Lost My Job: Today I Follow my Heart , I Follow my Dreams #ThisIsMe
Well I am certainly not going to beat around the bush. I am just going to come out and say it. I LOST MY JOB yesterday. Yes it was sudden and yes I cried a little …. Ok ALOT! However, what you don't know is I have been praying for a while that God would open the door or shut the door for the decision for me to work on my blog as a career full time. This passed week I got really serious about it because you see, even though I was praying and asking God for answers I was still trying to take control of the situation. When I finally realized I needed to “Let Go, Let God”, I sent out a text to a few ladies at my church and asked them to pray diligently. Little did I know God was going to come with an answer Hard and FAST. BOOM!!!!!!!
I am writing this post because apparently word is getting out fast and I am getting a lot of text messages, emails and DM's on Facebook asking me what is going on and what happened. First of all let me just say I love my Collective Bias family. I still have friendships that I intend to keep for as long as they will have me. Second of all I would really just like to take the professional route and say it wasn't working out and apparently it wasn't part of God's plan. In one way I kinda think they did me a favor because I was really scared to make this leap and I don't know if I would have dared to follow my dream if this hadn't happened. So please feel free to reach out to me but just know that you're not gonna get any juicy drama or gossip if that is all you are looking for. I still hope to be a big part of their community.
The first thing that came out of everyone's mouth is what are you going to do now? Where are you gonna work? Many people just can't understand the passion I have for my site and for helping others. They looked at me weird when I said I'm gonna blog. At first I felt like a failure in my home, I mean I am the only bread winner in my family. That was until my son said “Mom you already have a job, our family and that job deserves respect!” My heart melted, did that just come out of my 13 year old son's mouth? Now with that said I do have a peace about this because I know the Lord will take care of us but my flesh is letting my mind and my heart race with worry on how we are gonna find insurance since both my husband and my daughter have this disease and can we afford it? How have we gonna replaced that income? Well of course the easy answer is to rely on God but I also need to put together a plan. So now begins the planning and research stage. I have already had a few of my blogger buddies reach out to me privately and congratulate me on my decision and say that they will pass any opportunities they can my way and let me just say how much I appreciate your willingness to reach out and help.
I struggled for the longest time with this decision. It was becoming more difficult to follow someone else schedule while taking care of my family's health issues. Honestly if I can just get down to it and say.. I don't think I would have ever been happy working for anyone but myself. My family is the most important thing in my life other than God and their health and happiness is my ultimate goal.
So what does this mean to you all?
Brands – Expect to start receiving my media kit LOL! It's something I started slow on in 2013 but i am going to be more firm with it.
Fans – While my main focus is still saving you money you might see a few tweaks here and there and a few more affiliate deals but I promise they won't be anything you're NOT interested in or that I don't think you can get something out of. Just now you know the reason why.
Friends & Family – You can expect to see MORE of me YEAH!!!!!!!
This post is absolutely perfect and such a reflection of the awesome person you are. God will provide, He always does.
Aww thanks Toni! LOVE YOU!
It can be scary to trust God with the details but His plan is SO much bigger then we can ever imagine. In 2009 when Steve lost his job we were devastated, now just a few years later we are living life much fuller then we ever imagined and God has provided above and beyond what we could ever have imagined! Hang in there girl…He has your BEST in His plans!
Amen sweetheart! Miss you!
I really pray this works out for you but I agree with you totally. I prayed for God to send something to me and he did and I have never been happier but I never expected it to be what it was such a surprise and I love it! I will say a prayer for you and I know he will take care of all your needs, if he feeds the birds of the air and cloths the lily of the valley how much more will he do for you 😉 <3
Thanks Lee you are so right!
WOW. Change is good. I wish you lots of success. I love your blog.
Thanks Millie, I appreciate it!
WOW! Just… wow! The only word that comes to mind is congratulations! Is that bad? 🙂 I can’t wait to continue reading.
