Accidental Happiness
Mar

This is a guest post from Ashley at AfterNineToFive.net
How I Knew I Needed To Find It
I knew since before I even graduated high school that I wanted to be my own boss. I was independent and free-spirited. I liked to follow my own directions and use instructions only as a last resort.
I was hard-headed and my imagination ran wild, leaving endless ideas just waiting for me to take the reins. But at that time, the process was illogical to me.
I had no idea what I wanted to do and college wasn’t appealing at the time. So I stepped into an endless sea of cubicles that would consume five years of my life. I tried retail twice, and didn’t care for the hours.
I tried insurance twice, and hated every minute. I tried assistant work, and loathed being the bottom of the barrel. I tried customer service, and found myself near tears more often than not.
Through all of this I learned what I didn’t want, but never what I did want.
When I Started Looking To Find It
So last October, I made the decision to quit my job without having a clue what I truly wanted. I just knew that the life I was living wasn’t it and another desk job in another office wasn’t going to cut it.
This was by far the hardest, yet easiest, decision I had ever made.
I told my boss, trained my replacement, and lied to my co-workers, saying I was “going to focus on school for a while” and “plan our wedding.”
These things were both true – I’m currently in college and about to get married. But they were far from the reason for quitting. And even farther from my intent after leaving my job.
I was nervous, embarrassed, and terrified of what everyone would say if I told them the truth. If I told them I hated my job and never wanted to be there, even after only being there 6 months. And even more so if I told them that I had every intention of becoming an entrepreneur.
Within a month, I had ideas swirling in my head, but none of them were panning out. I found the courage to at least express my wishes to more than just my fiancé.
I spoke to family, and while they tried to play the supportive shoulder role, deep down they thought I was crazy. Always talking about new things, never settling and sounding more lost than I was before I quit corporate America.
Within two months, I was losing hope at a rapid pace.
Where I Finally Found It
About the time that I quit, I had started blogging again. I had done so in the past, only to give it up because life got in the way. I launched my blog After Nine To Five as a way to talk about my life after leaving the daily grind.
My heart and soul found their way into each post, leading me to a challenge in January: Post every day for the month. It was simple, but incredibly difficult for someone that was content with posting twice a week prior to this challenge.
The challenge was completed with ease. Time was on my side and I needed a hobby. But a few days before the challenge officially ended, I made two moves that now define me.
I went to a local craft store with no purpose other than to browse. Walking out of there, I had enough supplies to make necklaces for a month.
Inspired and happy with a newfound hobby, I went home to blog about it. When browsing my stats, I realized that in less than a month, my viewership had doubled in size.
It didn’t take long before I realized that I had two hobbies that I loved that could very easily be a source of income for me with the right amount of time and effort. A month later, I’ve made income from them both and am constantly growing.
My blog After Nine To Five once again doubled in views and already has paid sponsorships. My jewelry already has sales on Etsy at After Nine To Five Designs and will be sold locally this summer.
Although it is currently truly a very part-time income, I could not be happier. I cannot put a price on my happiness.
Ashley Wagner is the creator behind After Nine To Five – a lifestyle blog dedicated to sharing her knowledge of marketing, blogging, and truly living life to its fullest.
She recently launched a co-authored blog called Love Without Training Wheels for those who want to talk about relationships while skipping the baby talk. In Spring, she will be launching a program for those who miss the good ol’ fashioned art of bartering.
You can find her blog at afterninetofive.net or on twitter at afterninetofive.

Pete Heck-tic Travels
Great post. Congrats on finding something you have passion for. It’s true, when you are not looking, opportunities just seem to arise. We left corporate Canada back in 2009 without a clue what we were going to do, other than wander the world. It was scary at first, but freeing. Without looking for opportunities they have really come our way. It’s amazing!
Ashley
Pete,
Thanks so much! And I could not agree more. A good majority of my life’s best experiences have been when I wasn’t really seeking them out.
Your story sounds fantastic – I look forward to reading more!
Thanks again!
Ashley
Lady Estrogen
That’s really fantastic; you are braver than me 🙂
Ashley
I don’t know that I would call it brave. Just determined. :]
Debbie Beardsley
Thanks for sharing your story. It is great inspiration to see someone who realized their was more out “there” and actually took action to go grab that brass ring!
