Work Transition Checkpoint: Six Months In
Wednesday, May 2, 2012 at 08:58PM 
a new month, a new opportunity to get my work planning geek on!
It's been six months since I left my 9-5 job, a good round number for a work transition checkpoint don't you think?
In no particular order, here are some bits & bobs on where I'm at - headspace, insights, projects and more...
[Warning: it's a bit long.]
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I don't think I've ever worked so hard. When I work it's intense because I love what I'm doing, work is often what I did for play when I was at my 9-5 job. I can easily put in a 10-hour day and go through days without taking a full day off.
That being said my body still gets tired and my mind does too. I need to listen. I need to build in breaks, days off, and find new ways to unplug completely.
It's a bit of a head-scratcher right now. I'm learning.
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I'd summarize each of the first six months of my leave as follows:
NOVEMBER - Chill. All about Art Every Day Month. Wonderful!
DECEMBER - A mixed bag. Holidays, Solstice Reflections, disillusionment, raring to go, but not really a good time to start anything. A little frustrating.
JANUARY - Go, go, go. Lots of action, to-dos and insights.
FEBRUARY - Go, go, go. Lots of action, to-dos and insights.
MARCH - Crash. Sink into fear of never again making enough money to buy a tent-trailer or replace my 10-year old Honda. Savings are running out and income is minimal. Help. Some action, but at a much slower pace than the previous months. Brought intuition and painting back to the forefront. Good move.
APRIL - More painting, focus on art and updating the online shop. Letting go of my money fears - or sticking my head in the sand, still not sure which one. A little quicker pace than March, but not quite as crazy as January & February. All good.
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I'm confused around my financial expectations.
Sis says that when she asked about it six months ago I didn't expect to have a salary equivalent to that of my 9-5 job at the end of the year, I told her it wasn't realistic. Now that the savings have run out I'm getting a little antsy about revenue. But I still have to be realistic. It just feels slow sometimes, that's all.
Patience, patience. And trust.
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I love the projects and products I'm working on. I can't wait to start working on them in the morning.
Isn't that flippin' amazing?
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My March money fears showed me that going down the what-if route and trying to control every scenario was not sustainable to my body, soul, nor to my marriage. This led me to let go a little and trust that things are unfolding as they are meant to.
My role is to take the next right action, let go and move on.
This feels a lot lighter.
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I feel alive.
I am blessed.
Period.
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Till the next checkpoint...
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Reader Comments (5)
Oh Steph..you are so blessed and are a true inspiration to me.
I have loved watching you and your work evolve and grow.
And you are a part of what has given me the courage to step out of my comfort zone and into the creative unknown.
xo
KAren
Hmmm, and HOW many sick days have you taken in the past six months? Compared to the six months before that? :-) It is such a joy to see the excitement in your eyes and hear the passion in your voice when you talk about your art, and your ideas, and your progress, and even the unknown that lies ahead. Much Love to you! xox
You go girl ... I so wish ... I had the courage to do this creative life when I was young. Revenue will come and or provisions will be met.
What a great way to look back on your first six months of your new adventure. I'm proud of you for taking the leap and wish you the very best! It may be cliche, but I do believe everything works out in the end if you truly follow your heart. Realistic decisions do come into play, and that's where we all fear the money issue, but stick with your passion and good things will follow.
Stephanie, i was so happy to read this...
Coming for my little visit here and i must say, although i don't even know you, really, i am SO proud of you. You are an inspiration to many (including me) and hey - i don't know ANY entrepreneurs who don't have fear in their hearts on some days re: money (including me). But you're doing exactly what you need to be doing - plugging along. And yes, it IS flippin' amazing to wake in the morning and be itching to get to work on our projects!! That's what it's all about, girl. Keep going. The best is yet to come. xoxo