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It’s my last day at my full-time job

Today is my last day at my full-time job. And in exactly one week, I’ll be on a plane to Europe.

The excitement of this plan is gone. It was fun when we were buying plane tickets and talking about sightseeing. But now that it’s real, and actually happening? I’m feeling a nervousness that I haven’t felt in years – if, ever. I haven’t been able to sleep, and I always feel worried.

I crave stability, and the decisions that I’ve made over the last month have me completely stressed out. It’s not the move to Germany – that part I’m really excited about. It’s the whole “I just quit my job to blog” job situation. I knew I would feel this way, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise. But I thought I’d be more prepared for it.

I shouldn’t feel so anxious. This month I’ve already brought in almost $5,000 in freelance income. I picked up a new ongoing client (will blog about it soon), and am negotiating to pick up another one. My time as a freelancer is already going to hover around 40 hours/week. There is no shortage of ways to make money, or clients to pick up. In fact, I’m so busy that I’m turning down offers. But my fear is that it will all dry up and go away. And I’ll be left behind.

And therein lies the huge downfall to being your own boss. It’s the reason why I’ve stayed away from full-time freelancing – it’s in my nature to stress out about everything. I can’t help it. Even though it seems fine right now, I’ll always be worried.

So whenever I start to feel that panic inside me bubble up to the surface (which is often), I stop whatever it is that I’m doing, and just breathe. Then, I think of something positive. Like: I have a fully funded Emergency Fund at $10,000. I’m a hard worker. I haven’t even begun to tap into my potential as a freelancer. And the fact that everything always works itself out in the end.

24 Responses to “It’s my last day at my full-time job”

Author comments are in a darker gray color for you to easily identify the posts in the comments

  1. jolie says:

    What an exciting last day before the first day of your new life! You are an inspiration of what can be accomplished with energy and drive.
    jolie´s latest post —> days at home

  2. Daisy says:

    That’s so exciting. You’re successful and a great writer – it won’t dry up for you if you continue doing what you’re doing. I think it’s great, and you’ll never regret seeing the world.
    Daisy´s latest post —> 5 Ways to Save Some Money This Year

  3. Desi Guy says:

    You will be fine. Its a great direction, looking forward to reading about your experiences there. All the best.
    Desi Guy´s latest post —> TurboTax Deluxe Fed + EFile + State 2011 PLUS Quicken Starter Edition 2012 For under $20.

  4. CarlyB says:

    You will be great! Feel confident in all of your freelance experience you have so far. You are turning down jobs at a time other’s are struggling to find one! That’s a huge accomplishment. (Oh… and feel free to send the ‘turn downs’ my way, haha!)
    CarlyB´s latest post —> Saving Cortes Island: What If It Was Your Home?

  5. Money Infant says:

    Congratulations and stop stressing…all will be fine. I know how stressful it can be as my family and I made the move to Thailand just 8 months ago. The first 3 months were a bit stressful to say the least, but we have since settled into more of a routine and now all is “normal” again. I’m sure you will thrive as a full time freelancer. Again, congratulations!

  6. Lindsay says:

    I am so excited for you! Have an amazing time. I would be stressing too, but you’ve made your choice and go with it:) Congrats!

  7. bogofdebt says:

    I’m jealous still–I’ve always wanted to go to Germany! I can also relate to the liking stability but if it helps, one of the best moves of my life was picking up and moving from the east coast to the mid-US. I’m sure you will be fine! I’m looking forward to the blogs and pictures!
    bogofdebt´s latest post —> Friday!!

  8. Rina says:

    I’ll admit I’d be a bit panicky too. But you are gonna rock the SHIT out of Europe! I know it! Also, if you don’t blog about all of your adventures, I’m going to fly out there and beat you with a wiener schnitzel.
    Rina´s latest post —> Beef and Broccoli

  9. Jeffrey says:

    Congrats on your last day! I’m sure you’ll do fine. You’re in a lot better position than many people in terms of the work and income you have lined up when they start out full time freelancing.
    Jeffrey´s latest post —> Making Space For Roommates: Are the Savings Worth the Hassles?

  10. Michelle says:

    How exciting and scary at the same time. I wish all the best of luck to you.
    Michelle´s latest post —> More family stuff and some updates

  11. Cindy says:

    I think you are very brave to quit and move to Germany! I respect that!

    Hope you got a good “goodbye” party on your last day. :)
    Cindy´s latest post —> EmpireCovers.com American Armor Car Cover GIVEAWAY!

  12. Miss J says:

    I’m so excited for you & it will be awesome! Just remember that you will still have your apartment when you get back & that you can find a job just as quickly. But think about the wonderful adventures you’ll have in Germany & Europe in general! Lots of luck!
    Miss J´s latest post —> Getting Rid of our Credit Card Debt

  13. I think this is so awesome. Did you ever think you’d be a full-time freelance personal finance writer? I’m looking forward to reading about this adventure =) You’re going to do great!

    That said, I understand the need for stability… I don’t think I’d be able to do what you’re doing, which is why it’s going to be so fun to watch, so I can live vicariously through you.
    hithatsmybike´s latest post —> Snowflaking is working, I begrudge it anyway

  14. Renee says:

    I can only imagine how apprehensive you are, but YOU GOT THIS! :) That is all.
    Renee´s latest post —> Hallelujah It’s Friday:

  15. Things will work out for you Krystal, I am sure of it!

    Have a good weekend and I look forward to reading about your adventures!

    Mark
    My Own Advisor´s latest post —> Weekend Reading – Keystone drama, Kodak shuttered and many great blogs

  16. Damita Jefferson says:

    That is a very good mantra to motivate yourself. If you feel very stressed out and anxious about your freelance career, then it’s an exciting thought to take a breather and take a tour to some of the world’s greatest places. Which specific place of Germany are you going to visit first?

    I was also a bit anxious because I can totally relate. Thanks for the post!

    -Damita
    Damita Jefferson´s latest post —> female psychology

  17. Sunny says:

    You will be great. You are going on a great adventure. It will be fun. I can’t wait to read all about it.
    Sunny´s latest post —> One tenth

  18. Can’t wait to hear all about it! You’ve inspired me to (attempted to) freelance as a side gig and I can only hope I’m half as successful as you are! Totally awesome that you are able to travel and still maintain your assets as well as progress in your career. Definitely very responsible! Kudos!
    LittleFrugalista´s latest post —> Debt update

  19. Hey I just wanted to say I found your blog a few days back and you have inspired me to start my own blog but from a teen perspective at preparing myself for financial independence. Best wishes for your trip, u can check me out at http://wwww.youthfulfrugality.com :)

  20. Revanche says:

    Totally understand that panicky feeling but you know that you’re great at keeping productively busy and you already have a solid income base in freelancing so there’s very little reason for that to be a real concern. At least these are jitters you can breathe through and know you’ll be fine, rather than have to tackle in any real way.

    Have a great flight!
    Revanche´s latest post —> Estate planning done right

  21. How exciting, and awesome that you were able to quit your job to freelance. Congrats on that achievement, and I’m sure you’ll enjoy it when you’re enjoying a cafe as you watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle (my perfect Paris moment).
    SimpleIslandLiving´s latest post —> to tv or not to tv

  22. Serendipity says:

    So excited to see where all of your adventures are going to lead you!

  23. Wow, this is so exciting! I can’t wait to hear about your journey. Stay positive and you will have a great experience. Be safe :)
    Babybluewater´s latest post —> Sunday Night Chit Chat

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