Monday, February 27, 2017

Why I Quit My Job (It's Not what You Might Think!)

First of all, I am not retiring and I am not making enough money blogging to call it my full-time job. (Both of those were questions I got when I gave my notice) If you have been following along with my personal story, you will know that I recently quit my job of 16 years to take a part time job at my church. I have shared some of the backstory in previous posts, but I want to give you an update today. My hope is that I can inspire one of you to follow God's call on your life, even when it is scary.

Why I quit my job and the story of God's calling on my life.

If you are new here, just a quick refresher: I left my comfortable job at the end of December to take an Office Manager position at my church. I felt stuck and unfulfilled in my job and had been praying for the last couple of years that God would show me where he wanted me. I knew I wanted to do something that allowed me to share my faith, and when my Pastor called several months ago with a proposal, I initially dismissed it, (because of the pay) but then I stopped to think that maybe this was my answered prayer. After much praying and crying and discussion and doubt and more praying, I decided I had to go for it!

Why I quit my job and the story of God's calling on my life.

I have been at my new job for almost two months and I am settling in and loving it. I am not going to lie...the first couple of days were rough and full of self doubt, but everyone has been so encouraging that I got over it pretty quickly. We also have a preschool at my church and I love seeing all the little children every day and being able to witness to the families. I also get to witness people in the community who come in to use our Community Food Pantry. I have always been shy about sharing my testimony and talking to un-churched people about God, but it is starting to come more easily. I think this is further proof that this is my calling and where I need to be.

Why I quit my job and the story of God's calling on my life.Oh, and the financial part? I had about 4 weeks of vacation saved up from my old job, which provides a little cushion. I have several sponsored posts in the works and plan on continuing to grow my blog with the extra time I have, since I am only working 30 hours a week. I tell you this to say that God will provide. One of my favorite verses is Matthew 6:25-26 and it is one I lean on when worry creeps in.

Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear.  Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or stow away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 

When I made my announcement at work, a lady that I had never really talked to came over and congratulated me and said she was proud of my decision. Turns out, she had been offered a position at her church earlier in the year and did not take it for financial reasons. She said I inspired her and she hopes God will give her another opportunity to follow his call. I do not have all the answers, but I know God answers prayers. Just don't miss out on God's call by overlooking an opportunity.

Why I quit my job and the story of God's calling on my life.

What is holding you back from following God's call on your life?

16 comments:

  1. Such an inspiring post! I have heard that you are doing great at your new job! :)

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  2. What a wonderful story! I'm glad it all worked out for you and you are so happy!

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  3. I truly admire your faith and the decision to follow where you feel led. It's wonderful to hear things are going well and you have settled in nicely.

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  4. Hi Mary! I am sooo glad I read this post today! Something amazing happened to me on Saturday when a friend I had not talked to in months called me and had a messaged that God gave her to tell me! It was about some specific things that he wants me to do on my own blog! And she told me that my dreams would come true for my blog and that he knows I desire this and that he is bringing that for me and to me through my blog! That is the short version, we spent hours talking about what I need to do, and she says if I do these things God told her that I will have the capability to quit my full time job and blog full time, and that it will be more fruitful than I ever dreamed it would be! So right now, I am praying and planning, and I know none of this can possibly happen without God. Please pray for me that more details about this will come and that I will have the strength and courage to follow his will!

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    1. Nicki, I am so glad that you read my post today and that you are following God's plan for your life! I am also glad we have connected and I look forward to seeing all the great things that God will be doing in your life this year! I will be praying for you and cheering you along my friend!

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  5. I remember you mentioning this on IG Stories, but I was a little confused... I thought you had stopped working altogether. I am glad to read this, now I understand. I was in a corporate job in Marketing for a decade and I wasn't happy and my husband and I decided I would become a stay at home mom. Now, my kids were a little younger back then (3 years ago), but I have never regretted my decision! And, I have been making money on the blog and I have some other ideas I want to set into action, too. I think sometimes change is good and if you're unhappy where you're at it can't hurt, but to try something new! It sounds like working at your church is a perfect answer for you and you also get a little extra time to work on the blog and be at home now!

    Carrie
    curlycraftymom.com

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    1. I agree that change can be good, albeit scary sometimes, but it is nice to have encouraging words from others to help solidify that decision! Thanks for reading and commenting!

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  6. Hi Mary, what an inspiring post! Congratulations on your job AND on having the strength to follow your heart. Best of luck!

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    1. Thank you Tonia! It was not easy to let go and trust God for the unknown. I had many moments of doubt and fear, but I feel such a sense of peace now.

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  7. Sounds like God has you in your sweet spot!

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  8. This really touched me...I am so happy that I know you!!! Very inspiring indeed..thank you for sharing your beautiful heart.

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    1. Awwww thank you for your kind words and encouragement Karen! I am happy to know you too!

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