One week ago today, the full-time job I've held since 2019 was deemed no longer "necessary" and therefore, my position was eliminated. In the moment, I completely disassociated because about 6 months ago (maybe even longer), I quietly quit. When I was denied a respectable raise and never seeing follow-through on projects and ideas I pitched (due to employer indecision or blatant disregard), I realized that I didn't have to give them more than their money's worth of my time and energy. Go into any tattoo shop and you'll read at least one sign that says, "Good work ain't cheap, cheap work ain't good." I guess you could say I adopted that mindset and it's not to say I didn't put an effort into the position, but I wasn't going to provide them a service I believed was worth more than the $40,000 a year they were paying me. I bit my tongue 40 hours a week, Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm. I feel relieved now but also, burned. My plan was to hold it out until my car was paid off (projected to be April of next year), giving me ample time to pay off credit cards and reposition myself financially so that when I resigned from the position, I could pursue being a full-time photographer and freelancer. Last year, I was able to accomplish a lot because of my full-time job: having the ability to travel to Detroit, Indianapolis and New York City, photographing all of my favorite bands, and most recently, putting together my first solo gallery show. All of those things wouldn't have been possible without the PTO and steady income, for which I'm grateful. My plan was to leave my full-time job and never work for another company again. I felt like I was on my way and ready to spread my wings, rewrite my story, and become my own boss. My, does the Universe have a sense of humor. I guess when it's ready for you to make it move, it'll shove you out the door. A week ago, I lost my full-time job but found that I literally have the whole world in my hands and can do anything I set my mind to. I believe in myself and trust that even if I fall on my butt, I'll get back up and be okay like I have so many times before. I know that wherever I land, I'll always catch myself. So with that being said, I'm very excited to share that I'm going to be making a move to Pittsburgh! Since last weekend, I've been hanging out in Carnegie with my boyfriend and his pets embracing the downtime and playing house before I officially move in. Being laid off isn't a death sentence when you get to spend a week with the guy you love in a city you love, especially when he has to work during the day so you go exploring :) Anyway, there are so many new things happening in my life and I can't wait to start sharing more of that side with you in the coming months. Stay tuned for my next post - a candid, vintage, Vogue editorial inspired engagement session at Carnegie Library at the University of Pittsburgh!!!
Photos captured 02/02/2023 by Mollie Crowe. Copyright © 2023 Little Blackbird Photo LLC. All Rights Reserved.