That is exactly the main problem with a 9-5 jobs. You don't get to explore your real potential, your real dreams and most of all it prevents you from doing the things you really want. You absolutely made the right decision. Unfortunate, not every one can have that safety net that you have. Thanks for sharing your reasons of doing it. I really enjoyed listening to you.
I’ve been in a corporate job for 45years….I’m 61yo and I want a sea change , but I’m scared. Work is familiar, safe. But, I’m getting tired and need to start my next chapter before it’s too late. Like you , I really feel the missing of the good weather days. Thank you for the inspiration.
I’ve been thinking about leaving my corporate job as well to follow my passions, there’s so many emotions I feel and that I’m still trying to sort out before I make any final decisions, seeing your journey definitely helps me kind of know what to expect if I make the decision. So excited to see what comes along for you!💕
Hi Kerrie - all the best. My RU-vid feed is normally full of American “life coaches” selling their services, so your content is a refreshing change. It really struck me when you said you are an introvert. Interaction with others is tiring and you need to recharge. What is unusual is to analyse yourself honestly and take the leap to adjust your lifestyle to match your personality. Good luck from the U.K.
Well done! I threw my job in last year, moved to a dirt town with dirt cheap rent and now trying to focus on the writing. You have three excellent gifts: one being a published author, one being a teacher and one being well articulated. Maybe you can teach your own writing course? Teach writing skills? Teach publishing skills?
Good for you, Kerrie! You look so relieved at the end. I was forced to retire from a job that I loved seven years ago due to a bout with cancer. On to better health and new things! You've got this! Can't wait to see your new adventures! Congratulations!
You are lucky that you are creative and can create your own job. Here in the States it can be very hard to get a good job after age 50....age discrimination is real....you can get a job, but its likely to be low paying , part time. It helps that your monthly expenses are low. You are a brave fee spirit!
Thanks for sharing this huge life event and taking us along. With your writing and mobility and skills you'll get wherever you're going!! Congratulations on the big bold action and best wishes, I'll be following along for sure. ~ Nan
Congratulations Kerrie for making the decision to prioritize yourself! This will be a remarkable time of rejuvenation and exploration. I know you will have wonderful adventures and I look forward to hear all about your next chapter. You go girl! 🫶
Hi Kerrie, My question is: How would you explain your unemployment/career gap in a way that won't harm your candidacy if you decide to return to a 9-5 job and face job interviews? I personally quit my 9-5 job at the end of last year and made good progress on my projects, but I wasn't able to replace my income, so I think I need to return to work to save more for my freedom fund.
That's a tricky one! I'm certainly not an expert, but in my case I will likely list it as "Writing / Freelance writing" or similar. Or maybe "Self-employed" and list the skills that I have gained in that time? I have seen some LinkedIn profiles recently state "Sabbatical" so maybe that is becoming more accepted as well. Good luck with everything, Nick!
Hi Kerrie, Good for you, for not considering anything a failure. You will learn a lot in the next few months. Spark joy is a good model to follow. The ups and downs of emotions are tough. Hope you have a bit of chill time mentally to regroup and relax. One foot in front of the other.
Wow! Thanks for sharing the emotional side of making this huge decision. Following your dreams and your heart is so brave of you and inspirational for those of us who ponder "taking the leap" every day. I really want to retire due to many of the same issues that drove your decision, i.e., my health, my weight, my sleep. I'm not sure where you live, but if you live in the states, I'm wondering what you are doing for health care, as that is the one thing that keeps stopping me from retiring. Congratulations!
Thanks Michelle. It was definitely a big decision. I'm lucky that I live in Australia and we have some level of universal health care. That definitely makes the leap easier. I hope you can find a solution for yourself!
I do like a fairly decent hardcover A5 journal without going to extremes like the Moleskines! I usually buy one from Officeworks but I forget the brand I usually get and don't have them with me. The one I'm currently using is a Moo notebook and I love it because it lays flat. Someone gave it to me as a gift a few years ago and I've just started using it. (I'm a notebook hoarder because they're too pretty to use!). I hope that helps ❤️