As I come across people who have left the rat race I ask if I can interview them. You can read the other interviews here.

I met Gina in an online group and quickly noticed she was on a fast track to become a full-time freelance writer. When she announced her course 30 Days or Less to Freelance Writing Success it came highly recommended by a few others I know so I decided to take it to see what it was all about. I was impressed with the quality and content and now recommend it to others. If you are interested in becoming a freelance writer definitely take the course and connect with Gina.

Since taking the course Gina has become a good friend and I’m happy that she said yes to the interview. Enjoy!

Q: What one thing or event made you decide to leave the rat race now vs. later? If no such particular event, how did the decision evolve?

A: I realized at the beginning of 2014 that something needed to change for me career-wise. At first, I tried to revamp the career I had at the time (as a financial advisor) to make it more enjoyable by enrolling in the CFP program and offering to buy into the larger practice I worked as a part of.

Instead of “falling more in love” with my career at the time, it had the opposite effect. Only then did I contemplate alternative options. I began my search, came across Leaving Work Behind and found out that freelance writing for the web was a viable option.

I was hooked. Since writing is my true passion, I launched my own website, got an unpaid gig for The Huffington Post and then my first client. From there I built my freelance business first as a side hustle and was later able to put in my notice and sell my planning practice. I’ve been a full-time freelancer since 12/24/14.

Q: What is your #1 advice for people that don’t know where to start but would like to do what you are doing?

A: Take my course 😉 Honestly, I chronicled my journey in the beginning to see what worked and what didn’t. I didn’t want to operate my business using the definition of insanity (doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results).

So I tracked everything. Only later did I see that I had created a blueprint of sorts that others could follow and experience similar success. I turned it into 30 Days or Less to Freelance Writing Success, which is an email-based curriculum to help aspiring writers for the web launch a business from scratch in 30 days or less.

The best part, is that you can take it at your own pace. Do a few lessons per day when you have the time and skip a few days when you’re busier or need a break. It’s up to you how fast or slow you go through the material.

Q: Do you follow other blogs or websites that are doing what you are doing? If so, any you would recommend?

A: Absolutely! Some of my favorites (besides Leaving Work Behind) are Be a Freelance Blogger, The Write Life, Careful Cents, Make a Living Writing and and Freelance Freedom Fighter. I’m happy to say that I’ve now gotten the opportunity to guest post on all of them – feels a bit “point of arrival!”

Q: How do you finance your dream? Work along the way or are you living solely on savings? Or a combination of both?

A: Great question! For me, I was fortunate in that I had a business to sell. The downside is that I’m the breadwinner for our family of four (my husband is a SAHD to our two toddlers).

I started out writing on the side (many mornings starting before 5 am and on weekends) to make sure it was a viable career choice to support my family. At the end of this year, my business proceeds will be gone, so it’s our goal to pay off our last remaining debt (besides our first mortgage), to put us in the best possible position in 2016.

Additionally, I’m trying to build up my monthly income as much as possible. I hit $5k (gross) the last two months running. My stretch goal is $10k/mo, which will put me well above replacing my former salary. I’m doing everything possible to get there before the end of 2015.

Q: Do you meet a lot of other people doing what you are doing or do you feel as if you’re still breaking new ground wherever you go? And the people you do meet are they mostly single or families?

A: Yes, I’ve met a fair amount of people (mostly online) doing what I do. It’s both singles, marrieds and parents (even some retirees). But, in my social circle, it’s a pretty alternative way to make a living. Almost everyone has been super supportive!

I love meeting fellow freelancers, writers and webpreneurs. I think we have a lot to offer each other and we’ll get much farther together, then we would on our own!

Q: How would you want your eulogy to be read? And do you feel that you are living your life in a way that fits that?

A: What a great question! I think it’s the same as what I want for my children. I want to be known as empathetic and generous. Not just with time or money, but with everything.

I want to encourage and empower others to make their own dreams a reality and challenge the status quo. I want to be a light – and not by stealing anyone else’s. Lastly (but most importantly), I want my life to be a testimony to Jesus.

I think for the most part I am. I hope my journey and story are an encouragement to others that want to do the same thing. I’m definitely going big – at home!

Great answers for sure! I love the energy that Gina brings, her goals, how she is helping others who want to get into freelance writing and her general outlook on life. I hope you enjoyed this as much as I did.

You can connect with Gina on her blog Horkey Handbook.

 

Share some love for Gina by leaving her a comment below. Take the chance to ask her any questions too!

It’s been a little while since I interviewed someone that either has left the wheel or doing something different. I met Catherine in an online group and thought her idea of pursuing 52 bucket list items in 52 weeks definitely counts as doing something different. Catherine is going to share her journey on Sooner Not Later that will begin January 1, 2015. Her mission is to quit waiting for someday and start making things happen while teaching others how to organize their lives so they can do the same.

Catherine agreed to an interview and you can definitely feel her energy and zest for life through the written word. Enjoy!

