This is the post where I make the big announcement:
I’m leaving my job as a teacher and I’m going to blog full time.
In my mind, this post was going to be a really nice reflection on my years as a teacher and a really boom-pow exciting segue into the next chapter of blogging. Yeehaw!
But as I’m sitting here, all I can really think is that I feel a little shaky and I have a nice big nervous knot in my stomach and what the heck am I doing.
There is joy and anticipation somewhere here, I know there is because I’ve felt it again and again and again over the last few months as this big life decision has settled into my brain. However, now as my fingers are finally moving across the keys to draft this post, I’m feeling a small, sharp heartbreak and tears are springing.
I know that this big change is just mine and you don’t really need lots of mushy mush from my heart to yours, but I do. This is so, so, SO important to me and I feel this deep desire to be understood about why I’ve made this decision. If you care about those sorts of things… well then, I wrote this post for you and me. ❤
Why Are You Leaving a Job That You Love?
In this moment, looking at these sweet pictures that Bjork took of me in my classroom today, I feel like I don’t really know why I would ever leave that. I love this job and I believe in it.
But in the moments when I did know (and they’ve happened many times over the past few years as I’ve felt more and more the pressure of the two jobs), my number one reason is that I need to work less and live more.
I don’t mean work less like sit around and play on my phone, although it’s no secret that Instagram can suck me in for hours. ALL THE FILTERS. No, I mean like regain some sense of balance in life and be done with working 15 hour days, 7 days a week. There are so many things I love and want to invest time into, but my constant over-working-ness over these last few years has kept me from really going deep with any of them, plus it has kept me feeling edgy and frazzled and rarely at peace. And I don’t want to live like that.
I don’t expect to leave teaching and *poof* have all this magic free time, but my hope and expectation is that Saturdays and Sundays will become actual rest days, that I can have an occasional quiet moment in the morning, and that can find time to eat dinner before 9pm.
This decision has ZERO to do with not loving my job, my students, our community, the families, and my coworkers – this place has always been my dream school. The decision has everything to do with a much-needed personal time and energy shift.
What Are You Going To Do?
I’ve literally had these conversations with people:
So what are you doing next year? I’m going to work on my blog full time. Oh, that’s so great! So what are you going to do?
And so instead of telling them that they just asked the same question twice, I just show them the cookie dough picture. Like, duh.
Blogging is such a mystery “career” that people don’t really understand what the day-to-day tasks really look like. So here’s what I anticipate I’ll be filling my days with, starting on June 12th when school is all done:
Part One: Blog
- making new recipes
- taking photos like whoa (more than three seconds for a photo! joy!)
- writing posts
- social media management
- comments and email –> the two things that are perpetually on my to-do list, which is such a gift because I LUV connecting with you!
Part Two: New Projects
- creating new products
- learning more about photography
- print cookbook? mixed feelings, but there are conversations happening.
- speaking at conferences – a few things lined up already! wheee.
- teaching and attending workshops – another few things lined up already! wheee-hoo.
- dabbling in podcast things
- meeting other bloggers – f-i-n-a-l-l-y something I’ll be able to do more easily
- experimenting with recipe videos
Aaaand I’m going to go ahead and cut myself off there because I could go on forever. Bottom line – there is no shortage of work! The best news of this whole thing is that I’m so pumped to start workin on this stuffs!
What Are You Most Excited About?
This opportunity is so incredible. Once in a lifetime rare and incredible. I am most excited that both Bjork and I will now have the time freedom and location independence to set our own schedules and work from anywhere.
For example, this summer we’ll go with my family to the cabin for two weeks. Normally we have to come back after a few days for our “real jobs”, but this time we can stay up there for the full two weeks and occasionally check in on the blog or get things done as needed. Or for another example, we can go back to the Philippines for an extended visit in the middle of February and not have to try to schedule that around when I have days off from school. Or for example, I can start my day a little earlier and end a little later so that I can have a long lunch date with my mom.
