Changes (A New Path)

I have wanted to write this post for SO LONG.

And today is the day I get to announce my BIG NEWS: I have parted ways with my employer and I will be working on my writing – both creative and narrative here at Garden, Cook, Eat, Repeat (GCER) – PLUS focusing on the homesteading life Mr. Gordon and I have been working toward for many years now. That focus in the short term will be our gardening and the chickens (of course).

Leaving my employer was an easy decision. At the end of the day, the job held no real meaning for me. When I joined the company in 2018, I was the 11th employee added to my department. As of February 2021, I was 1 of 2 people left. (The other person was a sales rep.) Everyone in my dept. (except one person who was furloughed) left the company for “better pastures.”

I was tired, disappointed, and although I did work with some very nice people during my time with the company, I felt like my self-worth and energy were experiencing a sort of “death by 10,000 cuts.” At the end of every day, the well was empty. There was nothing left for me. It was time to go. *shrugs*

I submitted my resignation and gave two-weeks notice. My last day was March 5. 🙂

A New Path

Taking any job is not the right way to go. Much thought went into this and so did a lot of discussion with Mr. Gordon. Not working for someone else immediately cuts our household income in half. I did my homework and we sat down and talked about money (in and out), plus savings and resources. I put together a “state of the finances” presentation with possibilities. Yes, I put a PowerPoint together (that’s old-person speak for slidedeck). 😉 Anyhow, the visual was what we needed to really consider the risks and possible rewards.

And, it IS a risk – I won’t deny that. But there comes a time when you just need to go for it. This is my go for it.

As a maker, Mr. Gordon gets feeding your spirit through creation and the cost of letting that fall to the wayside. It’s one of the reasons why he agreed to this new path – especially my creative writing and the Door to Door series. He said, paraphrasing: You need to do this. You need to see if you can make this happen.

And there you have it. That’s what I will be doing. Writing: fiction (with major marketing/supportive efforts like Patreon) and “lifestyle blogging” here at GCER + gardening, cooking, making videos, writing for other resources (hopefully!), and everything in between that supports the life we need to live – the life that deserves a full-on effort. Because life IS short.

And of course, maybe…

I am a person who is always open to new possibilities and good change, however. If the right “outside employment” came along, I would absolutely consider it. A part-time job might be the perfect fit. We’ll see. 🙂

Confession

I hate to admit I need help. I’m not really comfortable displaying any vulnerability, but I’m trying to get over that. So, this last little bit is about asking for your help. But first…

Let me say HOW GRATEFUL I am to all who have cheered me on and supported me already! Thank you to the wonderful people who have provided direct support for my creative writing through purchasing and leaving a positive review as well! (Shoutout in particular to GCER supporters Kristin and Bekah!) I’m deeply, deeply grateful.

So here’s my ask. There are many great ways to show support. Both no-cost and low cost.

Creative Writing Support

• If you haven’t yet, I’d be honored if you picked up your ebook copy of Door to Door here! It’s only $2.99!
• If you did read my first book and liked it, please consider leaving me an honest, positive review on Amazon! (Reviews are critical for indie authors like me!)
• Share Door to Door in your social media channels with a “why to buy” – you know, Door to Door was fun to read, I love/hate Templeton – but want more, etc. 😉 OR, write a review and post on your blog! Then let me know it’s there so I can come by and say thank you! 😀
• Follow me and “share me” in your own social media channels! You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube, and Twitter. (I’m mostly on Instagram and Facebook.) You are invited to visit me at my other website: WriterTracyBrown.com 🙂
• Like and share my Door to Door book trailer! (I think it’s cool, am I a dork?) That book trailer is here: https://youtu.be/NAoTVk_zGOg
• Join me on Patreon for only $5 per month – You really get A LOT for your five bucks! Read chapters before the next book is published, vote on character choices, and access exclusive videos of me reading to you. (Right now I’m writing and reading Templeton’s Tale!)

Garden, Cook, Eat, Repeat (GCER) Support

Your comments on our posts here fill me with JOY! That’s probably one of the best ways to support GCER! 🙂 Also:

• Follow GCER and share our posts / updates on Instagram (I LOVE Instagram – what a great community), Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube (oh, please subscribe to our channel!), and Twitter.
• Sign up for our newsletter and never miss a post!
• Oh, and if you haven’t signed up for Misfits Market (affiliate link) yet, take advantage of that $10 off your first order! (And when you use that link, we get $10 off our next order, too! How cool is that?)

And there you have it!

So changes, my friends! Big ones… admittedly risky ones. I’m a bit nervous, but I’m also thrilled to make this new beginning. 🙂

What do you think? Share your thoughts in a comment below!

This is part of the March GCER blog drop! Check out:

• March Blog Drop
• How did we do on the no (grocery) spend February?
• Nice & Easy Fettuccine Pasta + Canned Salmon Recipe
• Chickens Are Crafty (Video)
• Buffalo Chicken Crescent Ring Recipe