I left "it", to...
go on a different path, to live life without loosing it going too fast to a "non-direction", to stick to the essential, to see my child grow up and to make my daily life like a piece of art.
I was SO captivated when I read about your experience... Your courage to decide about what is your priority.
I am one step behind, just about to let creativity flow, just on the edge, a little bit scared, but other experiences give me strength. So thank you for sharing it, and good luck.
Delphine

I love your interview! So inspiring, funny, and real. Thank you for sharing your experiences! I would love to quit my day job in order focus solely on design and art.

I sort of quit the day job before I had proof that this was a good idea...and I'm still working to prove it! :) But I feel confident that if you do something you love that makes you feel creative it will prove to be successful. Congrats to you for proving that true!

-Missy @
http://www.ClothPaperStitches.blogspot.com
http://www.ClothPaperStitches.etsy.com

I have not read your full etsy blog but wanted to congratulate you and say "way to go" from another Minnesotan and another day job quitter.
In reality, my day job was a dream job as an independent contractor and art director. I've seen economic turn-downs before, but after 9 months I have placed my faith and my efforts into my yoga instruction and into building an etsy shop. My main focus is vintage, but I am still able to utilize my design backround. I get such a kick out of photo composition. As you know it is a tremendous amount of work, but what a great payoff in building community. Thank you!

I left it, too, when i was about to become a mother...i worked at a bank, and was robbed at gunpoint my very first week as a teller. I did not even have my own drawer of cash yet, i was still working out of the trainer's drawer. The bigger my belly became, the more i realized i did not want to work there anymore. Then once i had my baby, i did not want to pay anyone else to raise my kid. It was really the best thing to do. My gosh, how much i would have missed had i still been at the bank every day!

Well, I am trying my hardest to quit my day job! I started out by having an talent and interest in Art in high school...and sewing with my Mother all througout my childhood! I started to realize that I wanted to help others so I studied Art therapy...then on to practice Mental Health Counseling. And now-a-days it seems as though I can't find any clients who want to be helped...I thought I could change the world...Make it a better place. Now I have a 1 year old daughter...and I want to make her world a better place by always having her creative Mommy around...looking forward to starting my Etsy shop soon! Catch me Bloggin' now...new to it!

http://olivemahaylee.blogspot.com/

I'd love to quit my day job because I love making crafts. My whole family are crafters of some sort and I know I'd have lots of support if I tried it. My husband just finished grad school, my current full-time job is down-sizing my position to part-time in the fall. The opportunity is lining itself up. Maybe soon, I can quit the job and start living a dream:-)

I quit mine when I had my baby a year ago. My sister and I started our etsy shop a couple months ago and we are hoping that we can help a little with bringing home the bacon. I loved your article, very inspiring! Congratulations....

Hi Jen,

Congratulations on being chosen for The Storque spotlight, and thanks for sharing the details of your life and craft in the article, it was very inspiring and encouraging.I am actually new to Etsy and I have signed on this month; while I am a bit nervous I also excited about the possibilities.

I have created handmade crochet and beaded jewelry for a little over three years and I am so passionate about jewelry,accessories and connecting with other women. While I do stand to make a profit from my craft and want to also branch into creating a line of home decor items, ultimately everything that I do pertaininig to the collection I have is to create a platform to not only sell products to women but to assist, encourage and bring women together from all walks of life for the betterment and growth of themselves.My belief is when you help one woman your helping about ten other people.Therefore, I feel it is so important that we are well physically, emotionally and that we take time to nurture and grow ourselves. It makes all the difference in the care we give to others and the energy we send out into the world. But for now, I run my business part-time and I work full time as a supervisor assisting others provide the needs of children and adults with developmental disabilities. While I love what I do, I also feel limited in the number of people that I can help and this is why I want to quit my day job.But for now I am patient and believe with faith, hard work and dedication to what my cause is, everything will slowly unfold into what is meant to be. In the meantime, Love and Peace Jen and thanks for all that you have shared.

P.S I love the pics of the postal people and the little write up you did on them. It's great!!! My mom works for the postal service.

-Catalina

I want to quit my day job so that I don't have to work nights and weekends anymore! I always work at home (and have my own Etsy shop), but I've been scared to just "go for it". The article about you on Etsy has me thinking though.... :)

I would love to quit my day job but am frightened by the "what ifs" I would quit my day job so that I could spend my time working on what I am passionate about instead of what others tell me needs to be done. Like you, I would be my toughest boss, and would probably work too hard and too long. But I feel like if I was working on something I was passionate about it probably wouldn't feel like working in an office at a computer.

I too quit my job when my son was born. I didn't go back to work until he was 3. And I still want to be able to take him to school and pick him up and be home when he's home.

I have a masters degree and the only job I can find is teaching adult ed. I'm tired of it.

I would love to make a living promoting my husband's art, my art (firepotter on etsy), and from my website: www.organic-raised-bed-gardening.com.

I QUIT!!!!
I cannot wait until my last day of full-time work - August 24th. I'm going to stay home with my 2 little girls, run my baby gift website, and cross my fingers that I make enough to pay my bills.
I'll be able to get my kindergartner off the bus every day and watch my 4 month old grow.
My bills will always be there waiting - but my babies will not!
Last night I went and stared at my sewing machine before bed... I just cannot wait to throw myself into sewing and creating.
Congratulations to you for making the leap. Way to go momma!
xo,
Kathryn

I long for the day when I too can do what I love. each day I take very small steps to get there. thanks for the words of encouragement.

Angie