you’re so great at your freelancing. Why would anyone ask if you regret going to school???