A Game Changer.
Welp… things are about to get a whole lot more personal on How Sweet It Is. Hold on to your boots bacon.
Something happened today that I am pretty sure will change my life forever.
Today, I gave my resignation for that place where I spend my time from 8am until 5pm every single day. I still don’t believe it. I think it was a dream. And my head really, really hurts.
Although this was not planned, it has been a long time coming. Only once last year did I truly express my unhappiness and my true passion in life. And unless you got up close and personal with me, you really would have had no idea the situation I was in.
My health has suffered.  My positive attitude has suffered. My wellbeing has suffered. My relationships have suffered. My marriage has suffered. Last night, Mr. How Sweet told me that it’s called “work” for a reason.  I’m sorry, but I just can’t accept that.
All I really want is peace.
The biggest thing that has stopped me from doing this until now?  GUILT. Guilt for having a job when so many others out there are suffering and would do anything for one. Guilt for leaving my husband with the burden of “taking care of me” and being solely financially responsible for our lives if I can’t find another job. Guilt for wanting to pursue what I really want – because isn’t that just a fairytale? Guilt for getting to do what I want when so many others don’t get to. Why do I get to be so lucky? Or reckless? I guess it depends on how you look at it.
To me, being reckless would be to run far away and live on hope. Like here:
I didn’t quit my job to blog. I don’t want you thinking that I am just like every other blogger out there that is miserable in their job and then bucks up and heads out. I was miserable with my place of employment long before I began my blog. See, I can’t survive on my blog alone. And even more importantly – I don’t know if I want to. I love writing this website as a hobby and it has brought more joy and life into my life than anything else in the past 15 months. To be perfectly cliché: it has made me come alive.
(But this can get to be an expensive hobby. If I post ramen noodles will you still read? Please? What about ramen noodles with bacon?)
I’m pretty scared. Okay, I’m scared to death. I emotionally ate 36 oreos while watching 6 DVR-ed episodes of Boy Meets World hoping that Mr. Feeny would pass a few pearls of wisdom to me from the other side of the tube. All I got was the episode where he announces he is retiring to Wyoming, and says “there comes a time when change just feels right.”
Good enough for me.
147 Comments on “A Game Changer.”
Congratulations Jessica, I am sure it took a tremendous amount of courage to quit your job but you did give it along time of thought and it should be the best for you. I will keep reading your blog, actually I love your spirit and funny approach to things much more than my cooking yours or anyones recipes.
Please keep it up, you will do good in the future.
ahh good luck and congrats…I hope a huge weight has been lifted (i think that’s a resounding YES!). Excited to see what’s next up for you! And yes, I’ll still read for ramen :)
Wishing you the best, Jessica. Quiting your drab job to blog full-time would not be a bad idea, though. I always love your recipes and work-out suggestions as do many others.
Thanks so much!
I’ve been there before and I’m sure everything will work out for the best! It always does!
Jessica- it takes more bravery to do what you have done. So many of us absolutely dread coming to work (myself included) and it takes much more strenth to pursue a passion rather than just floating along! Great things will come your way- I know it!
I admire you for being able to take that step. I wish I could do the same…it seems like there should be so much more to life than spending the bulk of my time doing things I dislike only to be too tired to enjoy the things I do. Take this opportunity to purse your passion! (And yes, I will read your posts on ramen with bacon in the meantime). ;-)
Oh my god. I am about to do the same thing, and while I know this is not about me, I am taking your post as a positive sign from the Universe (I have been asking for positive signs, so …. ) Kudos to you! What’s the worst that can happen? Some bills don’t get paid? Big deal! You can always make more money. You can never get back the time you spent doing something you don’t want to do. Can’t wait to hear what good things come your way…..
PS – I would totally read a post about bacon ramen noodles :)
Good for you, Jessica. Can’t wait to follow you on this new journey. BTW, ramen and bacon? Hey, I’m in college…don’t mind if I do!
I love your boldness and I LOVE that you moved on to something better for your soul girl! I wish you WOULD quit to blog… that would be a dream come true!! You can be the inspiration for a zillion of us who would rather blog then, well, do whatever it is we do!
You find your bliss girl!! Hopefully it involves a cookbook and worl wide fame and fortune!!
COME TO BlogherFood! You would OWN that place girl! (I know its sold out, but I can get you tickets to the partys if you come!!!)
Jessica – CONGRATS!!! I am right there with you. There are so many better things out in that world! I look forward to reading about your new adventures!!
