Well, I’ve been trying to decide when and how to share this with you guys and I figured the time has come. I put my two weeks notice in at Anthro last week, which means I have about 1 week left before I officially no longer work at my favorite store of all time.
There were many factors that went into this decision and since you may be curious what made me say farewell to this dream job, I’ll give you my top few reasons for leaving.
Sometimes you have to say goodbye to something good for the chance at something great!
Being the DC at Anthropologie had been a dream of mine since I first stepped foot in the store years ago. I thought there had to be nothing better than getting to create these fantastic environments that inspire people every day. It has been second on my list of goals/dreams since I finished college. So, naturally when I was offered the DC job 6 months ago I jumped at the opportunity! After some time at Anthro, even though I really enjoyed many aspects of the job, one thing became very clear. . . this was not my ultimate goal. My ultimate goal is to have a design television show with my husband. The 40 hour/week expectation that Anthro requires of all their DC’s just does not allow me the time or energy to put towards my ultimate goal and therefore, this dream had to end. I am absolutely glad that I had this experience and I would do it all over again if given the chance.
The truth is even though I won’t be designing for Anthro anymore, I will certainly still be designing inspiring spaces. And although working for Anthro brought a bit of clout, all the admiration in the world is worth nothing if you’re not completely happy and fulfilled in what you’re doing.
Besides having no time to pursue my ultimate dream, the job just wasn’t as flexible as I wanted. I completely understand that Anthro is a large company and has rules and in place to help them run effectively and obviously the product they turn out proves what they do works, however it was not the type of environment that I really thrived in. I think owning my own business kind of ruined me ever being able to work under some else’s set schedule. Setting my own schedule, working all night long, sleeping past 5:30 am, taking vacations without someone having to approve them- these are all things that I just really like to have control over in my own life. The truth is that I work way more than most people even though I’m my own boss, it’s just different when you are working for yourself, because you want to be working rather than because someone else is making you.
Maybe the most important reason that Anthro didn’t work out for me in the long run is because I love my husband and I want to achieve my wildest dreams with him! Some couples can’t work together, but I can’t work (at least I’m not my best) without him. We truly are a team! Our strengths and weaknesses balance each other out perfectly and when I work without him it’s like I lose some of my passion. We were made to be together and I can’t wait to start tackling projects side by side again!
While we’re waiting for our big TV break, Tim and I have some really exciting stuff up our sleeves. It’s really going to be great for you (our readers). We plan on giving you tons more content- DIYS, makeovers, design tips, and more!!!
Anyway, I know some of you will be really sad to hear that my Anthro days will soon be a thing of the past, but I hope that you can find some encouragement in my decision. Although Anthro was a good job and the perfect job for someone else, it was not perfect for me. I have never allowed myself to settle for second best and I figured I can’t start now. So, I’ll keep working toward my ultimate dream and I hope you will too!
PS- I still have a couple of Anthro displays up my sleeve that I’ll share later in the week!
Do you have a story where you let go of something good to pursue something better? I’d love to hear your inspiring stories!!!
Congrats on having the courage to follow your dream!! Its definitely scary to leave a full time paying job for freelance!! BUt you are super super talented and you have a great eye for design so im hoping you get that tv show soon:):):) Just make sure they have the episodes available on hulu cause i dont have cable and i wont want to miss them;);)
All the best and good luck with your dream!
Meg
I think that’s very exciting! Congratulations and best of luck! :0)
Congratulations to you for jumping! I know first hand how hard it is when it seems everyone else may look at you like you have gone completely crazy. 2 mths ago our family left our quiet, simple, EASY life in the midwest, sold most of what we owned, and moved to DC! We know no one, are working a lot harder for a lot less pay, and crammed our family of 5 in a 2 bedroom apartment. But, we believe it’s more toward our dream of where we really want to be. Good luck to you!
Wow! When I read the title in Blogger Reader I thought it was just the taking down of the window display.
