I'm About To Embarrass Myself Real Bad!
This year has messed me up. I feel like a very valuable part of me, Has somewhat died.
Many would argue that this year has been good to me. And I mostly agree. But I never realized how painful and traumatic so many changes could have on the human mind. Even the good changes.
This year I lost one of my businesses, After building it for over a year. It was making me so much money, and my customers were so happy. LITERALLY Overnight. One small policy adjustment caused everything to tumble down. Seeing it crumble was horrifying. I built up a side hussle that was making me only 20.00 a month, Into something much larger, That now pays all my bills.
I was dealing with the aftermath and the shock of becoming self-employed, Now having employees and my own goals. Also, the huge responsibility that all those things bring.
At the beginning of this year, I was an engaged woman. And for a few hours, It seemed like this would be the best year of my life.
But before I knew it, I was single trying to unscramble and understand what the hell just happened. I became obsessive and ridiculous and fought to get that relationship back.
And it worked... For a while.
Only to fall apart again...
And that's when the Shit hit the fan! I ran out, Got my first car! And started learning how to drive. And everything seemed to be getting back on track. I was doing everything I could to turn all the bad into something positive. I never thought I'd get a car. Here I am 24 with my first vehicle. Who would have thought? What an impulsive purchase!
Then Laura died...
And everything seemed to fall apart again, As I started to realize how much she affected my life. (We talked almost every day, For hours online.) And I came to the terrible realization, That even though she's gone. I still have to continue my life. I have to fight; I have to try. Even though I didn't want to...
That's when I realized that one of the reasons I felt so shitty, Was because my life had become more uncertain than it ever had been...
Every day I wake up with some game-changing news, Sometimes Bad or good. Yesterday I found out that A company I use is doing some important integrations that will give me A HUGE advantage over my competitors.
The day before that. Amazon approved me for long sleeves, Then Cut our upload limits down.
Everything is so overwhelming, I started coping with all the news by spending most of the night, running. Running even up to 12 miles in a day, Because I didn't know what else I could do.
I sort of feel like I'm getting beaten with a Tennis racket. And it won't stop.
For the last month, I haven't voiced it. But I have been missing my old job. The chaos, The cool people. The excitement. But at the same time. The "Somewhat" Predictable routine. Of having to wake up and get ready for work.
I logically thought about it for a while And realized I'm an idiot to go back to a job. My business is rapidly growing. I have all these incredible opportunities in front of me. And my life is going to hopefully change for the better soon.
My brain decided to not go forward with these urges to work at my old job again, For a couple of months to help during the holiday rush.
But then I impulsively put in an application...
Of course, that means little; They may not even consider me. I always worked hard, But I was also super bratty and sassy with my supervisors. I was also a pain in the ass to deal with. So it could go either way. Besides, I know most companies want permanent employees. Not an employee they know will leave again.
But I just had to do it. Of course, It would only be temporary, and I would continue to build my business and post on here. It's funny, That I see "fixing" My life, As turning it into this incredibly chaotic environment.
Or heck, Maybe I just miss my old Steel toed boots...
Note: I don't want your sympathy! Things can and will get better :) I'm just highlighting how crazy just one year can be. And how fast things can change when you least expect it.
Being your own boss is the path to true freedom in my opinion. It is harder, less predictable, but you can create opportunities for yourself and others as a business owner.
My suggestions even if it doesn't mean much:
Nothing is wrong with having a job. If you can find a way to build your passive income, your business will grow regardless, and the more aspects of your business you can automate the less time it costs, which can allow you to have a day job.
I saw one of your older blog posts where you mentioned passive income. I think it's one of the holy grails of being a business owner. Microsoft (Bill Gates) set up it's business around royalties, and these royalties allowed Microsoft to pay for software development.
What I do notice is when times are good in being self employed it's REALLY good, much better than it can ever be if you have a boss. But when times are tough, when the markets become less predictable or unsteady, it requires a lot of resilience to stay in operation. The key to it all (and I'm no expert but this is observation) are these two things:
If you've got relationships you can make deals, and if you have information you'll know where the money is.
I couldn't have said it better. For starters, like young entrepreneurs, quiting your job and going all out wouldn't be considered as wise. Like @dana-edwards rightly said, "keep your business on the side," while working your job. It should be a gradual transition.
Going back and trying a job is a good thing. A bit like trying the failed relationship again. A second hit can kill nostalgia and give clarity.
Wow! Thats a great way to put it!
I know that if they hire me, There will be lots of Nostalgia again hahah.
Many people do the same when they emigrate. They miss all the things from home. Normally about two years late they return home to visit with an eye to return. So often once they get back to the country they chose all nostalgia is gone and they become happy in their original choice. Good luck!
Life is crazy and it doesn't always make sense. Personally I find that I have to write and share stuff like this for my own mental health and maybe that's what you're doing. It's very relate-able and we all go through those moments. Just keep being you and it will all work out, you are very talented and destined for success at whatever you do! :)
Right? I felt much better writing this.