As to the insurance, I read about a Christian organization some time ago, called Medi-Share; it’s like a medical cooperative. It might be worth a little research. I’ve never used them and don’t know anyone with them, so it’s not an endorsement… just a lead. 🙂 Insurance is my biggest fear for some reason – best of luck!
Thanks Mel I’ll take a look at that!
Melissa, you have so much to offer to so many people…I can’t wait to see what He has in store for you next. God has a way of reminding us that He is in control, AND that He has already ordered our path. I love you, girl, and you know I’m here when you need me!
Thanks Brandi I love you and miss you!
It’s so hard sometimes to let go and trust God, but it sounds like that is exactly what happened….and he has answered. Tears are okay and totally healthy I think! Hugs to you and just from the little bit you and I talked in Arkansas, I know you will be successful. You have great motivation (your family) and God! Hugs!
Thanks Debra, yes and I just told my husband that after writing the post that it jump started my fears again. he said why because it just made it real and I said Gulp… YES!
Congratulations! I made a similar leap a little over a year ago and while it has been hard financially … I have no regrets! I hope your future finds you feeling likewise!
Thanks Beth, I told my family we might have to get frugal and scrappy but we’ll be happy!
May all your dreams come true.
Thanks Brenda
Melissa-
You are amazing and such an inspiration. You were the first blogger I started to follow (before becoming one myself ;)), and I still love your site, and keep your family in my prayers. It will be a hard road but you have the perfect attitude about it. God will provide! (We went through a similar situation 6 months ago hubby has CHF & had a heart attack). You have a strong network of family, friends, fellow bloggers, and a strong faith in God which will get you through this! Long distance hug!
Aww Thank you Melissa! I am so sorry to hear about your husband I hope he is doing well?
You are awesome! End of story! I appreciate you so much and ty for this great post. God is wonderful!
Thanks Becky you are AWESOME too!!! Miss you guys already!
You are intelligent, driven and most importantly, you are an awesome person which means only good things will continue to come your way. I’m so glad I had the chance to meet you in LA and AR!
Thanks Sarah! So glad I met you! Looking forward to another trip and TY for those kind words!
<3 anytime hugs on your new journey God has you on!
Congratulations! I recently left my job willingly a couple weeks ago and trying to blog FT now. Welcome to the world of Ft blogging:)
Thanks Emily and I wish you much sucess!
Wow, Melissa. It’s a big shock I know, but you are already headed with the right attitude and I am sure you will come out of everything better than ever.
I have one suggestion to actually go in person to a local insurance agent (or two). When I was in a similar situation a few years ago a local agent did research and used his inside knowledge and was able to get me a much better plan/price than anything I could locate online.
Good luck with everything!
Good to know Chrysa TY!!!!!!
Good luck Melissa, and congrats. 🙂
Oh Melissa, I’m so sorry that this happened but I have faith that better things lie ahead. I truly believe that everything happens for a reason; good, bad or indifferent. You have always been a great friend and supporter of me especially when my husband lost his job right before thanksgiving. I can’t wait to see all the amazing things you will do and share. Please know if you EVER need anything I am more then willing to help. Big hugs to you sweetie!! ((((Hugs))))
Thanks Theresa. I am taking it one day at a time. I have been reading this book called Jesus Calling which is a daily devotional and I can’t tell you much it has helped!
Hi Melissa,
Because of your faith and obedience things will work out in your favor. My husband and I have been on the road you are on. We decided to give up career paths and follow Gods leading. It was scary but our faith helped us through it. It’s made our bond with God so much more concrete. We are now both entrepreneurs, set our own schedules, make enough money to take care of what needs taking care of and still keep God and family first. It’s scary at first but it’s possible to live in today’s economy by Gods rules. I can’t wait to hear more about this next chapter in your journey. God Bless and to Him be the glory!!
Thanks Saidah, I know God is in control and of course my flesh still worries about my families health situation and insurance. I know I just need to rely on him for that too.
