I should mention that I’m not completely nuts. I didn’t just quit my job and run to Australia. I actually spent a lot of time thinking about the following question:
- How do I prepare myself for success in Self-Employment?
When you read about the journey of a lot of personal finance bloggers from being employed to self-employment they frequently talk about the thousands of dollars they saved, all the debt they paid off, and the large number of clients that they had lined up before taking the leap into self-employment. I wish I could say that I had done all of these things-but I didn’t. In fact, the way I approached things was similar…but…really different compared to what a lot of people do before leaving their jobs and I’m going to talk about how I prepared to leave.
I prepped
Huh? Basically, I spent a lot of time thinking about what I need for at least the next 3, 6, 9, or 12 months to keep me in the type of headspace where I don’t make irrational decisions because of low funds.
Let me walk you through what I did
- I bought a year’s worth of personal hygiene and home products from the dollar store and rocked great deals on the rest of the items I felt I would need for the next year. I have toothpaste, soap, dental floss, toilet paper, deoderant, perfume, lady products, shampoo/conditioner, hand soap, laundry detergent, and the list goes on. You name it-it’s in my house, nice and neat. All I have to do is look in my antique pie cooler and pull out my product. $250 (estimated) Staying out of stores next year will save me on impulse shopping.
- I paid ahead on the following recurring expenses: Internet/electric/and home insurance. I have about 6 month credits for those services.
- I stopped all automatic payments for services that I was signed up for and not using.
- I purchased Yoga Groupons so that I could take yoga and stay mellow. I will be able to take yoga until May. Namaste
- Rocked a Black Friday Deal for the Denver Recreation Center. I live near an excellent recreation center so I paid for a year’s membership (cash) at a discount. I knew that I wanted to really focus on my health and I enjoy going to the gym.
- Bought Grocery Gift cards
- Coffee Gift cards
- Cut my expenses substantially
- Built up mileage points for travel (I have 130,000 points) I have a ticket to Hawaii plus a free companion ticket for my mom (Mommy/Daughter trip 2015)
My only tasks for 2015 are:
- Focus on Health-I need to exercise and lose the remaining office related weight gain
- Time-I would like to meditate/take yoga/and kick the rushing and multitasking habit that I have. It’s so stressful. Be mindful that I’m doing things that are aligned with my core values
- People-Spend time with Family and friends and DATE!
- Money-Make it, pay off debts, grow business, and save money
- Travel-I do have a few additional trips scheduled. But, because I’m on an epic trip now I really don’t feel the pressure to do any other travel this year…except go to FinCon15!
I believe in the power of prepping so much that I’ve started writing an e-book talking about my prepping process, how I use my stockpile, and how to keep the crazy fears at bay.
So, why do I prep like this?
Because I want to create money systems and have enough items in my home to keep me out of the mall, any stores, basically to help me avoid the compulsion to shop every week. After I get a good stockpile going I am able to avoid spending decisions for very long periods of time.
This changes my habits in the long run!
After not shopping for clothes for a year I still don’t really go shopping anymore. The compulsion has really decreased over time. In fact, I haven’t shopped for clothes for months. I just don’t feel like it.
Changing my habits for the long run is what I am looking at and focusing on.
How did you prep for working for yourself?
Does prepping have a place in your financial life?
Why or Why Not?
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I’m really finding your journey inspiring! Preparation for major life changes are something everyone can relate to. Though I’m not preparing for self employment, I do want to prepare for my future this year by paying down debt, saving and developing another income stream.
I really spent a lot of time trying to figure out what I needed before leaving so that I could focus on the most important business related task of 2015-growing professionally and staying “on point.” I have always prepped because that’s how I grew up and it has been a very good practice. Now I just wanted to take care of what I needed so that I could shift from a consumption driven lifestyle to a making money and staying focused life style. I just want to make money and pay off debt. Those are my primary tasks for 2015.
First I have been to Australia a couple of times and I absolutely love it. I am working on running off to London next year, the only difference is because I’m retiring from the military I will have a retirement check coming in every month which equates to rent paid. I have never thought about buying up products before I leave and I think that is a really great idea. You are so brave and this is awesome.
Australia is wonderful! The only issue I’m having is managing the heat and humidity and the giant bugs scare the crud out of me. Growing up in cold weather climate also got me into the habit of prepping because sometimes we would get snowed in. Now, I just have to work and make money. Simple…but not so simple LOL! Can’t wait to read about your move to London!
With a year ahead, I hope you have success especially in health and money, Michelle. Me? Not yet ready for that life. Probably, I will consider that option in the future. I am just excited what surprise it will bring to you. Let me know, Michelle. Good luck!
I will be working HARD. But, I am feeling very energized and motivated so I appreciate your good vibes. We shall see what tomorrow brings!
Good luck Michelle. It seems like you’ve developed a solid plan! We are always prepping/planning our finances, saving for future expenses, etc.