Q: What one thing or event made you decide to do this now vs. later? If no such particular event, how did the decision evolve?

A: One Sunday, back in February, I was at church and, over and over, people asked me “How was your week?” and I found myself responding, “Good… I guess. I don’t even really know what I did.” This was almost always my answer. But this time, I heard how depressing it sounded and thought, “I need a better answer…. No, I need a better life.”

A few days later, I was driving and had this thought “We were created for freedom. Jesus is all about freedom.” It sounds like a weird leap but right then, I decided He must not be a fan of the overworked, stressed out, debt up to our ears way we live and made a commitment to find a location independent job, gain control of my own schedule and get out of debt by the time I turn 30. That was the start of all the change.

Q: What is your #1 advice for people that don’t know where to start but would like to do what you are doing?

A: “You are the average of the five people you surround yourself with most” (Jim Rohn) so make sure you’re choosing people who line up with your personal goals and values. Whatever it is you want to do or be, surround yourself with people who are doing it. Read books, subscribe to podcasts or blogs and immerse yourself in their works.

When I started out, I somehow came across Pat Flynn’s Smart Passive Income podcast and it changed everything for me in one day. Since then, I have tried out podcasts from other leading experts but most of them I can’t get into. Stick with who you personally connect with and feel you can trust. Not only will this educate you, but it will quiet the negative voices and doubt that start to take over in your mind.

Q: Do you follow other blogs or websites that are doing what you are doing? If so, any you would recommend?

A: I don’t know anyone who is actually doing what I am doing but there are three entrepreneurs who have become my ultimate guides to success in this venture.

In a totally not weird way, Pat Flynn, was my first love when it comes to the world of online business. Through his podcast, I was taught my dream wasn’t insane and learned it was possible to become successful by making service your top priority.

Then one day I found Natalie Sisson from The Suitcase Entrepreneur, and she invited me to be part of The Freedom Plan test group, I was at my first very real crosswords. Because of The Freedom Plan, I had the tools, accountability and motivation to see this through. Then came Jason Surfrapp, with his book, Creativity For Sale: How I Made $1,000,000 Wearing T-Shirts and How You Can Turn Your Passion Into Profit, Too and the How To Get Sponsorships course which I am currently working on.

It’s thanks to these three that I am going to do this!

Q: How do you finance your dream? Work along the way or are you living solely on savings? Or a combination of both?

A: I left my full time job in September and now work part time for an online non-profit called XXXChurch. We provide resources for people who have been impacted in some way by the adult sex industry. This is everyone from porn addicts to girls working in the industry. I can work from anywhere, make my own schedule AND it’s something I am passionate about.

Additionally, I am pursuing sponsorship’s for Sooner Not Later using strategies I learned from Creativity For Sale.

Q: Do you meet a lot of other people that are doing what you are doing or do you feel as if you’re still breaking new ground wherever you go? And are the people you meet mostly single or families?

A: Overall, I really haven’t found anyone who is doing what I hope to achieve with Sooner Not Later. There are blogs and people who are passionate about similar topics but I still see our projects as very different.

However, through networking groups like Jon Acuff’s 30 Day’s of Hustle, Live Your List, and The Suitcase Entrepreneur’s Freedom Plan, I have had the opportunity to connect with other dreamers, bloggers, etc. While these people have different passions and diverse lives, we’ve found we still have a tons of common ground and can challenge and encourage each other with various viewpoints. I actually think this contributes to our success in a greater way than if we were all pursuing the same things.

Additionally, through these groups I was able to organize a diverse team of contributors for Sooner Not Later. I believe this will truly increase the value we offer our readers and help audience members begin to organize their lives and start making things happen sooner, not later.

Q: How would you want your eulogy to be read? And do you feel that you are living your life in a way that fits that?

A: I want to be remembered for my heart for people. That I loved deeply, made time for people, and invested much into the lives of those around me. I want to experience adventure and try all kinds of things (hence the SNL bucket list experiment) but I don’t want to get so hung up on it that I miss out on engaging in the here and now, whether it’s with a person on the street or my grandfather. In the end, it won’t matter how many countries I saw or if I ever learned how to fly. In the end, only the people will matter.

You can follow Catherine’s journey on her site Sooner Not Later. I have a feeling it will be a fun and inspirational one.

 

What one thing could you do today instead of someday? Share in the comments. 

I normally interview people that have already left the hamster wheel but this time around I wanted to interview a young lady that I met in Jon Acuff’s “30 Days of Hustle” group who has made the decision to never enter the hamster wheel in the first place. I was so intrigued by her determination to avoid the traditional path that I wanted you to hear her story.

Megan Starbuck, who blogs at Tiny House, Big Dreams writes about her journey as she is saving up money to buy a tiny house. As you may remember I interviewed B.A. Norrgard a while back who is a paralegal turned minimalist that sold her house and built a tiny house.

Moving into a tiny house is a trend that is on the upswing but what made Megan decide to skip the normal path on getting there? Well, let’s find out.

