Just about one year ago, I took a deep breath, called my principal, and quit my job at a high school. It was time to give full time entrepreneurship a go. Watching Tia build their photography business and wanting more flexibility to be with our kid, I knew I was doing the right thing. A year later, I’m still surprised by my biggest takeaways from my first year full time.

Full time entrepreneurship has been just as stable as any 9-5 I’ve ever had.

Have you ever had anyone tell you that they couldn’t be an entrepreneur because they need the stability of working for someone else? (I’m talking about people with privilege and flexibility here.) When I was a special education teacher for a non-unionized charter school, let me tell you: There was nothing stable about it. My caseload could be doubled overnight. Teachers in my department tended to be first on the chopping block during budget cuts. An administrator could fire me at any time without explanation or severance, which is not comforting for a queer person. I could be voluntold to run state testing and Saturday school. (Both of those actually happened.)

Even though my income isn’t consistently the same any more, my life is more stable. Tia told me this would be true, but I guess I had to see it to believe it. I work less for better money. I talk through challenges with my business partner and spouse whom I trust more than anyone. My job doesn’t change overnight without consent or compensation. When I need rest, I often can choose to do so without regard to a measly allotment of PTO. It’s pretty dreamy! 

I’m still learning to forgive myself for not going full time sooner. 

I wanted to be a professional writer since preschool, but I didn’t go all on full time entrepreneurship until I was 34. My money trauma got me good. It’s been bittersweet knowing what I gained on my journey here but wondering what the past many years could have been like if I had just done the thing.

It also has me wondering what other parts of myself I denied in my quest for a “steady” life. Since going full time, I have dyed my hair pink and started wearing neon crop tops. Will I pierce my nose by the end of year two? A diamond stud would look really cool…

I still love helping people, and I still love to teach.

Some things never change, I guess. For me, writing and relationships are intertwined. I love providing personalized copywriting services that let me get to know my clients’ personalities and dreams for their businesses. I want them to thrive, and I want to be a part of it through my writing. Tia and I started Brandcendent because we believe more good people making great money really can make the world a better place. How cool is it that I can help people grow their income with my writing?

I love teaching almost as much as I love writing. I stayed in education as long as I did because I found it so rewarding to watch people grasp an idea then take it further and make it their own. Needless to say, I’m pumped that Tia and I are offering Sales Off Social, a four-week program. We’re going to share our trauma-informed approach to marketing and sales to help others grow in their full time entrepreneurship. 

Does any of this resonate with you? We would love to support you in growing your business in a way that aligns with your humanity. Reach out to us to learn more!