I just couldn’t take it anymore.
Showing up, clocking in, and having the same conversations over and over again while I completed the same tasks as the day before was stifling. I had no idea what I wanted to do next, but I did know that I wasn’t happy – that I needed change.
From my first semester of college into my foray into the workforce, I felt like I was living in a world created by someone else. The societal expectation to choose one thing and stick with it for the rest of my life was overwhelming. Impossible, really.
I had never stuck with one thing. I was a child of many interests. My hobbies changed as quickly as I grew. So how did a child – curious and eager to try new things – grow up to choose a lifelong career?
The answer is: I didn't.
The pressure of choice made it difficult for me to find and stick with one degree, let alone figure out what I wanted to do with it. I remember the moment I realized I just couldn't do it anymore. I was sitting at the front desk in the summer of 2021 at a pottery studio – another escapade in hopes of finding joy through work – when it came to me that it was time to put in my resignation.
I could not fathom continuing life in such a mundane way.
Of course, I am not saying I had no desire to work anymore. I am a creative and passionate individual. I require the stimulation that comes with working! But it was time for me to define success my way.
For me, freedom came in the form of freelancing.
Freelancing isn't easy, and it's not something that I recommend for everyone. It is hard and grueling work, and sometimes your efforts can feel futile; but slowly, if you put in the time, freelancing can allow you to build the life of your dreams.
Going back to basics
It's wild how much of my younger self reappeared when I decided to break free. It's like I've known who I am all along. I simply lost sight of myself along the way.
My mom was cleaning out some drawers in my childhood home when she stumbled across a story I had written in elementary school. I had written it with excitement and humor. How long had it been since I had written like that?
Upon finding that small token of my youth, I felt a spark in my heart that compelled me to build a fire: to set my life ablaze. Writing, it seemed, had been my love all along.
Action leads to purpose
I quite literally started building from the ground up. I took a copywriting course, created a portfolio, cold-pitched my heart out, and took work from anyone who would give it to me.
The key is that I started.
The key to the life that you want is taking action.
I established myself as a writer and niched down where I was the most successful.
What freedom looks like for me
Freelance writing has given me the space to work at my own pace – to work when and where I am my most creative. I can work from home, or I can work from anywhere.
I am so much better at time management now that I'm my own boss. I look forward to working on projects. I genuinely enjoy collaborating with my clients.
After a day of hard work, I feel satisfied.
My life outside of work is quiet and slow, and I have plenty of space to grow and bloom. And I'm able to show up fully for the people in my life.
This is Laura-Ray's freedom. Your definition of freedom probably looks different from hers – and that’s okay! We are all different. We have different goals, desires, and needs.
But you can find it by asking yourself…
How do you define freedom?
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