What a difference a year makes...

This week, I have been reflecting on how my life has changed over the last year. This time, last year I was still at very stressful management job working long hours and when I was not working I was either worrying about work or dealing with on-call emergencies. I am not going to go into details of how this changed (that's another story all together !), but fast forward to this summer, I'm sitting down with cup of tea and musing about how things are different now.

So, what is the biggest change ? I still work long hours and worry about my work (no change there, then !) - but that's because I want to (and because I'm a bit of a workoholic). The difference is that I can work until 2 am and not worry too much about getting up early in the morning. I can stop when I want to and get things done as slowly or quickly as I want !

When my mum visited last week, she wanted to watch TV and at that point I realised, that TV did not work and probably has not been working for a while ! I would not know, because I don't watch TV anymore (definite change there !). I catch up on what I want on the i-player, whilst I am baking or sewing.



I'm enjoying my newly found weekend clothes, which before I really didn't get the chance to wear very often. All my suits and posh work clothes are in the box and out of the way. I put them all there the minute I finished with my job and have not taken them out yet.

I have also learned new skills, which before I never needed (you don't tend to be interested in how to create website if you have the whole IT department which just does that). It's still work in process, but I have somehow learned how to put together website (www.bexleybakery.co.uk; www.cocoaandheart.co.uk) by just staring at my laptop into early hours. I got my head around, why Twitter might be useful and enjoy the banter with people I have never met. Facebook is also adictive and somehow I ended up with two pages ! The Bakery (by Cocoa & Heart) and Cocoa & Heart.

I never really spend much money before (feel free to ask my husband !), so now I feel both guilty and exited when I'm placing large order for packaging for my chocolates. It's like Christmas Day every day !



So, life is very different now, but I'm enjoying every day. If you feel like reading more of this week's musings by talented craft's people - pop along to Handmade Harbour.


22 comments:

  1. It sounds as though whatever brought about the change it was a good thing :) Working for yourself can be hard work at times but it never feels such a chore as usually you can see the reults.

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  2. Sounds to me like you have managed to achieve the dream of many! Lovely to hear a success story like this, off to browse your website now :)

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    1. Thank you ! Not quite a success story yet, but I'am happy and also amazed how far I have come.

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    2. Yes, they do ! Once I have a minute, I am planning to sell mine on Ebay and put the money towards something useful, like chocolate holding bain marie.

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  3. You remind me of myself! I can't believe the difference working for myself has brought - I've learned so many new things and developed in ways I would never have imagined. My suits are still in the wardrobe, but they haven't been worn since I left my job. They need to go! Your chocolates look amazing in the boxes x

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  4. You have the life that I so desperately want!! I'm getting there slowly but this has definitely inspired me! X

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  5. I am so pleased that things have all worked out for you. Sometimes you do have to take the plunge (not that I have). I do have one thing in common and that is that I don't really watch much tv anymore. Crafting is so much more rewarding and fun. Hope things continue to go well for you.

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    1. Thank you - I do not think I was very brave to leave my job - in the end the decision was made for me, but I am glad now !

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  6. How nice that things are all slotting into place. How rewarding to do something that you absolutely love.

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  7. It amazing how much life can change in such a short time. I love working for myself, its so rewarding.

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  8. That sounds like the best change of all for you. So wonderful to be able to express your creativity and enjoy every day to the full. Hope it continues for you.
    Alison x

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  9. Congratulations on your happier lifestyle, and having the courage to make the choice. I'm glad it has paid dividends for you.

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  10. Thank you all for your lovely comments. It is so encouraging to read them !

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  11. its sounds like you're in a great place! how far we travel in one lifetime eh :) i'm glad that you are enjoying working for yourself, it is so great not having to adhere to imposed schedules isn't it :) and as for comfy clothes... i joked to my OH the other day that if i was to decide to 'go out to work' i'd end up having to spend my first 3 months pay on a new wardrobe! - i ONLY have comfy clothes!

    i'm not sure if i have 'liked' your FB page, but i will go off and make sure i have now :) x

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  12. Nice to hear someone else doesn't watch TV. I sometimes feel like a social outcast if i can't talk about the latest x-factor episode

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  13. Congratulations on every thing sorting out for you :)

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  14. Glad to read it worked well for you. And also I am very interested in this Freya bunny I saw in your post. This is a beauty!

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    1. Oh, thank you ! The bunny is called Freya, because it was a commission for a lovely little girl.

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  15. My husband made the choice to leave his job about two years ago now and set up his own business from home, he hasn't looked back since. I'm glad you are enjoying your lifestyle change it can be quite an eye opener in more ways than one!

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  16. It sounds like you've really got your life sorted.Love the look of those chocolates and the little bunny-so cute!

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    1. I think, it's far from 'sorted', but it's certainly heading that way. It was fine before, really, but that was just another episode !

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  17. Love the rabbit! what a cute toy!

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