Thank you so much for your awesome comments.
apart from Laura dying which is really awful, it sounds like you've had a really good year. Lifechanging.. The marriage wasn't meant to be.. you'll see that in the future when Mr or Mrs Proper Right comes along. and as for your business. stay sharp, stay frosty. most entrepreneurs don't make it big until their 2nd or 3rd business has failed .. I didn't even start my first one until I was 29.. Next year will probably be amazing. You perhaps need to just learn to insulate yourself from the ups and downs. they'll always be there. I call it Smoothing out the Curves Don't get so excited about the good news, don't get so bummed out about the bad news. It works well and makes you more objective.. good article, brave share. respect ! & Best of Luck
You are so right!
Thank you for all the tips! I definitely need to insulate myself like you said! And I think this is my 3rd business :) So Maybe this is the lucky one! I had no idea that most Entrepreneurs needed multiple tries like that. Hehe.
24 is too young to get married anyways - at least it would be for me right now ;)
True! But I feel like I'm ready for it! Hehe.
I always reflect at certain times of year. At this rate I could be Ruler of the Galaxy by next year.....Odd how much things change, but they seem to be moving forward to a better tomorrow even if this day, week, month, swings backwards and crashes a few times.
I get it. Life is really challenging.
I didn't realized you and Laura talked that much.
Hang on Kay! You're doing awesome! It's simply that there's so much suffering all around that it makes everything even more difficult.
Aww Yeah! I don't think I alot of people realized it! Hhaha.
Thank you so much! It's very sad! Hopefully I can figure out creative ways to relieve mine and others suffering.
It's not sympathy, it's my kind words from a friend that you are about to get haha!
You have been strong, going through so many changes in your life so much, but you keep continuing forward, working toward your goals and making something or your life.
Running your own businesses, looking for love, posting on Steemit and being generally really busy with a lot of things going on, it is expected for more good and bad to happen to test you and your strength.
From the time I have known you, I have gotten proud of all your accomplishments, hard work and most of all, our growing friendship thanks to Steemit and I hope it all keeps becoming good news for you.
:) :)
Aww it's so true! Heheh Maybe thats why More good has been happening for the most part.
Awww thank you so much for your kind words I really appreciate that I have so many awesome friends on here that I can be open with!
You are the reason why more good has been happening, keep inspiration us all and working hard hehe.
Yes, you can always be open, I will definitely always be here to support you how I can. :)
Aww thank you :) you are so sweet! I'm so lucky to be able to talk to you!
You're always welcome Kaylin :)
Glad you get to smile from my kind nature. :)
Also, if you ever wanted to chat outside of Steemit I would be up for it. Even general chats, just let me know and we can decide how we can do so. :)
In the mist of chaos, maybe finding a job brings stability. Which might bring peace.
EXACTLY! That stability is what I may need for a little while :)
I hope you don't let these step backs, keep you discouraged. You built these companies up. You created this lifestyle. You made yourself better, you became a runner, you purchased a car. You have an AMAZING work ethic.Only you can hold you back. You seem like a fighter that can over come any challenges! Keep your fighting fist up!
Thank you so much :) Don't worry I won't! I Have my "down" moments. But I get my self motivated again. Thank you so much for everything!
Chaos you say.. and doing things impulsively. I'm currently suffering mostly because of impulsive actions I've taken in the past few months.
Wow Really? Did they turn out bad for you? Sometimes I feel like my impulsive decisions end up being some of my best.
It happens, but not always :) Especially if you find yourself obligated to finish something that's not a priority for this period of the year..
It is fantastic of you to share this story with us. For me there is no better reading than when people pour it all out. No fear just sharing it as it is.
In social media we mostly see one side of the story. The side where we try our hardest to make everyone believe that we are living the most awesome and successful life out there. We take a photo when we are smiling with all our friends only to one hour later return home to a world of chaos and problems. But we don't share it, is it a weakness to show we are humans ?
I think not. It's important to sometimes just be honest and say it like it is. Otherwise how can anyone know what you are going through ? I think we should accept our difficulties and problems. We shouldn't use distractions and self- deception, we should just accept it, because everyone has problems .. Thats how it is and how it will always be. But without these difficult moments and hardships we won't appreciate when life is good.
So my advice I guess is, accept when things are bad and just have faith that they will get better soon, because they will :)- Awesome post
I love that you highlighted that people really hide their true selves on social media. I totally get it though, you don't want to be one of those negative people, But Things are always imperfect. Because we are human!
I Love that advice! I feel like thats all I can do right now! And maybe set myself up for good future opportunities!
I'm glad you liked the advice :) you said it right - things are always imperfect because we are humans. Still though there is always something to be positive about. For example today is Friday and I just checked my post page and there are a lot of new upvotes, from someone awesome :)Thank you so much I really appreciate it !