It’s the Motto, people.

by Katelyn Block on July 22, 2012 · 49 comments

So, I’m quitting my job today. {update: completely severed}

Real life beauty, design, and bomb content.
We can all dream big, but it’s when you decide it’s time to get there that counts.

I’ve been waitressing for a couple of months now (I sound like the girl that “can’t hold a job”, but bear with me), and I’m over it. I’m done. I’ve done the whole “summer job” thing, and honestly, there are better horizons somewhere.

I’ve learned that life is too short to do shit that you hate. That I’m young, summer has been the last three months, and sure I’ve been busy and had fun, but I’ve been holding myself back. This job has made me some good money. I have a nice base of savings (a “cushion”, if you will) for the upcoming year, but it hasn’t given me happiness. It hasn’t contributed to how I feel about myself, my life, or my future. There are days that I met awesome customers — but there are so many different ways to meet awesome people.

I’m not going to be a waitress my whole life. I can’t (and don’t want to) make a life and living off of jobs that don’t take me places that make my brain burst. I want to be working on things so mind-blowing that it makes me excited every day to wake up and blow other peoples’ minds, too. And I mean brain bursting as a good thing. I want to do what I love. I want to write, photograph, design, and communicate. I love people, and therefore I love anything and everything that connects me to those around me.

Breakfast and blogging — the perfect morning. 

I didn’t really decide to quit this job on a whim; it’s been building up for awhile now. Knowing I have to go to work, wishing I had more time to work on a design project for a client, and then losing all inspiration and creative energy as I go through the motions of watching, clearing, cleaning, serving. It’s mind-numbing. It drains me.

I’m ready for my life to begin again. I have a month until I’m back at school, and it’s really hitting me that I haven’t been taking this summer by the reigns.

Today, I’m going to live. It’s the motto, people… YOLO.

I didn’t leave my job in the most planned-out way, but I guess that’s how most things in life are…. spontaneous, in the moment, and free.

So I’ll be designing, writing, photographing, and living. I have recipes I want to make for you, technology and social media that I want to write about, and more exciting things to come into my life.

Yes, I’m crazy, and yes, I’m totally aware that this goes against all conventional wisdom on “hard work, perseverance, and success”. I’ll be working my butt off, but loving every second. Who said I can’t make my own rules?

Who’s the boss? I’m the boss.

Making my own life. I guess that makes me kind of a rebel.

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{ 48 comments… read them below or add one }

Abby @ Abz 'n' Oats July 22, 2012 at 10:55 AM

Hell yeah. Preach baby. Life is too short to have a job that sucks the life out of you! :)

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Tara Burner July 22, 2012 at 11:08 AM

WOOT! Congrats!
and having worked for myself for the past 20+ yrs it ROCKS
every now and then I take a gig where I work for someone else PT and it never works out…
I want to LIVE and YES YES YES to
YOLO! (of course my teen daughter says I over use that but hey I’m allowed!)

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Katelyn Block July 23, 2012 at 7:59 AM

You’re an inspiration. And girl, say YOLO as much as you want. It’s a magical word.

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Jessie July 22, 2012 at 11:13 AM

I don’t blame you, girl! I waitressed for three years during college and I dreaded every single second of it. I hated it! I was so crabby having to work and that wasn’t who I truly was. Plus, it really did suck not knowing the “exact” hours or “exact” pay I was going to get… so that made it hard to save.

Congrats on the decision – I’m sure you’ll find something else that’ll get your brain juices flowing!

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Katelyn Block July 23, 2012 at 8:22 AM

Already have. ;)

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heather @ sideofsneakers July 22, 2012 at 11:14 AM

Good for you!

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theresa @ a spoonful of sunshine July 22, 2012 at 11:18 AM

Good for you!!! I admire the fact that you are so open with your decision and love that you are living the YOLO lifestyle haha :) Working is great because you are earning money, but if it not something you truly enjoy then I definitely don’t think it is worth your time and patience. I bet you will be much happier the rest of the summer and enjoying life!!!

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Cherie @ Cherie Runs This July 22, 2012 at 11:18 AM

Right on!! And life IS too short to do the stuff you hate–I was just talking about that with my old high school friend this morning. Good luck to you!!!

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Carolina @ Peas in a Blog July 22, 2012 at 11:20 AM

YOLO girl, YOLO! Happiness is everything, you have to do what you have to do in order to pursue it. Here’s to your next month before school starts to be one full of all the things that make you happy!

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Tiff July 22, 2012 at 11:20 AM

Hey, it happens. Not everything is for everyone. YOLO! :)

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aubrey (italktofood) July 22, 2012 at 11:21 AM

YEEEEEEEEEAH GIRL GET IT!

