This year I’ve kinda danced around the fact that I’m not on here as much. If you’re looking closely, it’s not just here- it’s pretty much everywhere online.
I’ve hinted that there were other, perhaps more pressing, things that I needed to focus on for now. But I haven’t told you the whole story. Or really any of the story at all.
The story is important to me. It’s kinda the whole reason I do this blog thing to begin with. So let’s do it.
Over the course of this year, I’ve gotten my real estate license, and am now working as an agent on a team with my mom. She’s been in the business for almost 15 years, and I’ve been there pretty much every step of the way. We’ve talked about it for years, but 2015 was the year it finally happened.
I’m still working on web design projects and plan to take on new projects in 2016, but I will be taking on less than before. Ultimately this will allow me to dedicate more time, care, and creative energy to each client. Turns out that I need to get out from behind the screen so that I can enjoy my time in front of the screen.
Now that I’ve gotten the nuts and bolts out of the way, I want to take a minute to talk about my capital F Feelings. It’s taken me so long to tell you guys about this for a reason. That reason mostly being afraid of what People would think. “People” being you.
I didn’t want you to think that I was a quitter. Or that I was less legit of a web designer for not spending 110% of my time in front of my computer. Or that I failed at this and had to move on to find something else. Or that I’ve been untruthful and super shady by not telling you sooner. And I didn’t know how to tell this story without the possibility that someone might think those things, mainly because over this long process, that little voice in my head has told me each of those things at one point. Even if it was only for a second.
But after a while, I got tired of things online not matching my real life. Keeping things separate basically sucked out all my desire to share online, anywhere. And I like to share, so that kinda… sucked. That’s ultimately what drove me to put my big girl pants on and show up here today.
I’ve been closed off online for a long time, but I’m ready to open up again. I want to talk about my day-to-day, about what I’m learning through this process, and about personal things like what kinds of curtains I’m considering for my office. You know, the really important stuff.
I have some behind-the-scenes work to do around here. But in the coming months, I hope to slowly come back. Maybe in a different way than before, but I hope to inject more of myself into this space than I have this year.
In the meantime, if you want to hear more about this process of change (the what, why and how) or the business-y end of things, I plan on sending my first biz nugget since this spring sometime this afternoon. And if you’re a small business owner and you’d like to work with me on your brand and site in the new year, I’m currently booking a spot for late January.
And if you’re in Northern Virginia (or anywhere, really!) and are interested in this new venture I’m working on, here’s a peek new real estate website I’ve got in the works.
And finally (because I don’t say it enough!) thank you for taking the time to read the words that I put on this space. It means a lot to me!
Wow! Way to go. Kudos to you for branching out and doing something new. I applaud you. So many people myself included stay stuck in things that they’re not passionate about just because that’s the road they started on and it’s the road they know. Life isn’t always about comfort. I’m 45 and still trying to figure out what I want to do in life :) I’ve been a chemist, a pilates teacher, and am now dreaming and planning a little business in the design world. You gotta do what you love and what speaks to you. Passions change in life. Life is fluid. You stand still and sometimes hesitate to take a step forward (or a leap). Even now at my age I get scared and stuck and wonder which way to go but it’s stories like yours of someone taking the chance and starting a new venture that inspires me and pushes me to keep dreaming and keep going. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Nancy! Loved reading this :)
We all grow up and move on! We are all in a different place from when we first started our blogs and there’s always a time we need to move on a focus on life outside of the internet! Take your time and enjoy it! I always miss reading the blogs of people that leave, but I know it’s just time. If you ever just feel like you want to write out whatever is on your mind, come by and let it out!
a-la-modeblog.blogspot.com
I know! I never thought I’d be one of the those people who just went missing on their blog, and then it happened. I’ve been reading blogs long enough to see people come and go, and then sometimes, come back again. Hopefully that’ll be me in the coming months :)
Thanks Katie!
I think you’re so brave for recognizing that getting away from your computer helps you to do what you love even better. It’s natural to feel like busy = productive, or hours in front of the computer = successful, but that’s not true for all of us. Good on you for figuring out what works for you. And congratulations on the real estate venture – how exciting! I may be calling you when I’m ready to buy in Arlington ;) Don’t be a stranger now!
Thanks Lauren, I would love that! :)
Cheering you on in your new adventure!! I love that you recognized that you needed to step away for a bit, it can be so helpful in re-establishing goals and a new outlook on business / life / etc. Thanks for sharing your journey, Kate!
Thank YOU, Kercia! :)
Good for you! And congrats on your new venture! I’ve missed you/your blog, and I’m excited that you’re back :) Sometimes a break is just really, really necessary.
Thanks Caroline! I’ve missed it too, I feel like I have so much to catch up on with everyone! From looking at your blog I’d say you’re rockin’ it :)
I was just thinking about you and your blog the other day! Happy to see this announcement. Always loved the inspiration you share here and the journey your work has taken you on. How cool that you’re hopping into the realtor business with your mom. Congratulations and best wishes! :)
I’ve been designing for a while now and have recently been fascinated by neuroscience. Starting to wonder if that’s something I should explore in addition to design!
Hope you have a lovely Christmas.
That’s so cool! I think sometimes being a business owner online and feeling like we have to be “experts,” it’s easy to feel like we shouldn’t have other interests. But that’s not right! Thanks for sharing, Alysa, hope you have a wonderful Christmas as well!
I had noticed less emails from you and went stalking you a few weeks ago ;) just happy to hear all is ok- and those big girl pants look good on you!! congratulations on your new adventure :) I hope it compliments your life nicely!!!
Haha thank you, Jenn! :) So far, so good!
Welcome back, Kate! Congrats on getting your real estate license!! I love that you are following your passion for architecture and are joining your mom in a real estate business!
As a fellow web designer who also works a “traditional” job, I want to encourage you that it’s entirely possible (and wonderful) to do both! I often find that what I learn in the online world often directs applies to my career in education, and vice versa.
Figuring out the balance can be tricky, but I know that you’ll master it and come out on top!
Sending you lots of love + well wishes,
Katie
Thanks Katie! That really is encouraging – I always feel like I’m making it up along the way, but it’s always nice to know that what you’re doing isn’t totally crazy and other people have done it before you! :)
Great to hear all this Katelyn! Blogging – and writing generally – is a part of a healthy life, and so it has to move with what you’re doing with your life. I’m *really* looking forward to how it develops for you in 2016!
Don’t feel bad at all Katelyn! I’m so happy for you that you’ve got some kickass ventures going on. Can’t wait to read what’s next!
Awesome! Congrats!
Congratulations Kate! No matter what you do, you will do a great job! I come from a family of Real Estate professionals and held a license in the state of Oregon for over 10 years! You will enjoy working with your Mom and keeping that creative outlet open with web design. So fun to share in two different industries with you! <3