The frustrations, the anxiety, the stresses, the sleepless nights, the tears, and the questions.
Shortly after I started my own business, I took the plunge and quit my well paying full-time job so I could work part time and dedicate more to growing my business. It's been a real blessing to see where God has taken me in the last 2.5 years but now i'm at that awkward and frustrating stage where I ask... What's next? and When/How do I get there? My next goal is to be able to quit my part time job so I can fully concentrate on running the business but to be honest...
It scares the socks out of me.
Quitting my part time job would mean getting rid of my "safety net", not having the security of knowing a paycheck will arrive at the end of each month. It would probably mean cutting down on entertainment and eating out and buying people presents. I feel like it would be unfair to my husband to quit my job at this stage and put the pressure of paying bills on his shoulders. Then there is that part of me that says...
What if?
What if quitting my job is what it will take for me to take my business to the next level? This would allow me more time to dedicate to perfecting details, meeting more people, coming up with new ideas, etc. I've read many articles where people tell their story and encourage others to take the plunge, not to be scared, that things will fall into place, that the risk will be worth it. But then again... What if i fail?
I'm truly thankful for a supportive husband who's always there to listen to my frustrations and lift me up. Sometimes, I wonder what life would be like if I continued to work at my full-time job and ignored the tugging in my heart to start my own business. We'd be able to afford going on more vacations, up to date on the latest gadgets, in the know with the trendiest restaurants... but then again, i think about how much closer this experience has brought us...I think back to the "thank you" messages I've gotten from others who were encouraged by my story...I think about the amazing people I have met because of my business and I think about the reward at the end of the sacrifice... and i wouldn't trade it for anything else.
Like the saying goes...
17 comments:
You`re really brave, hardworking & creative Kym! And I admire you for that! :)
I'm in the same boat girl! I hate that I've been wanting to move for the longest time, but to actually take that plunge kinda scares me. What if I fail? What if it doesn't work out? Why on earth would I drop my comfortable life in Vancouver and move to seek adventures, and build a new career? It's definitely a scary thing. Because you lose your security blanket, and you're left with uncertainty that things could change at any minute. But I think life is too short. We need to do more of the things we love! After all, we only live once. If you're going to work hard.. why not work hard for something you're passionate about? I believe it'll pay off in the long run. And I believe that when it does, it's going to be amazing.
Pray about it :) His plans for you will fall into place in His time! And I trust that your business will expand and flourish to glorify Him and His work. (Like how you collaborated with us on the Dalits t-shirts!! and your contribution to Gentle Hands :)) Your business has brought people together, and it's a blessing to see! So keep doing what you're doing Kym. If it takes you that much further (Which I'm sure it will), you can always expect my support!! <3
you are such in inspiration! the thought of quitting my job to go with my dream scares me so much i probably will chicken out and not go for it.
i know you can do it!
You're doing great! :)
Hey Kym! I've always thought it was super cool and inspiring that you have your own clothing line and the fact that you quit your steady job for it! And you know you've got the right soul mate when they sit there and become a shoulder for you to cry on (or rant on hahaha) without always telling you to quit =) It really takes a lot of passion and guts to do what you did! I don't know if I could ever give up the job security, maybe only if the money was a lot better =P
My dream definitively scares me hahaha Im going to keep it quiet for now but it certainly does! But I totally agree with that saying!
P.s That is one risky shot of you on the hotel!!!! =D
Hey Kym! I was reading this and a quote my fried just sent to me yesterday popped into my head:
"The 3 C's of life: choices, chances and changes.
You must make a choice to take a chance or your life will never change."
Not saying your life hasn't changed already, but I thought it was a fitting quote. :P
I think you can do anything you set your mind to! Look how far you've come and how much Herrohachi has grown! It's amazing how much you've done in such a short amount of time, but I know that if you really want it, you're definitely going to make it grow even more!
RT to your Q:
yes. to find the one.
isn't that ridiculous???
hey, you've done pretty good job, you know. you're a world-wide brand. you may not be as established as Nike, or Chanel, but you're getting there... and hey, as long as you can still see the bright side of things, you'll always be alright.