I struggled with leaving a very well paying job a few years back. My sister was battling cancer, I had a salary job working 50 hours a week, which would turn into 60 hours (been working for 10 years), and my husband was on his 3rd deployment. I prayed for 3 months about what to do? I sat with the Bible and I kept reading Philippians and I would repeat these 2 verses:
I can do all things through Christ which strengthen me. Philippians 4:13
But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
A homeless man came into the restaurant I worked at and several of the ladies were complaining of a foul odor coming from him. I walked out to the lobby and noticed he was reading Psalms as I got closer to him. He asked me, if I would like him to read to me? I didn’t smell an odor on him and since he wasn’t bothering anyone I continued on with my manager walk.
I went home feeling like I need to do something more for this man. Several days went by and I didn’t see him again. While heading to a graduation in the neighboring state, I noticed the homeless man sitting on the side of the road about 13 miles for where I had first encountered him. I stopped at a store and gathered some “supply” for him. I approached him while he was still sitting on the side of road. I was scared to approach him, but he looked up and said, “Your Felicia?” I said yes!? I was confused on how he knew my name. I forgot he might have seen my name tag while I was working. I told the man I had some supply for him, he took the supply and thanked me. He then ASKED me, “Is there anything I can do for you?” Surprised by his question and wondering what he could possibly do for me? He stood up and asked if he could hug me? In my mind I was thinking, “NO, you may stink.” Bu,t I told him yes. To my surprise again this man had no odor, however, his hug was very comforting! I offered him a ride and he declined saying he got car sick but was headed to Mexico to help build a church!
As I drove away, I teared up, I was still asking myself “what could this man possibly have done for me?” Needless to say, I quit my job the next day! To this day I believe God answered my prayers by places this man in my path, God let me know he would supply my family with what we would need. After walking out the front door of this job.. I felt like the sun had engulfed me!
God has got your back. I wish you all the best, enjoy your time with your family!
Felicia, thank you so much and for sharing your story. That is amazing. I am learning to lean more on God and take each day one day at a time. I have started reading a little devotion book called Jesus calling and it has been amazing. It’s the only devotion I feel has ever really felt like God was speaking to me.
I certainly sympathize with you in regards to your initial reaction to losing your job. On Monday, May 13th, I also lost my job. Lots of tears in addition to my son being mentally ill and I’m the sole income for my family. I’m also the primary caregiver for my mother who has been staying with me since her January 2013 release from the hospital.
I’m believing that God is opening another door for me too. I pray that your income and insurance situation is answered. God bless you and yours!
I’m one of your biggest fans – like someone else said, Consumer Queen was one of the first blogs I started following. I still remember with joy and amazement when I won a big prize!
My feeling is you will do well no matter what road you take because of who you are – kind, caring, smart, hard-working and professional. I wish you the best and if there is anything I can ever do to help, please don’t hesitate for a second to let me know.
Love ya always!
Thanks Kelly, loved working with you! 🙂
I am so proud of you. You can do this. You have done this. Now you get to give it 100% of your total efforts.
Thanks Shannon! Let’s do lunch!
I wish you all the best. I have not met you but have met your Mother. I am sure you are as charming as she is. I will pray that your family is carried through this time.
Thanks Kathy!
You know what I love is that no matter what we do our blogs belong to us. I do know that God always has a better plan than I ever think! Praying for you in the weeks to come but I know you will be a success because you choose to honor God in what you do! 🙂
Melissa, Sometimes when a door shuts a window opens. It can be so hard to take the leap to a full time blogger, but I know you and your work. You are going to be AMAZING dahling! You are so strong, and I am sure you will continue to knock it out of the ball park like you always do!
Thanks Ashley!
Good for you for putting this out there and getting ahead of the drama and rumors. I am so glad to have had a chance to meet you recently, and after talking with you have no doubt that you will be hugely successful in your full time blogging career.
Thanks Angela!
It sounds like you have a very supportive family. I wish you the best of luck!
I am sorry!!!! Hugs! You can made some decent money on blogging. Ads, campaigns, etc. God provides, rest in Him! In Jesus name HE will provide! <
I lost my job during the financial crisis which is how i ended starting my blog. Good luck!! Cliche as it as it is, things happen for a reason.