One year ago today, I made the 2nd best decision of my life (with the first being marrying Andy). After months of thinking, planning, and praying, Andy and I made the decision that I would quit my job so that I could pursue a dream that I’d had in my heart for a long time. I wanted to find a job that I truly loved; one that made me excited to wake up in the morning and that I looked forward to each day.
Last January 16, I handed in my resignation letter to close one door in my life so that I could open a new one. The first couple of months after quitting, I did a lot of soul searching. I met with a friend who runs her own business, asking her a million questions about starting your own company. Many afternoons were spent at Barnes and Noble, sipping a drink and combing through design, entrepreneur, and marketing / advertising books and materials. I started a notebook of lists that would later help me define what I really wanted to do. This notebook had lists of things I liked doing–some design related, others not, companies to contact, projects I wanted to design, and so much more.
I started taking my blog more seriously–posting on a regular basis with quality content verses quantity. My posts featured more and more of my illustrations as I continued to further refine my style. Hours were spent typing up legal documents, proposals, processes, and pricing equations. Marketing and advertising methods were utilized to get my name out there and I couldn’t be happier. All of this hard work paid off, as later that spring, Laura Likes Design opened for business full time. Clients started to trickle in–slowly at first, and then a few months later, I was booking out a couple months at a time due to the large interest in my work.
Looking back and comparing where I was a year ago just blows my mind. I was burnt out at a job I did not enjoy, feeling uncreative, and wondering if I was even in the right career field. Now, I find myself looking forward to Mondays, feeling accomplished at the end of the week, enjoying my projects, and satisfied with where my career is heading.
What’s something big that you did last year?
What’s the best decision you’ve ever made?
My name is Laura and I'm a designer, illustrator, and blogger from Minneapolis.
It’s truly incredible what a difference a year can make. Congratulations on all your success – and, most of all, on following your heart. Wishing you an even more amazing 2013!
Thanks so much, I appreciate it!
You are such an inspiration. I don’t see this happening for at least a few years for me, due to financial/benefit reasons, but I seriously cannot wait until I can go full-on freelance. I know I can do SO much more and just don’t have the 8-5 hours right now to develop my brand and client relationships further, unfortunately. You give me hope that I can do this one day!!!! Amazing. So proud of you.
I totally know what you mean. Still haven’t gotten around to making my announcement yet, but I promise it will be coming soon. Maybe I should just email you, lol.
This is so inspiring to read!
Aw, that means a lot! Thanks so much!
Laura, this is awesome! good for you girl!!!!! very envious and proud that you were able to make that step and show the world that you CAN do whatever makes you happy!
Thank you!
I am so happy for you. And so happy that you’re so happy. You deserve it!
I am hoping this layoff will bring me a new, happier career!
Thanks! I hope that you find a job that is a perfect fit for you!
So happy for you and really proud of your hard work. Now, let’s hear your big announcement!
Hopefully soon!
I’m so proud of you!!
Thanks so much, Colleen!
First of all, LOVE the illustrations =) and secondly, this is a really amazing and inspirational post. I love your story! I just left my job 2 weeks ago because I wasn’t being fulfilled and felt like I was trapped. HUGE decision because as you know, I am getting married this year but I have never had so much faith and determination as I do now. Ever since I left, I have run into and met some amazing people or read so many empowering posts/articles. Good things are going to happen this year!!
So happy for you! I contemplated quitting my job right before our wedding, too but ended up waiting until a few months after just because things got so busy. You’re on to bigger and better things now!
Congrats! Thank you for sharing your story and being such an inspiration. I am in the midst of the soul-searching part of my career transition. I quite a few weeks ago and am still trying to figure out what is next. I hope that I look back to this time a year from now and know that I made the right decision and that it lead to great things
You’re welcome! That first step is always the hardest but if you work at it, it will be worth it in the end.
You are so talented and such a great inspiration to those of us who are afraid to take a step and change to pursue our dreams! xoxo!
Thanks, friend!
Your awesome!!
Haha, thanks Danielle! <3
That is so amazing! Hi, new reader btw, by way of Hungry Meets Healthy. Love getting to know you through your blog and admiring your artistic skill too! I’m in the position now that you were in last year, feeling unfulfilled in the workplace and I’m hoping to own 213 in the same way you rocked 2012.
Hi! Thanks so much for visiting my blog! Being in an unsatisfying job is definitely not a fun feeling! Feel free to email me if you have any questions about finding a job that you love!
That’s great! I absolutely love your style of illustration
Thank you so much! Let me know if you’d ever like anything illustrated!