Closet Shopping: A Day in the Studio (Or, I Quit My Job)

Now that I'm freelancing again, I wanted to ensure I would work regular-ish hours and take regular showers. So, my food blog partner and I are sharing a studio space in Kansas City's Crossroads Art District with two amazing photographers (in fact, they're the ones who shot my wedding). The building is full of really attractive, artsy people. It's kind-of like being back in Brooklyn, and I'm inspired to put a little more effort into what I wear.

Now, you're probably like, "What?! You quit your job?"

Yes. I've been working for a while on a post called "I Quit My Job." But I can't very well post pictures of myself working (er, posing) in my new studio space without offering some sort of explanation. So, here's the abridged version and a longer one will surely follow. 

I quit my job. I was unhappy spending 8 to 12 hours a day doing administrative tasks to promote other people's work — especially when it was so similar to the work I used to do, and wanted to be doing. So, I quit my job to go back to full-time freelance food writing. I made the decision months ago, but given certain major life events — like buying a house! — the timing wasn't great.

I even had some offers for other jobs, jobs that paid really well. But I don't want other jobs. I want to do what I want to be doing, when I want to do it (which is sometimes 2 am) and I want to get paid a fair wage to do it. You know what? So far, I'm doing it.

There will be struggles, and I know it doesn't look like the smartest decision I've ever made in a time when I'm trying to pay off my debt, save money and live with a mortgage, but I've been working my whole life to pay for things. And the more money I made the more things I bought or leased or consumed.

Speaking of leasing or consuming, you're probably also wondering how I can justify renting studio space when I don't have a regular paycheck and I'm trying to be frugal. Well, the space is really affordable. Like, less than I was spending on lunches every month before I started this project affordable. Also, I'm so much more productive when I'm there, and when you're freelancing, productivity equals dollar bills. 

So, now that I'm spending less, I want to spend my time doing work that I love. And since I don't have to rush to be in at 9 every morning (not that I was ever on time), I can spend a few extra minutes digging into the back of my closet for clothes I forgot I had. 

jeans: Levi's Bold Curve, Skinny (purchased last year at TJ Maxx) | shirt: thrifed many years ago (and recently dug out of a giveaway bag) | shoes: Miz Mooz (found on the clearance rack at Nordstrom Rack last fall) | clutch: Hobo (purchased last year at TJ Maxx) | glasses: Warby Parker