As many of you may know I recently quit my corporate career of 7 years to pursue my life long dream of working from home full time. Unlike many relationships that end in divorce mine was an amicable "break up". My boss and department were totally supportive of my aspirations. In fact, I'm still very cool with the company, my co-workers, staff and supervisors. So much so, I was still asked to come to our annual Christmas party. Needless to say I was very honored and touched to be extended this invitation.
However I still had some apprehension about how everyone would react since I wasn't part of the team any longer. But after deeply pondering the free booze, I quickly decided that my fears were irrational and accepted the invitation with open arms.
So this past Friday I did something I haven't done in nearly 3 weeks, I commuted to work. It was a very surreal feeling to be sitting on the metro north train in my usual two seater seat staring out the window at the snow covered trees and homes whizzing by. I couldn't help but reminisce about the days and nights I would spend on that very train day-dreaming about retiring and working for myself full time. And it really hit me hard to realize that I was now living that dream and heading back to work not as an employee but as a free man! I damn near started crying on the train. But then some 50 cent started playing on my ipod and that potentially embarrassing emotional outburst was instantly turned into some head nodding and "ice grilling". I love that "Get Money" song, it's "ignt" and shallow, but gets me so amped! lol
In any event, when I finally reached my old office and came face to face with all the people I shared good and bad times with over the last 7 years, it was like putting on some old comfortable sneakers. It felt right to be there. Strangely enough one of the first things that was uttered by people seeing me, was that I was giving off some type of aura. Maybe my colleagues have been under those fluorescent lights too long or maybe it was because I was in casual-wear and not in my suit.
Well according to my former co-workers it was more than the wardrobe change. Evidentally I really appeared to be more relaxed and happy. I just found the whole observation very odd. In my mind, I've always been relaxed and laid back so I couldn't really get a grasp of this perceived improved healthier state of mind and body. But to my former co-workers the change was glaring!
After pondering it more, I realized that what my co-workers were seeing was my pure joy of knowing that I now controlled my own destiny. I could now pay myself what I really felt I was worth. And despite all the Mr. Mom jokes, that I could now be a stay at home dad to my soon to be arriving baby girl! They were seeing a man on fire. So in hindsight it made total sense that I looked very relaxed and happier. Because without even fully realizing it , I was all those things.
So apparently quitting a 9-5 is great for your health. Who would've "thunk" it? What do you guys think? Do you think you would feel a lot more relaxed and healthier?
Please post your comments below and share this article with your friends.
Hi Lin,
Congratulations! I’m so happy and proud of you! I love hearing people’s work at home success story. It’s really motivating and uplifting.
Do send me more on your business. Maybe we can work together!
I never realized the toll that working outside the home takes on you. But now that I’ve been out that environment for several months I realized how negative it was for my mind and physically. If I have anything to do with it, I will never go back.
It’s also why I’m so passionate to help other people experience what you and I are going through. Isn’t it a wonderful feeling to know that you can still make money while being home with your girls? It’s truly a blessing!
I’m happy your enjoying the content. I just base my advice on my own experience. It’s not perfect but its all I have. So its good to know its appreciated by folks like yourself.
And thank you for posting your first comment on my website. I feel honored. I know many work at home seekers are shy. I know I was one of them so I’m happy you came out your shell!
Hey, since you’re in a bold mood (LOL), be sure to check out the survey I’m conducting where you may get $50:
http://www.workathomenoscams.com/2008/05/13/get-50-for-your-work-at-home-frustration/
just for sharing your work at home frustrations with me. Although it may not apply to you because like me you’ve created your own work at home career!
But feel free to participate if you want!
Thanks again for sharing your kind words and story.
I hope to see your comments on other articles on the site. Would love to have your feedback on them.
Take care.
Eddy
I quit my job 3 months ago to be a work from home mum and I know exactly what you mean! I am still doing work for the company on a project basis, as well as other freelance jobs. (I set up my own biz actually.. a branding and editorial consultancy.)
I got the same comments you did (“you look happier! so relaxed! etc”) and I did feel lighter. I have 2 girls and though I still need to work on the laptop while I am at home, or go out for meetings with clients now and then, it is better than having a desk-bound job that requires me to be away from home for 12 hours a day.
I’ve seen the ‘make your millions’ scams out there and I do appreciate the content and the honest, heartfelt, down-to-earth advice you’ve shared on your website. In fact, this is the first time I’ve ever posted a comment on ANY website! Thanks and do keep it going!
Hi Eddy
What a wonderful story. Often we spend much of our lives wanting to get somewhere else such as working from home. The one day we realise that we’ve actually ‘got there’ and achieved our dream. It’s kind of surreal and the feeling of joy is like no other. Congratulations on your impending new arrival.
As for feeling more healthy and relaxed working from home, yes, I definitely feel alot less stressed, more healthy and in control of my life. But it’s something that doesn’t happen automatically because of working from home. I make sure I eat right, exercise and meditate. I make sure I take time out and don’t sit on the computer 24/7. It would be very easy to do that, to the detriment of health.
Thanks for the thought-provoking post.
I can relate to your situation.It’s quite relaxing to stay at home full time. But it can go both ways too. Some people still themselves too hard after quitting their 9-5 jobs. But it seems to be working for you though. Congratulations! 🙂
I feel you are a very intellgent man and will do well in working from home. I am so happy for you. You are a great man to work for, I so enjoy your relaxed and easy going attitude. Congradulations on the new arriving baby girl.
I guess dreams really do come true!! it is always inspirational to see a truly positive outcome to such a scary and daunting decision in life.