Keep going after your dreams!
Ashley
Debbie,
Thanks so much! It was definitely worth it!
Ashley
Greg
“I just knew that the life I was living wasn’t it and another desk job in another office wasn’t going to cut it.”
I feel exactly what you mean. Sure I can go out there and try and find another job. But why? It’s not who I am or who I want to be anymore. I’ve lived that life for 9 years now. I’m ready to start a new adventure.
Thanks for sharing your story.
Ashley
Greg,
Exactly! I don’t know how many times I was told “Well, I’m sure if you keep looking, there has to be something out there for you.” And while they were right, they referred to just another corporate job. Not pursuing my dreams.
I know that new adventure will come for you!
Ashley
wilson
reminds me so much of my story I love it. I’ve tried almost everything too, and my entrepreurship spirit keeps coming back and getting in the way of the other shit. which isn’t a bad thing.
Ashley
Wilson,
So true about the entrepreneurship spirit. It really does have a way of screwing everything up. ;]
Thanks for the comment!
Ashley
Tariq and Shaheera
Hey Ashley!
Wow, this is truly inspiring! I felt the same way too when I was working. I loved the actual work involved because I spent a lot of time educating kids but it was all the other stuff that put me off. Now, like you I’ve quit and turned to blogging. However, I don’t know if I have it in me to start a business. I have been told that it isn’t really my forte.
Anyway, good luck with everything and I’ll be sure to check your blog and shop out! 🙂
Shaheera
ps: Great choice in guest posters Steve! Can’t wait to see your success story soon too.
Steve
Shaheera,
Ashley does have a great story and has inspired me! I love how she has taken control of her future and gone after her passion.
I’m glad you have been enjoying the guest posts thus far, I’m trying to find people with really inspiring stories.
As far as business not being your forte, who told you that? If entrepreneurship is not your strong suit, then learn as much as you can and make it your strong suit! If you really want to turn your blog into a business, then you CAN do it.
Ashley
Shaheera,
I could not agree with Steve more! It’s not in my fiance’s spirit to be an entrepreneur. He’s okay working the daily grind. But every since I’ve been pursuing my dreams, he seems more and more tired of that desk job he’s so comfortable in. He’s seen the drive in me and I think, found it in himself.
It’s something you can definitely learn and improve upon so don’t let what ANYONE says stop you. Most of my family still doubts me and I’ve learned to move forward, focusing on me and my dreams.
Thanks so much for the comment and I wish you the best with all of your goals!
Ashley
Tariq and Shaheera
Hi Steve and Ashley,
Thank you for the encouraging comments! It really made my day today. 🙂
Yes, I think it’s time to start raising the bar and make the effort to learn more so that I can reach my goals. You two are my inspiration to just go for it despite what other people say! Thank you again!
All the best to you guys too!
Shaheera
Steve
Shaheera,
That sounds more like it! Sometimes we just need a gentle reminder that we CAN do it! I believe you can achieve whatever it is you are looking for in life.
Catlyn
Such an inspiring story Ashley! 🙂 I love reading your blog!
Ashley
Thanks so much, Catlyn! :]
Gwen
Ashley, this is such an inspiring post and I give you HUGE kudos for taking control of your own destiny–and not waiting until you were completely burned out from the corporate job to make the transition from cubicle world to entrepreneurship.
Keep up the great work! I’ve tagged your blog and will look forward to following your future success.
Ashley
Gwen,
Thanks so much for the comment! I knew I needed to get out of there before I got stuck in it. I did that for all too long at a previous job and ended up rather unhappy.
Thanks again!
Christina
Great story about overcoming fear, wonder, doubt, confusion, and all those feelings that us entrepreneurs don’t seem to pay much attention to. Our desire to create and succeed supercedes these “feelings”. I love to hear others’ stories who I can relate to who just have this gut tingling sensation that cannot be fed by anything other than creativity! Love it!
Ashley
Christina,
Thanks for the comment! I definitely notice all of those feelings – it just seems to be after I make the decision and it’s a bit too late to actually do something about them. I like it that way though. I’ve taken a lot of risks that have been well worth it!
And I completely agree – I have a hard time feeling content with life without being creative.
Thanks again!
BethanyBob
Thank you for giving me hope. <3