This is pure gold to me. Pure. Gold.
What Are You Most Sad To Leave?
No question about it: my students.
I’m not going to say too much about this or I’ll ugly cry, and in a little while I’m going to a friend’s house to watch the premiere of the Bachelorette and I can’t have that puffy eye thing going on for that.
But seriously. These 9 and 10 year olds are the light of my life. They also haunt my nightmares from time to time, especially early on in the school year. There have been moments where I looked at the clock and prayed to God that I would physically and emotionally survive the next hour and fifty minutes as students were… well, you don’t even want to know what they were doing. But when we’re at that beautiful point in the school year when everyone feels comfortable with each other and mutual trust and respect are so well-established, things feel good. We just go well together. And I don’t want to leave them.
They’ll be fine. I’m not worried about them. There are so many good teachers in this world who care deeply about their students, especially at my school. This is about me, really. Selfishly, I just don’t want to give up those relationships. We go through a lot together, us teachers and students, and my heart is sad to leave that.
What About Bjork?
Bjork has been working at a “real job” doing tech work for a nonprofit 2 days/week this year, but starting in June he will join me in going full time with the blog. He’ll still be doing some work here and there for the nonprofit that he’s working for now, but most of his days will be spent with me working on Pinch of Yum and Food Blogger Pro and other similar ventures from right here in our home.
Um, yeah. THAT.
Now taking advice.
Onwards and Upwards
Yesterday I noticed one of my students carefully reading something inside the front cover of one of the books in my classroom library. I came closer and saw this message that would have otherwise been stuffed somewhere deep in my library and forgotten:
My heart twisted and pinched. Change is hard.
But in life, we move onwards and upwards. I reminded myself that teachers take many shapes and forms other than the ones found in elementary school classrooms, and it is my hope that I am just moving from one teacher role to my next teacher role whatever form that might be.
As I think I’ve made plenty clear through all my textamaniac blubbering, there is no shortage of raw sadness as I prepare to step away from what has always been a defining part of my identity. But the decision has been made, and, for this season of our lives, it is the right one.
Right there with the sadness is a complete exhilaration to get to continue to build on something I love with 110% effort. And PS. what is even going on. I started Pinch of Yum during my first year of teaching, on a whim one night while sitting around wearing sweats and a hoodie firmly planted on a hand-me-down couch. And now it’s my real job.
Life is a ride.
It’s coming to a close, but I’m so grateful for the experiences I’ve had through this chapter.
Happy, happy heart.
If you want to read part one of the story from last year, when I was in a different place and I made the decision to continue teaching, you can find that here.
Also exciting: Jess and I have a little talky talk about the decision to go full time + our experiences in the Philippines + more on The Lively Show podcast today! Jess does SUCH a great job with this inspiring podcast and it was an honor to be a part of it!
You guys? Thank you for listening to my story. I mean it. Like, big time. Thank you.
What a sweet post!! I’m so happy for you that you found an alternative career that will let you “live more”. Its so east to get stuck in the normalcies of everyday and forget that we don’t have forever! There is so so much to see in the world and dreams to fulfill that often get put aside. Your story is inspiring.
http://soulandstreusel.com
Making that leap of faith into blogging as a full-time business is truly commendable. It requires lots of faith and going against the grain. It requires long hours of content writing & creativity; also requiring that one might have to give up their friends and family that doubt their ability to prosper in entrepreneurship so blogging as a business can work. It also shows who has the true business muscle for the hustle as a transformation business champion.
Thoughtful comments – For my two cents , if your business is wanting a a form , my friend found a sample form here “http://goo.gl/63tZFd”.
Hi Lindsay. I came across your blog some 2 years ago. Just today, I became so interested when I saw your posts when you were in the Philippines. I am a Filipino and I am touched when I read that you were with some Filipino youth. I wish I met you when you were here. But what made me write in the commentaries? It was the message written to you by your mom and dad. I am a teacher too, and yes I am a kitchen person as well. Thank you for loving the Filipino youth. May you be blessed more!