Pingback: A Glimmer. | How Sweet It Is
What an amazing change to make, I wish the best for you. I wish I were that brave.
I’ll admit I was scared too. I recently move to Pittsburgh from Michigan because my husband received a job promotion/transfer. I had to quit my first “real” job, move to a new city where we don’t know anyone and this all happened right after we got married. I’ve been out here for a month and am still searching for a job. Although I have found some positions, I haven’t found the right one for me. It’s been rough, I’ve cried about it, but I think everything works out for a reason and something will come along and make you realize why you did it in the first place. Just think of this as an opportunity to find something new or something you are truly passionate about. Maybe we can swap job hunting stories :)
It sounds like you have made the right decision, Jessica! Your passion for writing comes through loud and clear in your blog. I love reading it, even though I love vegetables and don’t usually cook with sugar! ;)
Look around in your area for ways to network in the field of writing. My daughter is a writer. After college she worked for a short while as a copy writer for an independent web designer. It didn’t pay much, but she got by. And she was writing. Then she got a job for a very large company as a copy writer for their website. Great company, good pay, great benefits. She likes it a lot. (And she’s working on her novel in her spare time.)
There is a lot of need for talented writers. I know you’ll find a way to do it!
I wish I had some amazing words of wisdom that would just make everything fall into place for you, but of course, I don’t. But I do want to say that I’m so very proud of you for taking this step (is that weird that I’m proud of you when we’ve never technically “met”?) Good for you, and good luck and God bless in everything that you attempt – even bacon with ramen noodles! Which sound pretty good, actually… :)
This is late, because I’m just now catching up, but CONGRATS!!! I know this is the right move. It’s going to be scary, but I bet it will pay off BIG time.
I don’t know if I saw any “male” comments on here :) Anyway, I just lost my job of nearly 14 years and had three weeks to transition to the person(s) taking my duties. I embraced the change with a positive attitude and when I sat down for the exit interview on Thursday…I was making my comments and realized suddenly that I had lost passion for an area of work that was about 20 percent of what I did daily. I hadn’t even realized it prior to that moment. All I knew is that the last couple of years was more stressful than it had ever been before. I guess that happens when you stop “having fun” at your work/passion. Anyway…heads up! Something good is about to come, because you are going to follow your passion, I know it, and you know it, now embrace it!
i’m late, but i wanted to let you know that everything will be okay. i was in the same boat six months ago. my health was suffering, the stress levels were high and rising still… my relationships were suffering. i was mentally exhausted every night, often past the point of tears. i was afraid to leave my job for something better, knowing that things economically were harder out there. but i found something better… stress levels are low… and i feel like i have more time to do things i couldn’t do while i had the old job.
don’t worry; it will all work out for you! Hugs!
Thank you – needed this today!
Pingback: The First Change. | How Sweet It Is
I came across your beautiful site and I just wanted to tell you that you are not alone! I too “jumped off the cliff” trying to find peace and pleasure in life. We only have this one life and it is ours to love. I always tell myself that I am smart, resourceful, and driven and I will figure it out.
Best of luck to you-I feel ya!
I am a little late with my post but I just wanted to wish you the best of luck. I’m sure everything will work out for you even if it might take some time. I totally loathe my job as well and I admire your courage for being able to quit. I’m trying to figure out my life too but I’m just too nervous right now to quit and move on. Too much pressure from family. But anyways keep us updated on your life and as many mentioned in earlier comments, you won’t lose me as a reader if you blog about ramen; heck even blog about eating 36 Oreos! :) take care!!
i am way behind, but i wanted to say GOOD FOR YOU. go get that dream.
I’m reading this a bit later than others because I was out of town but I just wanted to say I’m REALLY proud of you. Life is too short to spend it unhappy! people spend most of their days at work so it’s VERY important to enjoy what you do – I just learned it when I found my current job which I love and go in everyday with a smile on my face. Everything you do, choose or decide in life should make YOU happy.
I’m sure you’ll be happy, happier because of this decision. It’s big one but I’m sure it’s worth it. Go Jessica! :)
I just stumbled upon your blog from another blog I read and it could not be at the more perfect time in my life. I just read your post about your ‘new gig’ which lead me to the post ‘the first change’ and then here. I too just quit my job. Yesterday in fact. And I am feeling the same exact way!
How could I quit my job with the economy they way it is? How could I put the burden on my husband of being the one as the sole provider? Especially when I was the one who had health insurance with my job and he does not. How could I tell my parents, who are so old fashion and think you work to just pay the bills even if you are unhappy.
