Going Full Time

Well, it has been an epic couple of weeks for me.  After realizing that my high stress day job was putting my health at risk I really started to question what I have been doing with my life.  For the past couple of years I have been waking up, working on my Etsy shop, commuting to the day job, working a full day, then coming home to work on my Etsy shop until it was time to go to sleep.  Needless to say I burned out.  So I did something crazy....I quit the day job!

After giving my two weeks notice I was in this strange place of limbo.  I was right on the brink of finally attempting what I have been dreaming about for years.  Crazy?  Yes.  Shocking? Sure.  But you know what, for the first time in my life I am giving a full effort to something I have a deep, unwavering passion for.

What is life for if not for pursuing the things that really drive you.  Sure I was met with some hesitance by people close to more.  One person put it perfectly when she simply told me "seriously" (and not in a good way).  Yes, seriously.  Is it so shocking that I should actually try to make my dreams a reality.  My husband and I are in the perfect spot in life for me to give this a go.  He has a steady job, we have some savings, our expenses are low, and we have no kids (hence the low expenses).

Though I have been met with some resistance I am really surprised by how much support I have seen from the people in my life.  My cousin really touched me when she said "Good for you!  That has always been your thing."  You know what, it has been.  I have always been creating and now I get to try to make a career of it.  Sure, it's a huge pay cut.  But hey, if our expenses are covered who cares about having the best of the best.  What matters is finding happiness in life.

So before my last day of work I was contacted by Uncommon Goods to participate in their Winter Accessories Design Challenge.  I submitted my work and before I could blink, BAM!  I'm a semifinalist.  If I win I will become one of their vendors and get a cash prize.  Sometimes life throws great opportunities at you and for me, this is huge!  So, long story short I could really use your support.  There are 5 days left of voting and then the contest moves into the final round.  The person with the least number of votes gets eliminated from the contest.  Voting only takes about 30 seconds and your vote could mean the difference of me succeeding or failing.  So please, take a moment out of your day to support a struggling artist.  I will love you forever :)

You can vote for my knit ties here:

http://www.uncommongoods.com/voting/product/57603/knit-tie#.UhTvddUOnCI.twitter

....and you can visit my Etsy shop here

https://www.etsy.com/shop/AutumnAndAmber

Thank you for your support.  It means the world to me!