5 Lessons from 3 Years of Self-Employment

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MONEY
5 Professional (and Life) Lessons I’ve Learned After 3 Years of Self-Employment

Back in April I surpassed 3 years of self-employment. 3 years of working on Break Your Budget full-time. 3 years since working in the corporate world. 3 years of “true freedom.”

But does working for yourself really make you “free”? No. Because over the last 3 years, I’ve also felt prisoner to my own expectations. And I don’t say that to be so dramatic - I say it to be real.

Self-employment is AMAZING. I love it. But I also hate it. And it’s really f*cking hard sometimes.

Here’s what I’ve learned:

1️⃣ Discipline > motivation. But only when you are operating in alignment!

Structure matters. Routines matter. But forcing myself to follow strategies that weren’t aligned with what I truly want out of my work burnt me out (ex: long hours, trying to become a “personality,” beauty content). Just because something has worked for someone else, doesn’t mean you have to do it, too.

And sometimes, you can’t discipline your way to success. Just like any other job, I go through ebbs and flows of feeling super aligned to super unmotivated. Sometimes you just have to let go, focus on your daily tasks, and find your way back. There’s no one who is going to tell you what to do.

2️⃣ When something isn’t working, you still need to show up.

Entrepreneurship is the ultimate self-improvement game. You can’t hide from yourself, or the realities of your business. When something isn’t working and things take a turn, you can’t run. You still have to show up every day and find your path forward. PTO doesn’t exist. And there is no one who can guide you on your way.

Lately I’ve been feeling “off” over on Instagram. But I still show up every single day, because it’s my job. There really is no “off” day - and it doesn’t matter if I’m seeing the results I want or not. I need to get up to bat, and use each post as a data point for improvement.

3️⃣ You don’t have to be loud to be successful.

There is so much beauty in being humble and keeping success close to your chest. Be proud of your accomplishments and don’t be afraid to share them. But remember, boasting and bragging is tacky. And it’s often a sign of insecurity that is very obvious to everyone else.

I also think there is a lot of success in vulnerability. I am trying to share more of how I am truly feeling at work these days, and it’s refreshing to see so many of us are feeling the same way. We are not alone!

4️⃣ Success feels different when it’s defined on your own terms.

It actually feels quite elusive. The goal-post is always moving. And there isn’t always someone to celebrate with. Take time to truly define what success means to you. Write it down. Celebrate when you get there! (I need to do this)

And try not to constantly push the destination further and further away. (I also need to do this).

5️⃣ Yes, it’s possible for you, too.

If working for yourself is your goal, it’s possible for you. None of us are special. It may not always be easy, and it may not happen right away, but it’s your choice!

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RESOURCES
What’s Happening This Week at Break Your Budget

• This week on Don’t Depend on Daddy: We have a guest on the show this week! My dear friend Kate Robb joined me for a conversation around diversifying your income and getting started on Etsy! If you’re looking to earn more without being an influencer, you’ll love this episode.

• Earn More Cash Back: If you aren’t leveraging cash back tools, you are leaving money on the table. In this week’s Youtube video, I am sharing 3 ways you can optimize for cash back that are totally free! I’ve been loving Youtube lately, so come join the fun!!

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