Wow! That sounds so exciting! Wishing you the very best. Blogging full time really is like a dream come true. A dream with tons of work but still something to look foward to. Enjoy! Wishing you the best. You really deserve it.
Hi a very brave move and I hope it all works for you both! I am in uk so unable to get some of the branded goods you mention but try and find similar! Can I be really cheeky and ask a question which puzzles me? How do you make money from your blogging? Forgive me if that’s a too personal question but I am intrigued! Good luck to you both????????
Hi, Marion! Lots of people have that same question. Pinch of Yum publishes income reports every month to let readers know where the money is coming from. You can check out all the previous income reports here: https://pinchofyum.com/category/making-money-from-a-food-blog.
So serious question – – How did you balance both while you were teaching and become successful enough to quit?
Well, it was really challenging. I “worked” a lot on nights and weekends in addition to my day job, but it didn’t ever really feel like normal work because I loved doing it so much. I actually was only ever really motivated by the idea that people were enjoying the recipes and I was growing the readership rather than the idea that it would ever be my full time career. I think that perspective helped to keep me going and not make me feel like I was working all the time, even though I guess technically I was. 🙂
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Exhibitor Relations vice-president and senior analyst Jeff
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When the situation has been resolved, you might be too tired to return to the book or movie.
I’m an elementary teacher and totally understand what you’re saying about your life as a teacher. It’s a life that brings me such joy and also the occasional nightmare. I just finished my masters and feel like I need to give it a go for at least another year, but I can’t help but feel like change is coming. I admire you for making this leap and wish you the very best!
Thank you Maggie! Sending you all my best teaching energy/power for the year to come!
Hi Lindsay!
I seriously am so happy for you! Absolutely enjoy your new adventure!
I can’t believe I came across this post today. I shook my husband’s hand during spring break promising this exact same thing for the same reasons. And I ….didn’t follow through. So scary! For me the big part that holds me back is my two kids still being in college. But good for you!
Your blog is wonderful and I know you will soar!
Mary
Thanks for the comment Mary! I am definitely enjoying it so far. 😉
I think you’re doing the right thing…your blog has been a huge source of inspiration from a cooking and business standpoint. Watching the monthly income reports grow and your willingness to share data has been beyond helpful. Excited to see what you guys come up with next now that you’ll be dedicated to the blog full time!
Thank you Yan! I’m so glad it’s been inspiring and helpful! Thanks for reading 🙂
Hi Lindsay, thank you so much for writing this blog post 🙂 As I read it, I felt sad and happy for you all at the same time. I know you have so many comments already but I really feel compelled to let you know that you are a HUGE inspiration to others through your successful cooking blog. I just started my cooking blog 10 months ago and I found Pinch of Yum during that process… since then, you have taught me so much about how to establish and grow a food blog, photography and the love of nourishing yourself and others around you.
The only way to find true happiness in life is to follow those nervous gut feelings and what your heart is telling you to do. It sounds like you are doing just that and I am really happy for you! Its so much harder & scarier to think about doing something than to actually do it. Thanks for all you are doing for the blogging community and for regular people 🙂 Rock on sista!
All the best, Amanda
Thanks for your sweet comment Amanda! 🙂 Youdabest.
That’s great! I bet the 15 hours shift was killing you, even though you loved them. It’s so important to have a life besides jobs; just chilling out brings a lot more quality also!
Have a great time, and enjoy your newfound freedom!
What a wonderful change and wonderful post to accompany it! You know that you are STILL a teacher, right? I pore over your blogs and income reports to try and learn how to improve my blog at all times, and your method is so entrenched in teaching that it just works. Now, we not might be as cute as your “little” students, but you have hundreds of thousands of new full-time students now!
Which is probably both awesome and terrifying.
Congratulations.. and good luck!
