Hello!
After planning my 2012 #12MonthPlan late last year I thought long and hard about the direction I wanted to take my work in 2012. As I mentioned previously in this post, I am going to focus less on selling my work to start focusing more on designing paper cut pieces for clients and companies. The Mr Yen shop will still be operating and I will still be paper cutting, but i'll not be spending as much time on things related to selling my work.
To do this, and to focus on design work, I realised I would have to generate my income from somewhere other than from selling my paper cut pieces, so - I've decided to go back into full time employment!
From Thursday....I will be working full time, at the place I currently work part time (Muji) so I can focus on creating more paper cut designs without the added pressure of selling my work to generate my income. I know some people could see this as a step backwards - to go back to working for someone else, when I have been self employed for just over a year....but going back into full time employment gives me the freedom and time to design some new paper cuts without any pressure, so I see it as a step forwards and a positive thing to do to keep the Mr Yen business alive and well!
I will still be doing everything Mr Yen, such as blogging (for both myself & Paper Runway) paper cutting, sending out a monthly newsletter and running the shop, it's just it will be more of part time venture for a while.
With all this being said, I am still very interested in designing paper cuts and sticking to my goals mentioned in my 12 month plan, so I don't want this to sound like Mr Yen is going to disappear, it's just that I need time to focus my energies on creating some design pieces and going back to full time employment takes off some of the pressure in relation to earning at the moment.
As always, I wanted to be completely open and honest about my plans and what I intend to do, and I feel the need to share my plans because there are probably other self employed people who would like to do the same thing, but are probably thinking what I thought initially - that this is a step backwards.
I see this as a positive step forwards to keep doing what I love doing - paper cutting!
11 comments:
It's not a step back at all! You are doing what works for you and taking the pressure of selling allows you more time to be creative and take your work forward in the direction you want to go. I admire your decision. Good luck with your goals.
I am in this situation, except that I have a supportive husband and 2 kids. The pressure is here, and I will take m final decision mid-2012. Problem is, if I go back to a full-time job, I won't have much time left to do what I really like once I have spent time with my hubby and kids...
Bravo for taking this decision, I agree with you that it's a step forward as you have a clear plan in mind. Good luck and God bless!
I don't think this is a backward step either, but I can see why you might think others would.
There is a common belief amongst the part-time crafter that the ultimate goal is to give up work and craft/make full time. I used to put so much pressure on myself as I thought this is what I "had" to be working towards. But in the end, I realised that I didn't want to give up my job - I enjoy it and I also enjoy the safety of a regular wage that allows me to live in a nice house, take holidays and buy new shoes.
My job does allow me to be a bit more flexible sometimes as I work odd shifts, so I am lucky that way. I also think that it can help you focus as you want to maximise your limited time. Yes, it can be frustrating when you just have not got enough hours in the day, but I also have a generous annual leave entitlement, so I know I can take extra time out if I need it.
So - good for you! And for being so open about it. Onwards and upwards and I look forwards to reading how you get on :)
I think this sounds like a great idea. It's always nice to hear what people's motivations and thoughts are behind their blogs and shops. I don't think this is a step backwards at all. You are giving yourself freedom to pick and choose projects you want!
Thanks Isa, I always value your comments and opinions ^_^
Thanks for the positive comments Marie - I hope everything works out great for you whatever your decision!
Thanks Claire, I've never thought of it like that - you've made me feel so much better about my decision! I enjoyed the safety of a regular wage too and I thought it was the ultimate goal to make paper cutting a full time thing.
Thanks for the positive comments Afarq, I really appreciate them!
Hi Johnathon, i think it's a really good plan, and i don't think it's a step backward at all. Like everybody else has mentioned, being able to create pieces, without the financial pressure will surely give you much more creative freedom. Good luck and i look forward to seeing more of your amazing work in the future : )
Anyone who has planned out their 2012 and is taking the steps necessary to get closer to their plans can't be accused of taking backwards steps. I think being successful requires that you do whatever it takes to make your dreams happen. That might mean selling all of your possessions or it might mean going back into full time work, despite what others might think of it.
It's a brave step forwards and I hope it works well for you.
Thanks Amanda - Not having the added financial pressure will definitely improve my creativity!
Thanks for the positive comments Nicola! ^_^
I can completely relate to the pressure and that pressure can bog down your creativity. A step forward I say too ;) x
Hey there Jonathon...
I read this when you first posted and meant to reply then, got side tracked, sorry for lateness.
Well done on taking what is a VERY hard decision. Over the years since graduating, I have had to do the same. It can he quite heart wrenching at the time, but...it is important to keep a roof over ones head and the wolves from the door.
I think concentrating on bigger projects is a good idea. Selling online suits someone like me very well, a WAHM. But for you the objectives need to be bigger and ones that raise your profile more. Anything I can do to help, just ask.
So, well done and here is to a prosperous and fulfilling 2012 for you.
Lorrie
x
Thanks Jax : )
Hi Lorrie, thanks so much for the kind words - I really appreciate it! I hope you have a prosperous and fulfilling 2012 too : )
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