Q: What one thing or event made you decide to NOT get into the rat race and get stuck in the wheel? If no such particular event, how did the decision evolve?

A: Adults kept telling me to enjoy my time in school because it would be the best time of my life. No bills, no job taking up all of my time. I did enjoy those years, but what their advice really did for me was make me decide I would not be that way after graduating. I did not want to become a boring, dissatisfied adult. I have definitely struggled with this, but I’m glad I can recognize when it creeps in and put an end to it.

As you alluded to, many things led to the way it has come into play in my life. I read a book called A Chance at Childhood Again for one. Part of leaving the hamster wheel has to do with holding onto the positive attributes in being childlike. Yes, I’ve had to grow up in many ways. I’ve gained responsibility and freedom with that, and it compliments my adventurous and fun side rather than dismissing it.

Q: What is your #1 advice for people that don’t know where to start but would like to do what you are doing?

A: Be grateful. It will keep you from always wishing for more or feeling deprived. Those feelings are what make me feel like I’m nearing the hamster wheel lifestyle.

While working in a therapeutic wilderness program for troubled youth, we were backpacking in snow and rain sometimes. Part of the program was for everyone to say 2 or 3 things we are grateful for before each meal. We only had a couple pairs of clothes, one cup and spoon, a journal, etc. It was great seeing what we are grateful for when we aren’t distracted by the internet. We really paid attention to each other. I miss it so much! I recommend a similar getaway (or electronic-free day to remind you who you are without all of that), but that could just be because I love being outdoors. Not sure it’s for everyone, but being grateful definitely is.

Q: Do you follow other blogs or websites that are doing what you are doing? If so, any you would recommend?

A: I enjoy Tiny House Listings (about tiny houses for rent or for sale) & Tiny House Newsletter (which shares stories of people building or living in a tiny house) because I get the emails about all these different tiny houses which give me more ideas before I get started.

I also attended one of Deek’s workshops. He runs RelaxShacks.com. He’s super creative and does lots of fun repurposing projects. You can watch his YouTube videos to see what I mean. I also attended one by Dan Louche. These workshops are really helpful! And you meet amazing people. For instance, Matt & Laura of Life in 120 Square Feet who live off the grid in Asheville, even carrying buckets of water to their house from a stream…similar to what we did in the wilderness program.

Q: You just got out of debt which is the first step towards living your dream. What’s next for financing your dream and how do you plan to get there?

A: I’m trying to balance making more money to afford those dreams with being content with less. This TED Talk sums up where I’m at as far as wanting to get rid of possessions so that I can have experiences instead. I used to tune out when people said this. It’s so not me. I can have both, I would tell myself. I often feel like a hoarder especially of items given to me or things I got after my grandparents died. While I have been able to keep my possessions and still do amazing things, it’s becoming more of a hassle. My goal is to get down to only what will fit in my car. I’m currently trying to get rid of 10 things a day. It’s so refreshing even though I haven’t done it perfectly. I’m planning to blog about it soon because it’s so simple yet life-changing. It works better than going through box by box, at least for me.

Q: Do you meet a lot of other people doing what you are doing or do you feel as if you’re still breaking new ground among your generation? Do young people your age think what you are doing is cool or do they think you should go party with them and not worry about the future?

A: I get so many links posted to my facebook page by friends that I didn’t even realize knew I was trying to do this tiny house thing! People are surprisingly supportive, even people I’ve known all my life. My family has also been really helpful including extended family. Some people have questioned it more as a warning to make sure I know what I’m getting into, but even they are really intrigued. It’s fun connecting with all sorts of people I wouldn’t have met otherwise. In college, my friends and I actually joked about living in a shack together. At first it seemed like I was the only one wanting to be like Thoreau. I’ve actually been reading Walden for the first time and find it to be even better than I expected.

Q: I know at your age is probably hard to think of this but how would you want your eulogy to be read? And so far do you feel that you are living your life in a way that fits that?

A: She was a joy and encouragement who left beauty and love wherever she traveled.

People have told me things similar to this, but it’s something you can always get better at & is to be continued throughout life not just for a part of it. It was inspired by the children’s book Miss Rumphius which is how I want to live my life. 🙂 Mission trips, writing letters, even being a nanny, and a slow-paced (at least sometimes), creative life seem to fit that hope. It’s about making time and memories for other people and not just myself. And if I’m not content, I won’t have that joy to share because I’ll be too stressed and focused on what I want. “Even with you gone, love lives on.” -Mallory Hope

I hope you enjoyed reading the answers as much as I did. Megan is a super inspiring, happy person that brings joy wherever she goes. Go check out her blog Tiny House, Big Dreams for more inspiration.

If you know of someone, including yourself that you feel is a good fit for my interview series let me know. I may change the questions or the format at some point (always up for suggestions) but the goal of bringing you stories of real people that are pursuing and living their dream will stay the same.

Isn’t Megan inspiring? I would love if you left her an encouraging comment below.