“Go to the edge of the cliff and jump off. Build your wings on the way down. “ – Ray Bradbury
Last month, I quit my nonprofit job of almost four years to work for myself as a consultant. By all accounts, it was a “good” job. The organization had a great reputation and inspiring leadership. It paid well, I had healthcare, a monthly employer contribution to my retirement plan equivalent to 10% of my salary, five weeks paid time off, money for professional development, flexible hours, the ability to work from home, and yes, my very own parking spot. To be honest, I probably could have worked there for four more years. But I wouldn’t have been happy. I had grown too much in my own leadership journey to continue to fit myself into that one role for that one organization. I would be writing a grant proposal, but daydreaming about blogging. I couldn’t wait to get home to start writing and working on my own projects. I’ve wanted to write a book for a couple of years, but could never seem to find the time to do it. I didn’t want to work myself to death and wait until my 60s to finally start living the life I want.
Yes, it was a good job. But it was time for me to be great. I was reminded, haunted really, by a question attributed to Robert H. Schuller.
What would you do if you knew you could not fail?
My answer: work for myself. Write for a living. Travel. Write some more. That’s why I majored in English. I love reading. I love writing. And what I’ve learned over the years is that I love having control of my time. All I had to do was figure out how to make that happen. I’m a dreamer, but I’m also practical. So I told myself that I wouldn’t submit my resignation until I landed an “anchor client,” or one that could provide a substantial amount of income in my first six months. I put in a bid for my first long-term contract, and guess what? I got it!
I was on my way to becoming the CEO of Me.
Yet even with the security of having an anchor client, quitting my job was a really difficult decision to make. My grandmother’s voice was full of worry when I called to tell her what I thought was my good news. “How will you make money?” she asked. “The economy is really bad right now, you know.” I was glad she couldn’t see me roll my eyes through the phone.
The bad economy has nothing to do with me. Neither does this alleged black man shortage. I got a job. And I got a man. Scarcity thinking doesn’t do anything but breed fear and desperation. I choose abundance.
And wouldn’t you know it? After I quit my job, they asked me to come back and work with them as a consultant. Life is grand.
Rosetta Thurman is a nationally-recognized author, speaker, mentor and coach dedicated to helping women create their ideal lives.
What would you do if you knew you could not fail?
this phrase has a real power.
Too many times the fear of failure blocks us from doing what we feel it’s right for us.
Parents who projects on us their fears and expectations want to force us on the “safe way”.
What they don’t understand is that their safe way it’s not safe at all.How can we feel safe if we are not guiding our life, if we depend on others,that is what employement job is. It’s hard but learn to guide our life,do our own money out of our ideas is real freedom.
Love this story. I’m in the same boat you were in. I’m building a business in the wee hours of the morning and on my lunch breaks and in between meetings. Sometimes, I get off track at work b/c I’m daydreaming about the life I would have if I were working my business full-time. The fact that I’d be doing something I love, the fact that I’d be home when my daughter gets out of school….sigh. I’m working hard now to lay the foundation for my one-day-to-come exit. In the meantime, I’m trying to remind myself not to be resentful of this job that is seemingly in the way of my dreams but to use this as a catapult and a learning experience…not to mention as a way to keep the roof over my head, lol. Thanks for sharing this, I’m glad I read it.
Oh, I remember the daydreams LOL! Great point about laying the foundation, though. It took me almost three years before I felt like I could really leave my job and stand on my own two.
“CEO of me” I LOVE IT!
“CEO of me” I LOVE IT!
“Scarcity thinking doesn’t do anything but breed fear and desperation. I choose abundance.”
Love it. You are such an inspiration. I wish you everlasting abundance!
“Scarcity thinking doesn’t do anything but breed fear and desperation. I choose abundance.”
Love it. You are such an inspiration. I wish you everlasting abundance!
I have a feeling I’m going to be commenting on everyone of your blog posts! When I read about the “black man shortage” I said the exact same thing – “what God has for me, is for me”. Don’t feed me this scarcity mumbo jumbo. ABUNDANCE it is! You go girl.
I have a feeling I’m going to be commenting on everyone of your blog posts! When I read about the “black man shortage” I said the exact same thing – “what God has for me, is for me”. Don’t feed me this scarcity mumbo jumbo. ABUNDANCE it is! You go girl.
I love this! I can’t remember how I found you on Twitter but I’m SO very glad I did. Such an inspiration…
I love this! I can’t remember how I found you on Twitter but I’m SO very glad I did. Such an inspiration…
Excellent! I look forward to following your journey & celebrating happiness!
Excellent! I look forward to following your journey & celebrating happiness!
I’m at a similar point in my life right now (transitioning be the CEO of me in 5 weeks).
It feels great and I understand what led you to make your decision. I look forward to your future posts.
Thank you for the inspiration.
Wow, congrats on making the leap! Would love to hear about what led you to your decision and what kind of work you’ll be doing for yourself. I am constantly inspired by my fellow sister CEOs :)
I’m at a similar point in my life right now (transitioning be the CEO of me in 5 weeks).
It feels great and I understand what led you to make your decision. I look forward to your future posts.
Thank you for the inspiration.
Wow, congrats on making the leap! Would love to hear about what led you to your decision and what kind of work you’ll be doing for yourself. I am constantly inspired by my fellow sister CEOs :)
What a great story and so well-written. Your decision is inspiring as so many people–myself included–struggle to decide how to go about making happen what will make them truly happy. So Congrats to you–the universe always brings us exactly what we need, doesn’t it?!
Thanks for reading. Yes, the universe always responds! We just have to take the first step.
What a great story and so well-written. Your decision is inspiring as so many people–myself included–struggle to decide how to go about making happen what will make them truly happy. So Congrats to you–the universe always brings us exactly what we need, doesn’t it?!
Thanks for reading. Yes, the universe always responds! We just have to take the first step.
you already know how I feel about you young lady;-)
congrats congrats!
Great piece BTW
Thanks for reading, Rebecca!
you already know how I feel about you young lady;-)
congrats congrats!
Great piece BTW
Thanks for reading, Rebecca!
Rosetta, I don’t know you but I am incredibly proud of you!!! I am just a few years older than you, but I consider you my “cyber mentor.” I have been following you for about six months and I am always amazed at the level of depth and transparency that you bring to your readers through your blogs. Alot of what you are already doing, I want to eventually do. I am learning in these first few days of the new year, that I am ready to be a new me! Thanks so much!!!
Thanks for your kind words, KaCey. I’ve never been called a “cyber mentor” before but I love it! I wish you peace, love and light in your journey to a new you!
Rosetta, I don’t know you but I am incredibly proud of you!!! I am just a few years older than you, but I consider you my “cyber mentor.” I have been following you for about six months and I am always amazed at the level of depth and transparency that you bring to your readers through your blogs. Alot of what you are already doing, I want to eventually do. I am learning in these first few days of the new year, that I am ready to be a new me! Thanks so much!!!
Thanks for your kind words, KaCey. I’ve never been called a “cyber mentor” before but I love it! I wish you peace, love and light in your journey to a new you!