In June this past year, I made a decision that most people would probably consider unwise, foolish, stupid and crazy.
I quit my full time job to embark on a new career adventure. I didn't have a back up job for myself. Fortunately, I had (and still have) the support of my fiance, but it was still a very scary decision because that mean for the time being, I would not have very much income coming in to support myself.
In fact, as I am typing this, I am still very much on this journey toward this career and I am so excited to eventually get started once I pass all of the tests and registrations and certifications. I have never done anything like this before. I have never had to have my intelligence and my abilities tested at the state level, nor have I ever had to go through such an extensive background check to ensure I am a law abiding citizen!
Terrifying and thrilling. Perhaps I am a little crazy as well. I won't argue with you.
This journey has not been without its lows, though. I have failed a specific exam twice now and the stupid test made me cry because of how stupid I felt afterward. Have y'all been there? It is the worst. I hate failing.
I have certainly thrown myself some pity parties. This is probably the hardest thing I have had to do recently and let's face it, I have not been in school since I was 19 years old. My brain is fried, and my emotions are all over the place and I feel stretched to the max in my personal life. However, this was the best decision.
For six months after leaving the firm, it gave me time to really think through what it was that I wanted to do in terms of a career, and how I wanted life to look for myself, my children, my fiance and my soon to be step-daughters. Six months of not making any income was incredibly tough. I mean, I would make a little here and there with OneHope, but it hasn't been enough to replace the income I lost when I left family law. I pride myself on being able to provide financially for my household. I want to contribute. I believe that I was made to not just be a mother and a wife (really soon!), but also one who uses her talents and gifts to serve others.
I love to work. I love to do things with my hands and my voice. The longer I went staying at home without having a job to go to, the more the realization set it in that I was not created to just be at home to take care of the household. Those are wonderful things and no women should be shamed for choosing to not work and stay at home to raise their children. That should be YOUR choice. That can be part of building your dream as well.
Once I fully realized and embraced who I was and how I was created, I have not gone back. I have gone full throttle into this mission to serve women, create content and learn all about finance in order to help women (and their families) build the life of their dreams and secure their financial futures. It is taking me awhile, the exams are really hard, but I will get there, because I am building MY dream.
Changing directions in my life and career has been the most challenging yet most rewarding decision of 2023. When people ask me if I would consider that a win, I would say absolutely. Fear is real. Fear is a spirit. I definitely have those. However, I have also made fear my friend and use it as motivation to keep going.
What has been your biggest win of 2023? Big or small. It doesn't have to be as dramatic as mine (I do have a flair for drama).
Let's celebrate our wins. Even if others don't celebrate with you. Perhaps they don't fully understand. Most won't. That's okay, though. They aren't you.
Rooting you on.
Your Dream BuildHer Bestie,
Tiffany Rhea
P.S. Journaling my journey has been incredibly helpful for me, and I know it can be incredibly helpful for you. Imagine documenting every win and loss, then going back to those pages years later to see how you have grown. It was why I created the Dream BuildHer Journal. Perfect for you as you set your daily habits routine.
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