When I finally put in that two-weeks notice, I was floating on this nice little cloud, high above the world, happy with my decision and feeling like I could do no wrong. Like Andrea of So Over Debt put it, it was the first good nights sleep I’d gotten in quite a while. And, of course, for the two weeks that I was still working, I stayed on that cloud, anticipating that last day, and the end to my tenure at that employer.
As those two weeks went by, I went from anticipating the day, to downright demanding it came faster. As more and more of my tasks were transferred to temporary replacements, and I packed more and more of the stuff off of my desk, I began to think about all the things I could be doing at home, at my computer, with this site, and my other sites. It was torture!
At the end of those two weeks, I nearly ran for the door! I was already filled with ideas of what I would write the next day, the things I would do, and the changes I could make. Little did I know that I had a bit of a different path planned. You see, I woke up early the next morning, with the flu. Yep. I spent my entire first day of self employment with the flu. The following day, I was well enough to at least sit at my desk, but being productive was almost certainly out of the question.
One of the things that I decided, early on in this adventure, was that the income from this and other sites wasn’t going to be enough to make up the difference, or even to make a dent in it. I would have to get a part-time job in order to help pay the bills, while I built the sites up to a reasonable income level. I already had a lead on one, so the first full week of self-employment, I went and met with the owner and we worked out some details, and I started last Thursday. The part-time income from that should help with the bills. I’ll get a bit less done on my sites, as I’ll be working three days a week, but it was something that I felt/feel was necessary in order to keep some constant money coming in while I work on building other things.
Now, a full week and a half after I quit, and the holidays rushing in on us, somethings are coming back into focus. I’ve always gotten a bit worked up about finances. That’s why I created this site, after all. So, knowing that we lost over half of our income and will only be able to constantly replace about 1/3 of that income immediately, has me a bit stressed. My wife want’s to do some holiday shopping, and my natural instinct is to shut off all of that, and “give hugs” this Christmas. It’s caused a bit of friction, but I’m sure we’ll figure it out.
I’m recovering. From the high of quitting my job. From the flu. From stressing entirely too much over money. From a lot of things. Such a major life change is bound to require some recovery period, and I am confident that I’ll come out the other side. There’s just a few bumps in the road. What an adventure!
I started this blog to share what I know and what I was learning about personal finance. Along the way I’ve met and found many blogging friends. Please feel free to connect with me on the Beating Broke accounts: Twitter and Facebook.
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When I was in college, I used to get sick every single time we had a break from classes (three consecutive years of waking up with strep throat on Thanksgiving day, multiple flus, etc.). I think it was my body’s way of ridding itself of unnecessary stress.
I fully expect that the same will happen in the middle of December when I no longer have to go to work. I’ll purge my brain of all the job-related BS after a few days in my bed, then it’s time to get to work in a different way.
I appreciate your updates – you’re giving me an idea of what to expect! I’m just crossing my fingers that things work out for both of us. 🙂
I find that highly emotional life events can bring on sickness. Hope you’re feeling better now.
As for Christmas – don’t cancel it. I would suggest researching “frgual + christmas” for ideas on how to downsize the glutton of gifts. Also, set some spending limits that will fit your new budget.
I can imagine the high and lows of emotions that you must have gone through with this change in your life. Fear can be paralyzing, and it might make you second guess your decision, but in th end I think you will see this decision as an important one in your life.
I always get antsy and cabin fever when I don’t have to go to work for long stretches and not away when taking time off, so I can imagine how it would be after quitting.
Hang in there and stay focused on the reason you quit!!
Life changes can be stressful. I notice that when I’m teaching full-time, I don’t get sick…until vacation comes! It’s such a drag. But I think it’s because I won’t let myself get sick when I have a ton of stuff to do. As for Christmas shopping, I love the idea of giving “hugs” instead of stuff. However, Mr. LH would have none of that!
Just keep plowing through BB – once the holidays are over and the stressors on your smaller income evaporate, you’ll be ready to get everything together.
I agree with the others. Just give yourself time to adjust. You may find that working with the reduced income for awhile is doable. For the holidays, don’t cancel Christmas, but just downsize and look for ways to get frugal gifts. The daily deal sites have lots of great offerings now.
Whenever faced with a difficult decision, I always feel better just making the decision. Then I put a plan together for what I am going to do. I then start working the plan, it keeps me focused on the goal.
Getting a part-time job was an excellent idea and shows you have a good head on your shoulders. You are starting off this new adventure on a positive foot.
I appreciate the update Shane. I’m in your corner and hope you get your income back to more comfortable levels ASAP. Set exciting goals…be EPIC as Pat Flynn said at FINCON.
all the best Shane! Hope you’ll do better now on every personal front.
I must say this is playing out like a good movie or novel. I can’t wait for the next update.
Yikes, Good luck!! I have always thought that if things got really tight I would like to take a job at Lowes or Home Depot, two of my favorite shops. But, I can totally empathize with your stress!!!!
Thanks everyone, for you kind words and encouragement! I’ll keep the updates coming! It’s quite an adventure, and as long as you look at it that way, it can’t help but be a little bit fun, right?!? 😉
Hang in there! For both my first and second lay-offs I had a good week of depression–laying on the couch, watching the tube, stressed/upset. Then it got much better.
Like SPF, I find that when I am emotionally and mentally run down I get sick. I guess it is because I spin into a worry wort stage and my sleep suffers. I hope you are feeling better now.
I hope things work out for you, big step to leave your job! Happy thanksgiving as well 🙂
Hi BB – Any update? Would love to read how it’s going.
Best, Sam
@Sam , Coming up in the next week or so. Think I’ve got a couple coming actually. One with updates, and at least one with other thoughts.