It's Never Stupid to Dream: So Don't Stop Doing It

A couple of months ago, Kim and I made a very difficult decision.

I'd just been laid off from my teaching job. We had a baby on the way. We had a mortgage payment to make every month.

Kim worked, but she hated her job, and I hated that she hated it. I wished she could quit. So did she. Kim has always wanted to be a stay-at-home mom. I wanted that too, but it always felt so far away.

Our dream scenario was one where I could work for myself at home and be able to make enough money in that endeavor, so that Kim could stay home and be able to focus on being a mom.

So, against popular opinion, we did something bold and decided that I would start a graphic design business out of our home, and Kim would just focus on mothering. She would quit her job, and I would design websites.

For the first two months, things were going great. I was still getting paychecks from teaching, because I was paid on a twelve-months schedule. We had a pretty decent amount in savings. To boot, I was getting graphic work, left and right. It seemed like it would continue forever.

But then it didn't.

I Have a Job. Thanks for Asking.

Photo via Creative Commons user hufse

In March, I was informed that I was not going to be extended a contract for the upcoming year, due to low-enrollment.

Since that point, I've polished up the old resume. I applied for countless jobs. I've made calls. I've sent e-mails. I've stressed. I've worried.

I very nearly fell apart.

During all of it, nothing ever seemed to come together. I received no positive feedback. Every time I thought I had something positive, it ended up being just another false alarm and a disappointment.

So I gave up, and that's when things started to turn around.