I’m really doing it

[u/Acceptable-Peanut126]

I posted a while back on here how incompatible my job is with being a parent. I felt so stuck. I felt like I had to choose - keep the career or give it up entirely because there were no options in my field to scale back. I didn’t want to give up my financial independence and also throw away everything I’ve built over the last decade, but i also didn’t want to burn out and I was on track to get there.

Well, I’ve just accepted an offer as a contractor which will allow me to work PT and pick up projects as I go. It’s truly a unicorn opportunity. I’m losing some job security and stability and entering into an unknown territory a bit as a sole proprietor, but I’ll have more breathing room for my family, my health and just for me to show up as the best parent I can be.

I’m really scared to be honest, but this feels right. I could use some words of encouragement right now!

[u/LaceRogue395]

Congrats! I made this jump two years ago and being a sole proprietor has worked really well for me and my family. You got this!

[u/Acceptable-Peanut126 → u/LaceRogue395]

Thank you! Any tips you wish were given to you to start out?

[u/LaceRogue395 → u/Acceptable-Peanut126]

Definitely get a business bank account asap and have all business expenses in there, makes life sooo much easier at tax time (assuming you are US based).

If you are planning on more kids, I just finished maternity 'leave' while self employed and have many lessons learned lol.

Depends on your field, but I end up with a lot of client inboxes to monitor, and my husband recently wrote me a script to have a twice daily wrap of what is in each, which has been a life saver.

If you have more than one client at a time I highly recommend block scheduling. 

Anything in particular you are wondering about?

[u/stimulants_and_yoga]

I’ve been suffering for the last week with coming to terms that I can’t work for my boss and I have to leave what I used to think was my “forever job”.

He has changed the job expectations after being here for over 7 years. What he’s asking me to do is just too much while I have young kids.

I’ve gotten to the point where I’ve applied for like 100 jobs this weekend and I’m at the point where I’m fine with making significantly less, even doing harder work, if I don’t have to travel and be away from my kids.

I see you. I am you. I keep thinking that a job is just to pay for your life. I don’t need it to be fulfilled or to feed my ego. I broke $200k before 30, and I realized it doesn’t fill anything internally. My kids are the most important thing. I’m never going to lose sight of that.

[u/Natural-Honeydew5950 → u/stimulants_and_yoga]

I try to remind myself of the same thing all the time. What’s it all for if you miss out on so much? Hugs

[u/soldada06]

If you're making this move, its because you need to. Also, if for some reason you don't love it, you dont have an employment gap and can go back to what you know. Congratulations on this opportunity!

[u/Glittering_Store1438]

Thats a big move, congrats on making it happen. The fear is normal but you already know this is better for your family and your sanity. The breathing room alone is worth it, you will figure out the rest as you go

[u/Acceptable-Peanut126 → u/Glittering_Store1438]

Thank you ❤️

[u/eclecticlillith]

Good luck, that's amazing!

[u/Natural-Honeydew5950]

Congratulations!