She Strengthens

From Six Figures to Freelance: My Journey of Self-Discovery

As I reflect on my journey, I’m reminded of the incredible opportunities that came my way. After college, I landed a job as an assistant to a wealthy financial broker, earning a six-figure income. But despite the financial security, I knew my heart wasn’t in the financial sector. I yearned to pursue a career in theater.

Taking the Leap

After two and a half years, I decided to take a bold step and leave my comfortable job behind. I knew it wouldn’t be easy, but I was determined to follow my passion. I planned to support myself through a combination of babysitting, tutoring, odd jobs, and freelance writing. Little did I know, this decision would lead to a journey of self-discovery and growth.

The Reality Check

My first six months as a freelancer were a rude awakening. I went from earning a six-figure income to making less than $2,000 a month. I had to adjust to a new reality, one where every dollar counted. I was fortunate to have a six-month emergency fund saved up, but I knew I had to be careful not to deplete it.

Expected Changes

I anticipated some of the changes that came with my new lifestyle. For instance, I knew I’d have to find a more affordable place to live, which meant trading in my luxurious two-bedroom apartment for a room in Brooklyn with two roommates. I also expected to have to cut back on discretionary spending, like dining out and buying expensive brands.

Unexpected Challenges

However, there were some unexpected challenges that caught me off guard. Living with roommates again was harder than I thought, especially after having lived alone for so long. I had to adjust to sharing common spaces and coordinating schedules. I also struggled with the stress of managing multiple jobs and schedules, which took a toll on my mental health.

Rethinking Priorities

As I navigated this new landscape, I began to reevaluate my priorities. I realized that paying off my student loans was crucial, so I made adjustments to ensure I could continue making payments. I also became more mindful of my credit card usage, opting for rewards-based cards and scrutinizing my spending habits.

Food for Thought

One of the biggest changes I experienced was in my eating habits. I went from frequenting coffee shops and restaurants to packing my own meals and snacks. It wasn’t easy, especially when I was working long hours and didn’t have the time or energy to cook. I had to get creative with my meal planning and make do with what I had.

The Power of Self-Reflection

Through this journey, I discovered that my relationships with friends and family were also affected. I could no longer afford to treat them to meals or coffee, which made me realize that I had been using money as a way to buy affection. This forced me to examine my friendships more closely and focus on building meaningful connections.

Was It Worth It?

Looking back, I can confidently say that taking the leap was worth it. Yes, it was tough, and there were times when I doubted myself. But I’ve learned to appreciate the value of hard work, resilience, and living authentically. I may not be earning a six-figure income anymore, but I’m doing something that brings me joy and fulfillment. And that, to me, is priceless.