Inspired: Be Your Own Boss

Yay! I’m so excited I just got to write that as a title post! And, I’m even more excited to share with you little bit about a project I’ve been working really hard on over the past month.

When I turned 16 I had my first two jobs (simultaneously) as a lifeguard and barista at a local coffee shop. That first summer I worked my tail off. Some days I’d be by the pool for 8 hours and others I’d work a double shift at the coffee shop. It was such a buzz making my own money, having my own debit card, and being a little bit grown up. Every summer thereafter, I’d work 2 or three jobs, stashing away my money for new Abercrombie & Fitch duds during high school and then for study abroad adventures and keg parties during college.

After I graduated, I had a string of unfulfilling jobs in multiple industries. That buzz I’d had for working was totally lost when I began working at a real-life grown up job. In fact, it was so lost at one point that I started moonlighting at a local coffee shop just for kicks. And then I up and sold my life on Craigslist one month and moved to Ireland. Talk about needing a change.

Fast forward a couple of years, and I’ve got the “job” I’ve always wanted and hoped to have. I feel so lucky that our little family has been able to make this work. Staying at home with the Zoom’s is the most challenging but fulfilling job I’ve ever had. That said, there are some days I dream of waking up, taking a shower, going to work, taking a lunch break, socializing by the water cooler, meeting for drinks, and commuting home. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little bit jealous (but mostly insanely proud!!!) of my little sister who’s successfully climbing the corporate ladder and taking business trips to New York, Chicago, and Santa Barbara. That life…it calls me sometimes.

I don’t know what the future is going to hold for me. I don’t know if I’ll continue to stay home with the munchkins or if I’ll attempt to reenter the workforce (though I have no idea what industry or job I’d even apply for at this point). I do know that I am completely and utterly obsessed with the idea of having my own small business. I have been for years. Mr. Zoom can attest to the fact that in my mind I’ve started several businesses already: Irish soda bread baker, fitness instructor, private swim coach, burp cloth seamstress, at home dinner chef. The list goes on and on, and gets more absurdly laughable as it progresses. When I get together with friends or relatives who are business owners I ask them a million questions, desperate to soak up their knowledge and glean some inspiration.

All that being said, I’ve decided to start a series called Inspired: Be Your Own Boss. The series will run weekly and will feature one small business owner in each post. The response I’ve had so far has been incredible and overwhelming. I have 12 weeks lined up for you and I hope I’ll be able to continue indefinitely. We’ll meet all types of business owners from photographers, to DIY bloggers,  foodies, and shop owners. I can’t wait to share my new friends with you. I hope you’ll read their interviews, visit their shops and media pages, get to know them, and be inspired.

If you or someone you know is interested in being featured in this series please contact me at wheresthezoom@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you!