How I Knew It Was Time to Quit My Day Job

When I woke up today, for the first time in 17 years, I did not go to work for someone else. Instead, I went to work full time, for myself.

It’s been a long journey already, and it’s only just beginning. I’ve been working as a therapist since I was 19. My career began working with children doing applied behavioral analysis while completing my undergrad in Psychology. And since then, I've worked in psychiatric hospitals, community counseling agencies, shelters, and in a world renowned addiction treatment organization in Chicago - where I’ve been for the past 7.5 years while I built my coaching business.

I have driven 4-6 hours a day for YEARS to get to client's houses, schools, and to my jobs in agencies, many in unsafe parts of town. I have had MANY nights where I was worried sick about paying my rent and bills. I have literally worked tens of thousands of hours in jobs that demanded more of my heart and soul than I ever thought possible. And yet, I have also seen more miracles in these years than most people see in a lifetime.

I say all this not to boast, I say it to set the tone for my actual point - that good things take TIME + WORK. Anything worth having, and truly any real, APPLIED knowledge (different than instant info we read or learn in a podcast) is going to take time, and so much practice. It is going to take a willingness to “pay your dues,” and the stick-to-it-ness to show up even when it isn’t glamorous or fun or easy.

We all want the moment on the mountain top, but we struggle with FAITH on the journey to the summit. But this is where the gold is, in the journey. I wouldn't know a lick of anything without all of those years of lessons and hard work. If I jumped into my own business before knowing what I didn't know, I would've built a house on sand. It is a beautiful thing to feel like I've built it on some pretty solid rock. 

I say this to remind you, if you are in the middle, if you are in the trenches - please know you are being conditioned, you are being strengthened, you are growing. And one day you may look back and be grateful for these years. I know I sure am.

I’m going to say something controversial in the spiritual community - I don’t believe in manifestation as a personal practice. But, I do believe in co-creating. I believe that our own dreams are so limited in comparison to what our Higher Power has in mind for us. I don’t want to “manifest” anything that my Creator hasn’t put his stamp of approval on. I have tried that before, with some pretty dismal results.

I will tell you the only reason I am where I am today is by the Grace of God. When I look back I am truly humbled. How in the actual heck did I get through all of that? Certainly not on my own. The only answer is Grace.

How will I move forward? By that same Grace.

I have been listening for the answers these past few years, as to when I was meant to step out fully on my own. Until two weeks ago the answer was "not yet." But then I heard that still small voice saying "it is time." 

And so, I took the leap, and will be showing up for Tiffany Louise LLC fully. Which really means that now, I actually work for all of YOU who are reading this. And I couldn’t be more excited.

Thank you to each one of you who has been a part of this journey. Every patient, client, every friend, my family, my guy - you are my reasons and my support system sent from up above. I hope moving forward I can continue to make you proud, and add value to your lives.

I know the work is just getting started, and that I am on to learn my next set of lessons. I feel so honored to be able to share it with you. Thank you for believing in me.