I just realized today is National Boss’ Day, and it got me thinking. Full transparency, I never thought I’d want to “be my own boss” and was fine with always working for someone else. There, I said it. The idea of going to work and knowing what I had to get done, having a steady income; it was stable..it was comfortable. Until, it wasn’t.
In the nearly 20 years I had been working, I was always the one to leave. The one to find another opportunity that usually brought me to new places, and eventually new opportunities. I always left on good terms, and am still in touch with most of my former employers. Then, almost 3 years ago now, I wasn’t the one that chose to move on. I was the one that was included in budget cuts. I was the one that was told I was no longer needed. It hurt. It hurt bad. Then to see my position posted exactly 8 months later, and at a lower pay rate…
I knew I NEVER wanted to feel that way again.
I took some time to heal, visit my momma and focus on myself. It was just the reset I needed. I decided there was only one person I could truly count on. Me. I thought back to a few years ago and a friend asking me “If you could do anything at all, what would it be?” And without hesitation, I answered “Newborn photography!” I had done a few sessions for friends and family over the years, but not to much extent. I realized this was my time! This was my silver lining to that awful feeling of being walked out of the building, in the literal freezing cold (because, January in New Jersey) and making myself happy FOR myself.
I did the research, and still doing it. I watched the videos, so many videos. I did a few in person workshops, and even assisted an amazing local photographer that was more than gracious with her time and knowledge. And I took the leap. I picked a name, applied for my business license, and became MY OWN BOSS.
So, on this National Boss’s Day, I can’t help but feel proud. And scared. But definitely proud. Proud of myself, and proud of everyone that has taken the leap, and put all of their trust in themselves, and DID THE THING. I see you, I support you, and I am proud of you. I’m proud of US!
