Breaking Free from the 9-5 Grind, Finding Freedom, Flexibility, Fulfillment, and Purpose

No More “2 Weeks of PTO” Rule

When I decided to start my own business, I waved goodbye to the limitations of the “2 weeks of PTO” rule that many employers follow.

This rule was especially hard for me to accept in my corporate accounting job because at the time, I lived in Portland, OR… which is across the country from the friends and family that I grew up with in WI. In my mind, this meant that I could visit home 1 week per year and go on one other vacation. That’s a tough pill to swallow for a girl with a serious case of wanderlust!

No longer bound by someone else’s calendar, I now have the freedom to take time off whenever I want. While there’s still work to be done, being my own boss allows me to choose when and how I work, bringing a newfound sense of freedom to my life.

Unlimited Earning Potential

One of the most liberating aspects of running my own business is the absence of a ceiling on my earning potential. Gone are the days of being paid a fixed wage per hour. Instead, the amount I make is directly proportional to the effort I put into my business. The sky’s the limit, and my hard work directly benefits me, not someone else.

Since I’ve always been a chronic over-worker, I was putting in long hours behind the desk when I was in the 9-5 world and was barely scraping by paying my rent and car. Aside from getting a raise, getting a third job or putting in more hours (I was already in over-time), there wasn’t anything I could do to change that.

Flexibility at Its Finest

From a fixed schedule to complete flexibility, being in control of my own business means that I decide when and how I work on a daily basis. Of course, I know that I take weddings most weekends in the spring-fall, but I have control over how many I book and if I block off my calendar to include a free weekend. During the week, I spend most of my time working from the comfort of my cozy house, surrounded by my animals. This allows me to strike a good balance between work and personal life. (Although, I’m on an ongoing mission to keep improving this balance!)

Pursuing My Dreams, Not Someone Else’s

Choosing to start my own business was driven by a desire to work towards my dreams instead of assisting someone else in fulfilling theirs. It’s incredibly empowering to be the one making the decisions, shaping the direction of my business, and living life on my own terms. Opening my own business has given me the freedom to pursue a life that aligns with my passions and ambitions.

Financial Freedom and Control

Not only do I have the joy of being the master of my own destiny, but I also have the freedom to make sound financial decisions for my business. I no longer have to worry about the possibility of my employer going out of business or downsizing. With complete control over my finances, I can invest smartly and focus on growing my business, securing my financial future.

A Sense of Purpose and Genuine Happiness

Beyond the professional advantages of owning my own business, it has brought a newfound sense of purpose and genuine happiness into my life. In the past, I found myself caught up in the pursuit of popularity, pretending to have more friends and a cooler lifestyle than I truly had. This facade only left me feeling empty and unfulfilled.

However, since starting my own business, I have discovered a healthy and productive outlet to focus my energy on. Rather than worrying about others’ perceptions of me, I am now able to pour my energy into something that brings me true joy and fulfillment.

Opening my own business has given me more than financial freedom and flexibility; it has given me a renewed sense of purpose, authenticity, and joy. It has allowed me to break free from the unhealthy façade I once embraced and channel my energy into something genuinely fulfilling. If you’re considering starting your own business, know that it can be a transformative journey that not only impacts your professional life but also brings about personal growth and contentment.