And then my sister reminded me of one very important point.  She said, “Just remember that you’re not happy in that job.”  She was right.  For years, I had quietly struggled with differences in opinion, differences in work ethic, and feeling like my years of experience in my previous job were of little value to my company.

Then my husband chimed in with his support, whether it be supporting a move, a career change, or just taking a break and fully dedicating myself to being a mom for awhile.  

So, I made my decision.  I was going to leave my position.  I was going to spend the rest of the school year attending the kids’ events and volunteering to help wherever I could.  I was going to walk the dog more often and start running again and pick up yoga.  I was going to bake and have a spotless house. But, because I don’t think I know how not to work (not that raising a family isn’t work!) and because I was afraid of where we’d be financially if I wasn’t bringing in any income, I was going to build up my Etsy shop that I had created a couple of years ago and I was going to go after some corporate freelance work. 

Sounds great, doesn’t it?  Or maybe a little fantastical?  For a little while, I was concerned it would all remain just that.  But, as it turns out, the only fantastical part has been the spotless house and the baking.  (Okay, the exercise could use a little more dedication, too, but I’ve picked up more of it that I had been doing!) 

I’m proud to say that I’ve been more present in my kids’ little worlds while also working to establish my own business.  Being my own boss has given me the advantage of taking the day off to volunteer at school and the luxury of dealing with work after bedtime stories, instead.  Surprisingly, on the corporate freelance side, I have picked up a decent amount of work from the employer who forced me to make this decision for myself.  Through this work, I have discovered that I do add value to the company, even if I am no longer regularly employed by them.  

And the Etsy shop?  Well, that is my favorite part.  I am slowly but surely building up Molly & Gordon. I love to paint and craft, and I love to design personal pieces.  I’ve set attainable goals for myself and I find myself actually enjoying my work, which is a great feeling.  The enjoyment for me comes from working on a more personal level.  I love being involved as a customer in Illinois plans her daughter’s first birthday party, or reconnecting with a sorority sister from college as she plans her wedding.  

A recent goal was to set up a business page on Facebook and my next goal is to add more fans so I can continue to reach out to new customers while doing the work that I love to do.  And that is where you come in!   

PRIZE 1 (one winner):
This Molly & Gordon original 12” x 9” acrylic painting that any little girl would love!

PRIZE 2 (one winner):
20% off your next Molly & Gordon order of $20 or more. (expires August 31, 2011)

PRIZE 3 (one winner):
Free shipping on your next Molly & Gordon order. (expires August 31, 2011)

The winners will be announced by Kuzak’s Closet on June 7.  You must be a fan or become a fan to be entered in the drawing.  You can earn extra entries by:

• referring your friends to my FB page (have them leave a comment to let me know who referred them)
• writing about this contest on your blog (please include a link in your entry comment below)

A big thanks to Mandy for the support and advice as I continue to grow my business.  Kuzak’s Closet is a constant source of inspiration.