But I had to do what was best for me. My job was making me physically sick and an emotional wreak. My relationships were suffering, I hated getting up everyday. And what type of life is that!
But the moment I quit I felt such peace and happiness that I had not felt in the last year! And guess what today, the first day of being unemployed, I received more leads, contacts, and hope for jobs in the industry/career of my dreams than I have ever had! Go you and go me! : )
Good for you!!
I quit my full time job about 2 years ago (before I started my blog). It had been a rough situation for a while, and it was a tough decision, but looking back, it’s one of the best things I ever did. It has definitely saved my marriage and made me a much happier person.
I definitely wish you all the best and hope that everything works out well for you… and I’m sure it will!
Pingback: Do You Know? | How Sweet It Is
I totally understand, and I am right there with you. Best of luck with everything, keep blogging about it, it is good to share, even if it is over the internet!
Just came across your blog and I love it!
What a great post! Seriously :)
“Congratulations!
Today is your day,
You’re off to Great Places!
You’re off and away!
You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself
any direction you choose.
You’re on your own. And you know what you know.
And YOU are the guy who’ll decide where to go.”
-Dr. Seuss
It must have been a hard move…but probably the best one for you. And that’s really important. I’m not hear to feed you advice :). But no matter what we won’t abandon you! Plus nothing affecting your health is good for you! Maybe you can start selling your baked stuff…and ship to Jamaica…:). I’ll support you!
I just wanted to come back in time and comment on this post and let you know that I”m thinking of you. I hope things are going well during this time. I’m so glad you finally took this step – sounds like it was becoming a necessity! I truly hope you are able to follow your passion. I have no doubt you will write a book one day. I love reading your blog. Like a previous commenter said, i come for the writing. The recipes are awesome (and I’ve made a few!), but the writing is what keeps me coming back. And our emails – they are one of the highlights of my blog world.
Pingback: So You Want To Follow Your Dreams? | How Sweet It Is
Pingback: My Morning Routine. | How Sweet It Is
Pingback: 365 Days | How Sweet It Is
This post was so inspiring! I just found your blog recently and always wondered how you started.
I am in one of those jobs and have been for almost three years this month. I hate getting up everyday- everything in my life is suffering and I just haven’t been able to work up the courage to quit. I wish everyday I would just get laid off, because like you said, there is so much guilt for wanting to quit. (I work in the investment industry with retirements and everyday I talk to at least 20 people who have lost their jobs and it makes me feel like I should be grateful, not miserable.) I was wishing I could eat one of those infected cantaloupes that are out there, but I realized to get sick from a cantaloupe would mean I actually went out and bought a cantaloupe… if only there were infected cupcakes.
I started my blog about 2 years ago without any real purpose except to write which is what I love. I am trying to find my voice and find time to write. It has really helped me figure out what my true passions are- food, design and writing. Thank you for being so candid, inspirational and for having the courage to do what you love. It gives the rest of us hope! What you have here is wonderful!
I just wanted to let you know that I can relate way too much to this post. For the last 15 months have I have been getting increasingly unhappy in my job. My family and bf told me the same thing “it’s called work for a reason.” But I’ve been working for a decade and I have had a handful of jobs that I truly enjoyed and this job was making me miserable and affecting me in so many ways. Finally after a vacation that made me realize what’s important in life, I decided I needed a change. I took a whimpier way out than you did and found a job within the same company, and I was extremely lucky that I was able to find one so quickly. But that didn’t make leaving any easier. I’m only 2 weeks in and so far it’s the best decision I could have made. I am infinitely happier, and I know from today’s post that you are too.
Girl, that is not wimpy at ALL. I am so glad you are happy with that decision – can’t put a price on happiness. :)
I just quit my teaching job to become a full-time writer and it’s amazing how much my current story is similar to your story two years ago. I can only hope that I find the kind of success with writing that you have. It’s obvious that you work really hard to put out a consistently great product. Keep it up – I’m a huge fan!
Pingback: Inspired: Be Your Own Boss | How Sweet It Is | | Where's the ZoomWhere's the Zoom
As reader of yours for many many years, I have adored your journey since the beginning.
It is scary how I read this and hear myself. I am currently in the same position as a blogger and having a full time job. Over the past year I have been looking for my happiness and terms of success. My family and fiancĂ© say the same thing…it’s work and unfortunately you have to do it. No not really. I can take a leap of faith into something that brings me pure joy. The leap that so many people are too scared to take. It’s not about the money; its about finding yourself and your happiness. Thank you for this post. Words can’t express it enough.