Ummm pat yourself on the back because you are SO DAMN RIGHT.

I hated working at Whole Foods and I quit after one month because I hated waking up to go work their everyday. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made.
I love whole foods, but working there is a whole other story.

I am proud of you lady :)

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Krissy @ Shiawase Life July 22, 2012 at 11:23 AM

Good for you, Katelyn – I definitely support your decision.

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Farrah KabaritI July 22, 2012 at 11:31 AM

Good for you! It’s a good thing you were able to realize it. I wish you lots of luck!

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Lisa July 22, 2012 at 11:32 AM

Wow!
Yep, saw this coming :-)

We’ll catch up when I get home!!!

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Leticia @ Running Around Hungry July 22, 2012 at 11:34 AM

YES!! Congratulations on such a meaningful epiphany!! You deserve to be happy and feel like you are making a difference and if waitressing isn’t doing it for you, do the thing that will. When I was interviewing for jobs as a senior in college, one of my professors told me that I should always pick jobs where I would be doing something that would make the world a better place somehow. I took his advice and now I’ve been teaching for eleven years and love it…and really feel I’m helping to mold he future.

Good for you! It takes guts to make the decision you made…some people go through life and are. Ever bold enough to take the reigns like that! Good luck to you!!

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Bex July 22, 2012 at 11:36 AM

You KNOW that I’m with you on this. I’ve never done a thing I didn’t want to… and guess what, it works! Congrats and good luck!! xo

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Michaela July 22, 2012 at 11:53 AM

this post could have been written by me.
Congrats on recognizing that this job made you unhappy.
You WILL be succesful if you do a job that you love.
And my opinion is that everyone has the right to do something they love- some people just prefer to whine and compain, instead of making positive changes.

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Michaela July 22, 2012 at 11:54 AM

*complain

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Debbie @ Live from La Quinta July 22, 2012 at 11:55 AM

Good for you! I agree, why work at something that you don’t like? Good luck and congrats.

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chelsey @ clean eating chelsey July 22, 2012 at 12:09 PM

Go for it girl! There were times where I loved serving (like when I came home with $200 on a closing shift) and times where I hated it (when I got stiffed or customers were a-holes). It’s fun sometimes, but you’re right – it’s DRAINING!

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Rachel @ Eat, Learn, Discover! July 22, 2012 at 12:31 PM

way to go!!! you have no idea how much I’d give to be in your situation right now. Much love, enjoy your freedom!

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Danielle @ Clean Food Creative Fitness July 22, 2012 at 12:32 PM

Yay Katelyn!!!! I am in a very similar situation as you! I used waitress too and just plain hated it! Giving up meant risking a lot but I have decided to completely throw myself into what I love and I have no regrets yet! Yes things are a little harder, but I am so much happier! I know you will be so successful with whatever you do and I can’t wait to see what is on the horizon for you because I’m sure you will do some really amazing things :)

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Amy@spotonwellness July 22, 2012 at 12:33 PM

You go girl! That is fantastic. Everything will work out as it is supposed to and yes, you should have fun doing it while you can. As a Radiation Therapist, I have heard SO many (countless) times from patients “do what you love to do and do it now because you NEVER know what tomorrow will bring. Take care of yourself and live for today” :) I try to live by that motto everyday because YOLO!! :) Good Luck!!

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Katie @wishandwhimsy July 22, 2012 at 12:43 PM

Good for you! Embrace life. Take it by storm. Do what you love. Always. Don’t look back, but only look forward. You’ve got so much ahead of you. Live out your passion. Seek your dream. Make YOU a priority. Be happy. Love life.
Wishing you the best. Katie

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Catherine July 22, 2012 at 12:55 PM

sounds like you made a good move! i hope i find a job after i graduate that makes me excited to wake up everyday, just like you said. up and at ‘em, tiger ;) can’t wait to see what you’ll do next!

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Clare @ Fitting It All In July 22, 2012 at 1:24 PM

1. you’re insane. in a beautiful awesome way. it’s great that you’re taking a summer job during college so seriously! I absolutely 100% agree that you should do what you’re passionate about and never stick with a job you hate…but dude haha it’s summer break. You’re probably just way ahead of the game. Wish I had that much drive and motivation when I was your age

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Haley July 22, 2012 at 1:48 PM

LOOOVE this.

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Lorin July 22, 2012 at 2:06 PM

I get what you mean! I quit my job at a burger place at a amusement park (Legoland). It was 8 hours on saturday and sunday dealing with angry parents who wanted their food immediately instead of waiting 5 minutes. I realized, this is not how I want my summer to be. I cried multiple times after work because it was so horrible. However, I got free tickets out of it from HR as an apology because they never really trained me which added to the horribleness of the whole job. Glad you decided to change. and I decided to change my major as well from Nutrition to Psychology! Woo!

