I’m unemployed. Three weeks ago, on the 15th to be exact, I left my job of over 6.5 years. It was a tough decision but one Mike and I have been contemplating for a significant amount of time. We wanted a change in pace and in lifestyle. We wanted to provide more time for me to work on this blog, house projects, spend time with P, flex my creative muscles, and help build The Bronx Brand.
Almost simultaneously when I submitted my resignation, Mike and I were presented with an opportunity to partner with one of our favorite artists and open a store in the South Bronx. And so, TWO – a collaboration with John “Crash” Matos and The Bronx Brand – was born! The timing could not have been more perfect and right for us. I resigned on May 15th and TWO opened on the 18th.
So here we are three weeks removed from my resignation: I’m unemployed, we own a store, we have even more bills, we have even more to do. AND IT FEELS GREAT. It feels amazing to say that “I’m unemployed” because I don’t have to tie my worth or my identity to my work anymore. I don’t have to be Tiarra, the Director of Marketing and Branding. I can be Tiarra, the wife, the blogger, the mother, the entrepreneur, the lady at the park, the one who sleeps in late, anything I want.
I feel motivated to use this time wisely to explore a bit more of what I want to be doing in 5, 10, 15 years. Is that working for someone else? Is it The Bronx Brand full-time? Is it a thriving design studio?
After purchasing our home I realized that I have a deep passion, and talent, for interior design. I do not have an interior design degree but am going to explore returning to school, a certificate program, or refresher on design to help me pursue a career in this. I do not think a formal education in interior design is necessary in today’s design world, but it would be helpful. Plenty of thriving design businesses were built by principals without formal training! Add this to the list of “things Tiarra will figure out in 6 weeks.”
I also want to build a routine for our family: daily, weekly, and monthly goals and milestones for all of us. Structure and routine will go a long way. A few items I want to plan for are:
- Meal planning
- Regular deep cleaning and organizing
- Project schedule and project list
- Working out / outdoor activities
- Group activities / socializing for P
I never thought I would be 30 wondering “what’s next” and “what will I be doing for income” but here we are and although it is uncertain, I feel reassured every day that I made the correct decision. Several friends and family members cautioned me to
I feel rested, present – not just home, but fully engaged – and I feel like I’m contributing more than only financially to the household.
This also frees up significant time to make progress on the house in ways that would not have been possible with only weekends/holidays.
And be sure to check back for frequent home updates. If you’re a little behind, you can read my ambitious 2019 project goal list, and be sure to follow me on Instagram (@tiarrahamlett) for regular updates.
Tiarra
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