You did an amazing job so far, and it would surprise me if you ever failed at anything. It's safe to say that you're a huge inspiration to many blogger girls and I think that you run your business incredibly! Keep your head up and keep going for what you want! Don't let anything or anyone stop you.
I'm one of them who can't suddenly make decisions without thinking through thoroughly the good and bad too! Sometimes being cautious is good but also bad. Its knowing how to balance it out. If you've weighed up your options and know exactly what you need to do to expand and improve your business then I guess that gives some security to take the risk.
If it doesn't work out at least you could say you tried better than looking back and realising you missed a great opportunity! If anything, you could always go back to the safety net. I think its the change that scares people most. Don't get stuck in a safety net but explore whats outside the box. Good luck!
P.S I've also recently started my own online business too working part time on it as well as working full time in my current job so I know how hard it is. I hope everything works out for you!
Starting and continuing a business is a gamble. You can either go big or ...let's not think about that. I think all you need to do is be positive. I've seen your designs before when I first came to your blog and I thought they were so cute and clever :)
Honestly, if I were in your shoes, I would keep going on with my business and keep the part-time job and try to balance things out. But I guess it depends how often you work that part-time job. If it's to the point where you have no time for yourself, then maybe you can find another part-time job.
I think your business would grow if you kept at it :) you've already come this far. I wish I were like a really famous blogger so I can advertise your stuff like the people on your press page lol
Idk where I'm going with all this T_T but please don't lose faith. ><
Hi Kym, I would never tell you to do or not do this. But I have a question. Would there ever be a better time? Okay, and one more: Would you be happy to continue on this way, working part-time and running your business mostly full-time?
If you fail? Well, then you'll know you tried and you'll move on to whatever is next. I mean, I know you were kind of an old-maid when you got married, but you've got some good years left ahead of you. LOL!!! What I mean is, you're so young that you don't need to fear failing. I don't think there is any way you would fail, but IF you did, you'd be no worse off in the long run than if you didn't try.
As for putting pressure on your hubby, how does he feel about it? He knows you're not building the business just for Kym, so if he's on-board...
I think you're doing well. :)
Do it! Worst case scenario is what? You end up deciding you prefer the paycheck security & you go back to working full or part time somewhere else. At least you'll never wonder "what if?", right?
Have you read the Johnny Cupcakes story?
http://shop.johnnycupcakes.com/story/
It's a long read, but I found it super inspiring. He started off selling t-shirts out of the trunk of his car & went on to open multiple stores & employ his whole family. There were lots of big decisions along the way (eg. license designs to big companies or keep it all exclusive), but almost every big risk paid off.
*hugs*
Kris
hi kim! i totally understand you!!!
i think you are brave. me? i am thinking of living on my hobby until i have to work. LoL i cannot create things for business...
i am sorry for my darling X'(
You would have resented yourself if you hadn't taken the plunge, and that's no way to live.
PS;
I really really like that picture! I wish I had a shot like that. ^^
hi kym. i just quit my job this year :) yeah..it's really scary. but then again, life is short. you can't live with what ifs. resolve that question so you would know once and for all if being a full time entrepreneur really is for you :) yeah..i know..easier said than done... but i did it. it's scarier, believe me, I'm a breadwinner... but just like starting a business, you really wouldn't know if it's a good or bad idea unless you go out there and try.
my favorite quote: to get something you've never had, you've got to do something you've never done.
i wish you well kym!!! :) I really do believe in you :)
ps i'm sure you could easily get your job back or even get a new, better one if you suddenly decide that being a full time entrepreneur is not for you. :)
You are one of the bravest girls I know. You've taken a dream and manifested it and cared for it like a baby and see how it's grown! You're amazing, Cats. I think as amazing as holidays and gadgets are, having a dream come true and getting to enjoy the simple things with your husband are so much more important. If you think that quitting your job won't provide too many problems financially, I think you should go for it ... it's totally up to you :)
My dream is teaching and the thing that scares me most is not finding a job, really. So it's a bit different. And it scares me that I won't get to go to B.C. all the time to see you and my sister!!
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