Today (in fact yesterday) really is the first day of the rest of my life. Plenty of people say it; particularly on the first day of the year but for me my whole life is about to change. I am entering the world of self employment.
I have had a variety of jobs in my time; big companies, little companies and some somewhere in between. I have worked hard and not-so-hard but I have always tried to enjoy what I do. Recently I have come to realise that doing something I want to do and look forward to doing is what is most important to me.
Writing my app has taken me a long time but I have really liked doing it; I have just handed over all the artwork and am working on the recipes to finish them as soon as I can. I have been blogging for almost 4 years and I still look forward to creating, cooking, writing and catching up on what everyone else has been up to.
And so, I am finishing work on my first app with the hope that it will also soon be a book. I am also starting my own PR and marketing business (follow me on Twitter for the latest information about that side of things).
I am really excited about working with some great local food companies and I wouldn’t be able to do any of this without the support of my family, better half and friends. I have a simple but achievable dream: to buy myself a table, chair and parasol so that when the weather is fine I can work outside.
So long to the world of pensions, paid holiday and sickness, security and general sensibleness but good riddance to the commuting, monotony, corporate nonsense words and politics. I find people who work for themselves are some of the happiest people I know.
I am scared and excited in equal measure and I can’t wait to see where this new road takes me. I am fairly certain that I will be working harder than I ever have in my life but I think it’s far better to be working hard for something you’re passionate about than merely being present somewhere you’d rather not be.
Here’s to 2014.
Christian Halfmann says
I wish you all the best and that the road will take you where you like to be!
Sometimes I would also prefer to work hard at something I like instead of working … eh … somehow … at what I have to do, but I have no other ideas.
rusty duck says
Bravo!
I’m sure you’ll be fine, but even if it’s not what you want in the long run, it’ll be great experience. Couldn’t agree more about the downsides of corporate life.
Jen Price says
Best of luck with it all, hope you get a lot more satisfaction from this new line of work than your old job 🙂
Allie says
Beautiful!
Really proud of you and your journey Caroline. Make it awesome!
And if you need any support from me or Nick shout.
xxx
Tony B | Simple Awesome Cooking says
Congratulations on finishing up your app and on hanging out your own shingle! That’s super exciting, for sure.
Jenny @ BAKE says
Caroline that is absolutely incredible! congratulations!
Medeja says
I am really happy for you. All the best! Keep us updated 🙂
Lynne says
You go for it girl.
You are so hard working and dedicated it will all work out fine.
Welcome to the world of the self-employed.
Navaneetham Krishnan says
Go for it. If that’s what you want, you will definitely excel. All my support and blessings are behind you. Make the best, do the best and do share with us.
awholeplotoflove says
Congratulations on your accomplishments so far, I wish you all the luck in the world for the future.
Joe says
Caroline,
Congratulations,
We’ll be looking for some PR assistance soon so will be in touch!
Joe (Bakedin)
The Beach Hut Cook says
Well done you. I have my own business too and it’s great. Hard work but great. I work from home and am strict about working 9-5 but if I choose to take my phone down the beach hut and work from there, then no-one can stop me! We have a mantra at work – never a dull day. So, it’s all good.
So looking forward to the launch of the app. So pleased for you.
Elinor x
The Squishy Monster says
Congrats and CHEERS!! how wonderful!!!
Kitchen Riffs says
Good luck! Working for yourself can be such a kick. My wife and I freelanced for quite awhile — and did well enough that we could become early retirees. Downside is you find yourself working a lot in what used to be your leisure time (10 at night, for example). Upside is you have so much more freedom and will be happier (at least we were). Exciting time for you!
Guru Uru says
Congratulations my friend, you are inspiring and creative beyond belief and I know you are going to exceed expectations 😀
Cheers
CCU
Cass @foodmyfriend says
CONGRATULATIONS! I too will be joining you soon. Love your idea of working outside. Perhaps I’ll set that goal as well. Can’t wait to see you progress :)x
Amy @ Elephant Eats says
Wow, congrats! So many bloggers have been entering the world of self-employment lately! I wish the best of luck to you!!! How exciting 🙂 What’s your app?
Beth says
Congratulations on taking such a big step! What an exciting way to start 2014. Much luck to you in your new endeavour.
Juliana says
Good for you Caroline…best of luck to you on your new adventure in life…
Treat and Trick says
Congratulations and all the best for your future endeavors!