I’m very happy for you! I work full time and am working on my degree half time, so I understand how all of the good parts of life get pushed aside for later. I’m glad you’re making your “later” happen!
Thanks Jo! 🙂 That means a lot.
I didn’t realize how lucrative blogging is. Good luck to you!
You didn’t mention it, but what are you doing regarding health insurance? That’s very important in my case, since cancer runs in my family.
We’ll be paying for our own health insurance. Eek!
This is so wonderful and I’m very happy for you! It’s amazing how much we can do when we simply let ourself dream and dar to live the life that we want. I am still working full time as a web developer but have begun blogging about vegan food and teaching yoga on the side because that is what I’m passionate about. I too hope to someday work for myself, running my blog of possibly a food-related business. I can definitely identify with the thought of “leaving behind” a career I’ve worked so hard to achieve and that I also love. But sometimes it takes daring decisions to really find happiness. Reading your story (and also your super helpful posts about blogging!) have really inspired me to continue down my path of exploration. So thank you very much for sharing!
I love that! Thanks so much Taylor!
I do not do change well. I never have. I think I am a creature that strives on routine and stability! I am trying to be more open and apt for change but it can be so hard! Good for you for embracing change with a happy heart! It is such a blessing to be able to accept all the different stages and directions life takes you!
Your blog is inspiring and is one of the many I have seen, er, been stalking, that led to my decision to jump headfirst into the world of blogging. As one who is literally just getting started (some may say a bit behind the eight ball since I am starting a blog in 2014!), your posts and shared knowledge has been so beneficial. Especially the monthly income reports…yes, I love seeing your $$ jump, showing the potential earning with hard work, but, I pay close attention to what’s going out too. I reviewed the info from the very first time you started sharing it…thank you and your hubby for that! From a hopeful, newbie blogger, it’s most appreciated. I look forward to seeing all the great things to come…and who knows, maybe one day when I am actually up and running, we can connect. 🙂
Regards, Jennifer
I would love that Jennifer. Thanks for getting in touch!
This is so awesome! So happy for you! I was just looking around your blog today because I will be meeting you on TUESDAY for the Indiana Blogger workshop! I am really excited! I am a photographer and blogger, and I can’t wait to hear you speak!
Oh how fun! Thank you for leaving a comment Jill! I can’t wait to meet you! 🙂
Lindsay,
I know this is late but I wanted to congratulate you on your move to give up teaching and go full time to blogging. This probably sounds weird because I don’t actually know you, but I have gotten to know you through FBP and your Pinch of Yum posts, but I worried about your health. Working full time and doing all the multitudinous activities you were doing is CRAZY!! Really, I feel relieved knowing that you are bringing more sanity to your life. Best of luck to you and Bjork!
Thank you Mireya! I really appreciate that!! 🙂
That is amazing!!! Congratulations! I have been really enjoying your blog 🙂 <3 all the best with this new endeavor of full time blogging!!! yay!
Congrats Lindsay! Long time reader, and I felt compelled to comment today because I’m a teacher/ blogger too. I know how strong the connection can be with your students and completely understand how hard of a decision this must have been for you. Have faith in your heart that you made the right one, and life has amazing things in-store for you. Keep up the great work on Pinch of Yum and enjoy every second.
xo Dina
http://www.sweetestsomethings.com
Thank you Dina!! 🙂
Congratulations on such a big decision! It is so difficult to get to a point where you can “pull the trigger” so to speak on such a life-changing decision – I’m a little jealous.
Also, I’m sure you’ve already thought about this, but since you love teaching so much, maybe you could set it up where you could be a substitute on occasion. I know that you wouldn’t get the same personal connection with the students, but it would be a way to get you in the classroom every once in a while. 🙂
I have thought about it, and honestly, I think I would rather just volunteer. Subbing was the hardest job I’ve ever had and I think going back to it would be pretty painful. 🙂 But visiting? I’m all about visiting!
How exciting! I can’t wait to follow you through the new journey you’ll experience. Love your blog!