Why a seven months post? Well, I intended on writing last month, but I didn't know what to say. At the six-month mark all aspects of my life and business were in a state of re-evaluation. Again. Remember my dilemma on where to live that I wrote about here? That was just the tip of the iceberg.
When I left my government job in January to pursue Kustom Kissers full time, I was so excited to bask in the fulfillment of running my owning business, attend more local and national networking events, try new marketing techniques, make my own schedule and not have to live by an alarm clock. I'm sad to say that the thrill has worn off. Self employment is not at all what I expected. It is incredibly lonely despite having joined every network I can get my hands on. Friends and family only have so much time to spend with me while they aren't at their own jobs. In addition, there was a two-week span in June when I didn't receive any orders and couldn't figure out why. I was advertising more than ever. It really freaked me out.
I've come to the conclusion that I need to work outside the home. As much as I love my Facebook and Twitter friends, I need face-to-face human interaction, even if it isn't always positive. I started my job search with fun, unskilled opportunities like serving poolside at a resort or working in a bagel shop. Lots of human interaction there! The employment offers came surprisingly quickly. I accepted one, but I couldn't bring myself to purchase the uniform and attend the first day of training.
I realized that I was selling myself short. I'm an educated, experienced, responsible, motivated person. If I'm going to spend my time working for someone else, I may as well take home a decent paycheck and benefits for it.
So I started looking at career-minded positions with the notion that any remotely intriguing job description was getting my resume. Then I made another realization. I need to make an impact. I was only drawn to jobs that involved serving people or changing systems in some capacity.
When I chose Public Administration as my major for college and graduate school, it was because it was broad and spanned multiple industries. I didn't know what I wanted to be when I grew up. I still don't, but I do know that I need to use my talents to improve the lives of others to the best of my ability. I'm now interviewing for positions in...wait for it...government, including the division I left seven months ago! Trust me, no one is more shocked than I.
Don't worry, I'm not letting go of Kustom Kissers. It's my creative outlet, and I love it, just not full-time. It will go back to being a part-time business, but you can still design and order lip balm whenever you'd like. Your Lip Balm of the Month Club surprises will continue to show up in your mailboxes every month.
Thank you for being so supportive while I figure out my path in this confusing world. I hereby deem July 26th Kustomer Appreciation Day. EVERYTHING is 40% off all day, and I do mean everything including Custom Lip Balm, Design Your Own Lip Balm Kits, and Lip Balm of the Month Club Membership. Use coupon code KUSTOMERDAY at checkout, and go buy something fun. You deserve it.
