{Quit Your Day Job, featuring Wishful Nals}

Editors note:
It has been 8 months since I quit my day job to work on Gussy Sews full time — and to help celebrate the anniversary of this little dream of mine, I’ve put together a {Quit Your Day Job} mini-series.

If you’re looking for inspiration, be sure and read all the posts in this series.♥

Bio:

I am Natalie, also known as Nals (a wishful one). I live in my hometown of Boston with my sweet mister, our Portuguese water dog, Weber and an affectionate cat, fête. I am twenty-six and savoring this time. I am half french. In fact, we were married in France just a few summers ago. I have two sisters. They mean the world to me. I love fires, swaying willow trees, random acts of kindness and a good piece of dark chocolate. As an east coaster, I love the ocean. It moves me and soothes my callouses (even the ones I didn’t know I had). I love to travel, have adventures and seek inspiration everywhere I go. My mister loves to cook and I love to entertain. At the end of the day, I just love to smile and be grateful for all I have.

The Interview:

1. What were some ways you prepared to become a handmade biz owner {your day-to-day schedule, financially, emotionally, etc.}?
To be honest, I quit my job rather impulsively. It had come to a breaking point. I could not take the angst, the frustration anymore. After attending a yoga retreat over labor day, I couldn’t ignore the friction. I had spent the last year with my mother-in-law who was loosing her battle with cancer. Knowing that I was going to loose her really put everything into perspective. Financially speaking, my husband and I had set ourselves up in a way that we would be alright if one of us lost or left our jobs. Having this cushion and his support was what ultimately allowed me to leave. And I am so thankful for that.

2. Share with us a positive “ah-hah” moment from this process.
The ah-hah moment is still here. I have not regretted my decision for one day. Every time that I realize I am doing my own thing, I can’t believe it. It was definitely out of character to get up and quit a stable job. But, I did it. It took courage and guts, and I am so proud of myself for making that leap. Ultimately, it has reduced my stress level and I am living my life in the way that I want. My personal and professional lives are no longer at war with one another.

3. What was the time frame from when you decided you were going to quit to when you actually put in your notice/took some serious steps toward becoming self-employed?
At the time I gave my two weeks notice, my dear, sweet mother-in-law had just entered hospice care. My older sister was about to get married and I was the matron of honor. I was in an emotional whirlwind. Before my last day of work, my precious mother-in-law passed away and my sister was married. I never knew that such heartache and celebration could co-exist in such a small space. But, that’s life, after all, I think. My decision to leave my job was certainly building and coming for some time, but I don’t think I ever realized that it would actually happen. So, in that regard it was definitely unplanned.

4. What was your first day like as a handmade biz owner? Describe your feelings, were you really excited? Did it seem soooo weird to be home/self-employed? Share this moment with us.
Since I quit my job, I have been on a traveling merry-go-round. We drove cross country, traveled to Arizona, California, Texas and France. It’s been great. Having this “in between” time has allowed me to have a bit of adventure and think about where I am headed and where I want to be. I am finally getting in to a groove and working on a few projects that I hope will provide a stable income. Once I have my first “real” day, I will let you know how it is!

5. Do you write out a “schedule” for each day? How do you divide and organize your time?
I don’t write out a schedule, but am sure that I will at some point. I make it a habit to wake up each morning with my husband, who has a traditional job. I spend the morning hours working on my blog and my new venture, The Boston Day Book. In the afternoons, I will go to the gym, for a walk with Weber, or run a few errands. My work definitely overlaps in to the evenings, something I hope to avoid down the road. I think it is important to have some separation.

6. What is a current challenge are you facing, and how do you plan to overcome it?
Although we bought our home one year ago, we are still settling in. We have a spare bedroom that I would like to see evolve into a craft and office space. Currently it is serving as storage space. As of right now, I am working from our kitchen table or in the living room. I often go to a local coffee shop. Once I have a dedicated space, I think a routine will come naturally. I think that the inspiration will flow better. I am really excited to create a space just for me.

7. What are three tips you can to pass along to someone that’s ready to make the leap? :]
Well, I think it is fair to say that the fashion in which I left my job is not the most traditional. It is probably not recommended, but if you are in a dire situation where you cannot take the stress, then I think you need to listen to the cues. My body was giving me so many signs. Since I had the support and was in the right financial and emotional place, it made all of the difference. We are all capable of creating our own dreams. If you are unhappy where you are, plan for it and make a change. Everything you want, you can have. I really think it’s all possible.

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