In today’s economy, there is no one in their right mind who would quit their steady, paycheck-producing job, except me. (The operative words were “right mind.” There is nothing “right” about my mind.) I resigned from my part-time, administrative assistant position in December of 2008, with no hint of a job prospect on the horizon. Now, before you start thinking that I had totally lost my marbles, I do have a plan.

1. I have an alternate source of income, which covers the necessities-food, utilities, gasoline, medical expenses, my Walmart habit, etc.

2. I own my home and car.

3. I have no credit card debt. (Yes, you read that correctly, and I know that it is un-American.)

4. I have an emergency fund. (This makes Suze Orman proud.)

5. My son and I lead a pretty frugal lifestyle. We rarely dine out, have no cable TV and we eat Macaroni-and-Cheese every night. (Just kidding about the Mac & Cheese. That was a flashback to my college days.)

With #’s 1-5 in place, I have the freedom to take the time to figure out what I want to be when I grow up.  First, I would like to do some volunteer work in the mental health field, which will enable me to utilize my BA in Psychology. (I have to dust off the old diploma and get some current work experience on my resume.  I have been busy doing other things, like raising a child, surviving cancer and doing clerical work.) I am actively seeking a volunteer position that will hopefully, someday, turn into something permanent with pay. (I’ll let you know how that goes.)

Secondly, I am finally taking the time to do some writing. (This is also referred to as “pursuing your passion.”) I believe that most of us, if not all of us, would love to get paid to do something that doesn’t even feel like “work.” I am not being compensated for the writing I am currently doing-blogging, journaling, and putting the finishing touches on a short story-but that is okay. I am practicing (and practicing and practicing) for the real gig.

By the way, that job that I “quit” back in December? I am the ex-employee who just keeps showing up. (Actually, I have been summoned by the HR Manager to help out with various projects.)  I just punch in my code, enter the building and begin working. No one has called the cops-yet.