Saturday, December 12, 2009

From Hobby to Business

You never know where life will take you. Be sure to enjoy the journey, make a conscious effort to drink life in. Remember it’s not just about the destination. Each day and each relationship has purpose. Life has its challenges. Some of them will bring you to your knees. Hard decisions and devastation are opportunities for redirection and growth.

Allow me to share with you what this looked liked for me.

After working at Bell Canada in customer service for 15 years, the department I worked in closed. For many of my co-workers this was devastation. For me, this was the golden opportunity I had longed for. Without this forceful push, I never would have left a regular pay cheque, pension plan and medical benefits to fully follow my dreams.

After accepting the buy out, there have been no regrets. For the first three years I worked a secretarial position part time to help adjust to the financial and lifestyle change.

Depending now on stained glass for my sole income satisfies my free spirit. I do understand now what it means, “robbing Peter to pay Paul”, but I’ve not gone without any essentials. As a matter of fact, I’m growing quite fond of a simpler lifestyle. Arranging my own schedule is a very liberating experience. Yes, there may be 14 hour days at times, but there are also days off when desired and often pleasure mixed with business.

Transitioning from a hobby to a business could be one of the most rewarding events of your life. You can make money doing what you love. You can arrange your own work schedule. You can be free to express your own creativity and abilities. You can be your own boss.