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Jody - Fit at 54 July 22, 2012 at 3:01 PM

Do it while you are young! Later in life – things just seem to get in the way so I am all for it – go after what you love NOW! :-)

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Lisa July 22, 2012 at 3:39 PM

I totally understand not wanting to waitress. Heck, I work at a restaurant and don’t enjoy it for the most part. I’ve just stuck through it until I find something else though.
You have such intelligence and motivation to do what you want, its awesome! I’m happy you are not just sticking it out in a job you hate, maybe I should do the same…
You definitely have to do what you are passionate about, or what’s the point. Excited for you and the future:)

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Meagan July 22, 2012 at 4:37 PM

Good for you for going with your gut and doing what makes you happy. Congrats girl!

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purelymichelle July 22, 2012 at 4:38 PM

good for you girl!!
I worked all 4 summers when I was in college and looking back wished I took more time off to have fun with my friends.

Have a great rest of the summer!

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Jen July 22, 2012 at 5:21 PM

Wish I had your guts! I do…but I don’t have the money to back it up ;) If I quit my job, I’d be living out on a street somewhere…or off a credit card :0 What’s your Design job and how did you get started?! My dream is also to write and do my own work, be my own creative boss…but it’s a shoot in the moon to get that – and I’ve tried!

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Lea July 22, 2012 at 5:54 PM

That’s awesome. Do what you love and makes you happy, all the practical things will fall into place eventually. Go do you. Your college years are when you have the most freedom and few responsibilities so live it up. Life’s too short to be stuck in a dead end job.

I worked retail the past 3 summers and hated it, now I’m doing a graphic design internship, making less than half of what I would have doing retail but I’m so much happier because it doesn’t even feel like work.

What kind of design work are you doing? I’m a nerd and love design-talk.

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Mary July 22, 2012 at 6:02 PM

Congrats! Life really is too short so do what you love! What makes you happiest will produce the best work from you.

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Mindy @Road Runner Girl July 22, 2012 at 6:19 PM

Good for you!!! Life is way too short to do something you are not passionate about! Good luck!!!

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Yoli Worth July 22, 2012 at 6:26 PM

Congrats girl for choosing to do what makes you happy! Sometimes it takes people a lifetime to realize that. Whatever you do, have a passion for it. xo

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Laura July 22, 2012 at 6:29 PM

Woohoo! Go after the things you love & live an amazing life! settle for nothing less.
YOLO :P

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Brittany @ GOtheXtraMile July 22, 2012 at 7:15 PM

I’ve worked in restaurants waaaay too much, and I quit those jobs, too. It just wasn’t for me! Enjoy your time off :D

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Irina @ Chocolatea Time July 22, 2012 at 10:10 PM

No judgement at all. Everyone has a right to do their own thing and live life the way they want. It’s like that quote says – “if you don’t like something, then change it!” LIfe is too short to live in misery. I’m working through dealing with similar feelings…it’s my life and I’ll do what I want right!?

Congrats and I wish you the best of luck!

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Gina @ Health, Love, and Chocolate July 22, 2012 at 10:36 PM

I love this! I definitely believe everyone should be able to do what they love.

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Emily July 23, 2012 at 1:14 AM

SO proud of you! I couldn’t agree more.
We’re given one life to live and it’s waaay to short to waste time doing things that we don’t enjoy. I used to work in retail and I absolutely hated it. Not only was the job boring, but the hours were ridiculous, pay was low, and my manager’s were rude and degrading. It was NOT worth the money and I couldn’t have been happier with my decision to quit.
I truly believe that when you’re doing what makes you happy, everything else will fall into place. (:

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christy July 23, 2012 at 5:24 AM

Yolo.

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Katelyn Block July 25, 2012 at 12:28 AM

Yo. freakin. lo.

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Kierston July 23, 2012 at 6:52 AM

Follow your dreams and your heart! Do what makes you happy :)

I wish you nothing but the best!

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Melissa @ Eat on the Run July 23, 2012 at 3:33 PM

Do what you love! I waitressed as my summer and holiday job during college and it definitely wasn’t a highlight in working career. Just like you probably, the only reason I stuck with it was the fact they gave me hours and since I made good money while doing it. I think everyone needs to work in retail and food service in order to understand how hard some of these people work! Makes you appreciate jobs that come your way later in life. You’ll appreciate the next step! Good LUCK :)

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Corrie Anne July 23, 2012 at 7:56 PM

Awesome. I definitely just quit a job for the same reason! totally worth it.

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Pam July 24, 2012 at 1:31 PM

Crazy is good, happy to see you following your heart and not becoming a sheep!! :)

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