The reality of quitting your day job

If you live in the California Bay Area, one of the country's more expensive locations to live, quitting your day job as a one income household may be a challenge.

That said, I was able to focus fulltime on my knitting design business for (honestly) four months longer than I original thought, thanks to thriftiness and very careful budget management.

As you may know, I've been working again in University finance, part time, after "quitting my day job" last December.  And I will start another part time and temporary position in research administration next week.  Two part time gigs are the equivalent of one fulltime gig, which means I have much less time each week to focus on my business.

I'm OK with this!  I've been planning and preparing for this change for some time.  You've seen my shift from hand knit accessories to knitting patterns.  I am beyond grateful for these work opportunities right now - the timing couldn't be more perfect.

I also feel quite lucky to be given these opportunities given the state of employment across our country right now.  I know many, many people looking for work.  This is a huge challenge across the country.  Recovering from this financial disaster will take much longer than anyone initially thought.

I don't believe or feel that there is any shame in needing to return to a paycheck lifestyle after having "quit your day job."  Reality is reality.  Bills and rent and food must be paid for.  And whilst doing so, my business will continue, on a different level.  I am SO much smarter about indie business management and am really looking forward to regrowing my business in this different direction!

And in doing so, I will continue to share business management tips and tricks and experiences with you, along with the art and process of knitting!

Hope you're all enjoying this first, glorious week of September.