Thanks! I just have to hustle like a BOSS and then I think I’ll be good. There’s a lot of opportunities for side hustles during the warmer months in Colorado so I’m looking forward to doing that as well.
This is such a great list — it’s like the physical equivalent of an emergency fund. Instead of having cash, you paid ahead for more security and stability. I really like that idea. I’m so excited for what this year will mean for you!
Girl, I still need the cash LOL! But, hunger will most people to work pretty hard!
I love how you went about prepping! I basically saved as much as I possibly could in the year leading up to moving (and becoming self-employed). I still paid extra on my student loans, but we also have my fiancé’s income to rely on. I don’t have to worry *as* much.
I am only taking care of me so it really simplifies what I have to do. My biggest concern (besides money) was managing the impulse to consume which is at the heart of American business and life. So, by cutting my store time that helps me manage my cravings, etc..!!
Well I got laid off so there ya go. lol! But, we actually knew it was coming for a long time so I saved my vacation time (for a big payout) and I also freelanced while I was getting six months of severance. All that was great, but I was an idiot and blew through that and didn’t budget at that time. Bla bla bla, everyone has heard the story. 🙂 BTW, I just hooked up a deal with my favorite yoga studio. I work 2.5 hours per week for them and get unlimited yoga! Lots of studios have that kind of setup so if you really like yoga look into it!
I also accrued a lot of vacation for the payout! You were human, sometimes you blow through the cash. I love that you hooked up the yoga deal. I’ll be looking into that sometime during the summer!
Did my first one tonight. Sweat buckets!!!
Yoga ROCKS!
What an interesting perspective Michelle. I like the uniqueness of it. Thanks for sharing! I haven’t prepped with the thought of quitting my job, but I do have probably a good year (or 2, or 3) worth of many of these same products that you mention. I don’t have bills paid ahead or grocery giftcards though. Thanks for sharing your idea.
I grew up in a home that prepped. So, I’ve always had that mindset. I think the big thing is there is a point where you have to stop prepping and use what you have or else your items will go “off.” So, I prepped with the understanding that once I get to about 3 months of product for whatever item I have, then I have to replenish it to a year’s worth of times. It just saves money and keeps the crazy thoughts at bay: Zombie Apocalypse, Etc. Preppers do have to watch the downward spiral!!
You sound similar to me! I research the heck out of something before I make a decision and weigh the pros and cons. I’m sending lots of positive vibes your way, You’re an inspiration, keep kicking butt! 🙂
The only thing is sometimes I get stuck in the process! So, I have to be really clear with myself about when I need to make my final decisions about whatever it is I’m trying to decide.
What a great plan! I just recently found your blog and have really enjoyed reading it 🙂 looking forward to reading about your journey – and definitely looking forward to that prepping ebook!
Thanks Katie for commenting and reading my blog-I truly appreciate it! I have started typing it so hopefully I’ll get it done sooner than later!
After I reading this I feel even more inspired! I have two kids. My son is eleven years old and my daughter is six years old. My daughter is struggling and my gut tells me that I need to be home with her.I would love some suggestions! I have started stock piling! I sell thirty-one as a side business and I think I can make it, but I don’t want to put all of the pressure on my boyfriend. Please let me know if you have any other suggestions!
Thank you,
Alea Cooper
Hi Alea,
I decided to take my time before answering your comment because I feel like it’s so important. I’m going to be honest: preparing to work for yourself as a single person vs. a person with kiddos is a very different beast. It took me two years to really prep and take the leap. When I did I also had money set aside, a huge stockpile, and my worst case scenario really thought out. My worst case was having to either: cash out my retirement fund I would lose the equivalent of year’s worth of income. Or, having to live with my mom. What is your worst case scenario? What’s your plan B? Because you have kids I would strongly advise you to not take the leap until you have a lot of a substantial emergency fund and a number of clients signed up and consistent cash coming in. I would also encourage you to read the following blog: Single Mom’s Income to get ideas and suggestions on ways to grow your income. I’m not familiar with the thirty-one side business (what is it?) I would say that you need to trust your gut about your daughter though and figure out how you can create space in your current situation to meet her needs. If you have vacation time maybe you use some of your hours to come home early and work with her. Or, is there a way to shift your schedule so that you can focus on the kids? I would strongly urge you to figure out creative ways to make your current situation work for you. You may have to work more hours on certain days in order to have a three day weekend. You know how your employer works. Finally, even if your boyfriend is your kiddos’ dad-unless he is really understanding about what you’re doing-he may not be excited about what you’re attempting to do and he may get annoyed real fast if you rely on him for money. In fact, get that thought out of your mind completely. Feel free to connect with me in my closed Facebook Group The D.O.N.E. Society which is a group for people working a 9-5 and looking to transition to digital entrepreneurship but can’t quit their jobs yet. I wish you good luck and I’m in your corner! Michelle