Good for you for knowing YOU so well and following the dreams that make you and Tim happy, in turn making your marriage happier. I’m one of those that could never work with my husband (we bicker when we put something together at home as it is). But I can definitely understand your feeling of being “better” or even your BEST with your husband by your side. I’m not sure if you understand but I, for one, like myself better when he’s around. Is that crazy?
Best of luck to yall! If you were able to achieve your #2 dream, I’m confident that your #1 is also in the future.
Good for you!Thank you for being so honest and sharing. A very inspiring post indeed.
Congratulations on taking this exciting step!!
I left the corporate world of advertising to work for myself as a hairstylist and I have never looked back! Best thing I did for myself and my family.
Kara-
What an inspiration and encouragement you are with every step you take. From starting your own designs to taking this job to now giving it up. It’s such a blessing to see God taking you along this journey. Giving you what you thought was your dream job, and then seeing Him show you that he has something even better. Just wanted to say thank you for following His will in your life and allowing it to be an example to so many others.
P.S. love your designs!
-Hannah
Congratulations! I applaud you for having the courage to do what is the ULTIMATE best for you and Tim. I can’t wait to see what’s ahead!
So exciting! Congrats, and good luck in the future! Can’t wait to see what else you take on 🙂
I’m so impressed with you and so proud of you for pursuing your dream. You are so incredibly talented and successful.
I know the Lord will continue to use you and your talents to glorify Himself and also to create wonderful, relaxing spaces for others.
I can’t wait to see the next chapter unfold for you!
PLEASE promise me that if you are in OKC, you will shoot us a text or email so that we can hook up! We miss you guys!! Lots of love!
Good for you Kara for recognizing your need to be elsewhere. You and Tim DO make an incredible team and it would be a shame to not continue that perfect balance and achieve your goals and dreams! Congrats!
It seems like the times my husband and I have turned down something good that we just didn’t have a peace about, God had His very best right around the corner for us. So sweet that you guys want to work together. That is my favorite thing about the life that God has given me, that my husband and I share a passion and get to live it together. There is nothing better! SO happy for you=)
Good for you Kara! Congratulations. Last summer I quit my very comfortable corporate job to pursue a part-time, unpaid internship at a nonprofit I really believed in with no promise at all of it turning into anything. A year later, I’ve been hired full time and am doing more awesome things and meeting more amazing people than I ever imagined! It was a leap of faith for my husband and me, but I’m so happy to do something I believe in and to be working toward something even bigger. It wasn’t an easy road and still has its challenges, but it’s been so worth it. Taking that first step (giving up my comfortable job) was the hardest thing — but once I did it, doors started opening. It was all about putting faith in God and trusting His plan!
Kara! Loved your blog & your vision and passion! I found your blog after telling my sis-inlaw in Texas about the amazing designs at the Tulsa anthro!( I live in Shawnee) She had been a blog reader of yours forever. Anyhow…I will continue to read your blog and watch your dreams happen!! I’m a photographer/studio owner in Shawnee and would LOVE to work with you collaborate with you on some sets/spaces at the studio sometime!!
http://www.dejahquinn.com
What a beautiful post, I’m so excited for you and can’t wait to see what the future holds! Way to go!
You created beautiful work while there, and I’m happy you did it and can move onto more dreams without regret!
Im in the middle of figuring out what I want to do with my life. I have to work for a corporate job that is not my passion. But a few days a week I work for an awesome homesteading small shop in Santa Ana,CA. This has brought a new world to my eyes. Learning not only how to implement displays. but how to deal with all the behind the scenes work people don’t know about. It’s stressful but so rewarding to say “I did this”! Im so grateful for my boss Delilah Snell for taking me in as an intern almost a year ago!
-Maggy
http://decoaurora.blogspot.com/
Hey Maggy,
It can definitely be a journey. We tried lots of different jobs before we felt like we were where we were supposed to be and we still do all sorts of different things. For us knowing that we were working towards our dream made the process easier and worth it. Good luck and I am glad to hear you are find fulfillment in your work!