Over a year ago when I finally allowed myself to “stand in my truth” as Suze says, I told my husband what I had been secretly chewing over for months. Admitting my desire to pursue writing full-time lifted a huge wave of anxiety off of me, and the knot that I typically keep in the muscles under my rib cage released. I could feel Paul’s excitement; he told me that he figured the only reason I was still at my 9-5 was because I was in love with it, and that I should immediately give my two weeks’ notice. What unconditional, beautiful support!
Since then we have had many conversations about the various aspects of self-employment. Being a writer, surviving by my pen, digging into the depths of myself and seeking answers to a list of unending questions is something I have wanted to do since second grade. I just didn’t think that it would ever be possible, or that my partner would be so supportive of me. Inadequate finances ensure that a lot of dreams never see the light of day, and I am certainly not immune to the necessity of bringing home a paycheck.
So what has made my attempt at self-employment possible?
Inadequate finances ensure that a lot of dreams never see the light of day, and I am certainly not immune to the necessity of bringing home a paycheck. Share on XGiving Ourselves a Fighting Chance
Paul and I paid off our combined $25,000 in non-mortgage debts in 2010 (student loans, car loan, engagement ring) which added an additional $950 to our monthly cash flow. Over the last three years we diligently saved between 29-40% of our post-tax income and have a fully funded eight month emergency fund. We have also worked hard to pare down our monthly expenses by doing such things as paying cash for my beater car, preparing most dinners and lunches from home, using free resources to cover some of our entertainment costs and “extras”, etc. We will still have one steady income in the household, and it can just about cover our monthly expenses and retirement savings. And finally, I have built up my website working 30+ hours every week for the last three and a half years.
Financial Challenges Ahead
Still, we are certainly looking at some financial challenges moving forward. Here’s how our finances will change in the coming months:
- Saying Goodbye to My Pension: This was the biggest financial hurdle in discussions with my husband on whether or not to quit my job. My heart sank when I called our pension office and found out how much per month in retirement I would receive if I stayed until 5 years (minimum for being vested). I thought it would be more than the estimated $363.46 per month. This is not a market-based pension, but rather is based on salary and longevity. While I will be giving up a risk-free monthly $363.46 check in retirement (starting at around the age of 65), I will be able to roll my contributions (6.45% of each paycheck) and interest earned over the last four years into my Roth IRA where it will be invested for the next 30-35 years.
- Taking a Cut in Household Income: I do not wish to share what my income was, but since I was working for the state you can assume I don’t have too far to fall. Throughout this process I made the realization that over four years, three merit increases, one promotion, and with receiving my Senior Investigator certification, my pay has only increased by $257 per month. This was not encouraging for me. Still, losing one income in the short-term is certainly going to hurt a bit.
- Adding to Our Monthly Expenses: Two areas where we know our expenses will increase are health insurance and electricity (since I will be home during most days). We estimate that it will cost us approximately $130 per month to insure me through Paul’s employer. It should be noted that our monthly expenses for gasoline and car insurance on my car should decrease.
I am not one for taking chances with finances, so this is truly a leap of faith for me. I am so thrilled and exhilarated at this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. At the same time I feel a bit vulnerable and hope to not get lost in the unstructured freedom. Even so, we have safety nets in place and are open to the possibility of either success or failure.
If worse comes to worse, I am well-trained in a field I am passionate about and have secured some great references. So, bring it on!
Are you self-employed, or have you thought about becoming so? What are the issues you have dealt with? Ultimately, what stops you from becoming self-employed?
Catch-Up On My Documented Self-Employment Journey (spoiler alert: there's a layoff, a few tears, lessons learned, financial changes, and all sorts of goodies that occurred after I pulled the plug on my 9-5):
I Have Chosen to Chance the Rapids: Taking My Writing Full-Time>>
Blogging and Writing Full-Time: Financial Changes to Come>>
Blogging and Writing Full-Time: One Month Update>>
Self-Employment Update: Six Months After Taking that Leap>>
Contingency Plan “Husband-Lost-His-Job” is in Full Swing>>
Update on the Unemployment Situation in Our Household>>
How We're Handling Health Insurance in Unemployment>>
Surviving {and Thriving} In My First Year of Self-Employment>>
What We Did to Financially Survive 5 Months of Unemployment + a Free Gift for You>>
Behind-the-Scenes of Frugal Confessions' Second Year in Business>>
Amanda L Grossman
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STEVEN J. FROMM, ATTORNEY, LL.M. (TAXATION)
Monday 4th of February 2013
Amanda: This is all good. My father has said to me many times "There is no such thing as a good job." Well most people must work for others, but if you are lucky enough to have your own gig it is the best deal in town. I have been practicing law on my own for the last 35 years and my only boss is my loving wife. This move you are making is the best thing you could ever do for yourself. The rest are just details. Congratulations.
FruGal
Monday 4th of February 2013
Hi Steven,
Congratulations on self-employment for 35 years! That is awesome. It looks like you work on taxation law?
My father and two uncles have been self-employed for most of their lives, so I think it's partly in my blood. Well, that and from the dariy farm we all grew up on (several generations). It took a lot of work and was exhausting, but I think it made us all a bit stronger on our own.
Tony@YouOnlyDoThisOnce
Thursday 31st of January 2013
You are brave, and you did the right thing! I am about to do the same....13 years in a pension system with a really comfy salary/pension/benefits package at the top of the pay scale. And I am going to give it all up to pursue my passions. This is our chance. I am with you!!
FruGal
Saturday 2nd of February 2013
How exciting Tony!
mike
Thursday 31st of January 2013
Congrats Amanda, It sounds gutsy but not irresponsible. If I had the same passion in some sort of venture I`d do the same. The only big advantage I see with working for a good employer is the long term benefits and that means hanging in there for years. I`m coming up on 33 years in the oil and chemical business with the same company. I still need another 6 or 7 to comfortably retire but at this stage you really reap some great rewards. I consider myself very lucky to have avoided numerous layoffs that many of my coworkers didn`t and this is why its` paid off. At any rate may the force be with you....
FruGal
Saturday 2nd of February 2013
Thank you Mike! You are right, hanging in for years will definitely pay off with a company. Being only 6-7 years away from a comfortable retirement--way to go!
Tara of Mad Max and Family
Wednesday 30th of January 2013
Congrats! What type of writing are you going to do?
I'd love to be able to work from home...and I do have some ideas...but I also know that (esp at first??) it would be a huge HHI cut ...and it might end up just being even MORE work for me if I am running my own business. I hope to work less...although I am thinking about starting an etsy shop on the side ..hmm! I never thought working FT would be so difficult, but it is - esp now that I have kiddos.
-Tara http://madmaxandfamily.blogspot.com http://blog.chron.com/madabouttown/
FruGal
Saturday 2nd of February 2013
Hi Tara!
Right now I am mainly focused on writing about money, but I definitely want to branch out. I think running your own business is always more work, and definitely knew that going into this. If you are looking to work less, it sounds like you might want to figure out more passive forms of side income. I will be working on these myself!
Jules@Faithful With a Few
Wednesday 30th of January 2013
How wonderful! Congrats! Having your husband's support will be key! Sometimes we have to take that chance, and I think it's great. I am a SAHM right now, and I am debating about whether I want to go back to teach in 3 years or stay home and write. I have this passion for teaching, but it has been 3 yrs since I've taught. Staying home is looking more appealing every day. We'll see.
FruGal
Saturday 2nd of February 2013
Hi Jules! That is a big decision to make. Since it is 3 years from now, perhaps it will become more clear for you which path you should take.