06/18/2023
One year ago, I took a giant leap of faith.
I left a job I’d worked at for half my life, leaving behind co-workers and clients that were more like friends and family. I felt every emotion: guilt, anxiety, fear, relief, excitement. I worried…a lot. That’s an attribute I got from my dad, the gift of worry. My dad was the most faithful man, but worry was the one thing he couldn’t overcome. I worried about whether I’d be successful, but mostly I worried that I would let my family down. I prayed about my decision to start over on my own and was given clear signs that I was on the right path.
Business was unsurprisingly slow in the fall which gave me an opportunity to rest and prepare for my firm’s first tax season. Then in February, just as business started to pick up, my dad passed away. I was able to spend a few days with him before he passed and time with family to mourn him after. All my clients were incredibly supportive and understanding, allowing me to take that time. Again, I questioned whether I had made the right decision and again, I was given the answer that I had. I could’ve never taken that time to be with Dad if I knew others were relying on me.
Tax season was stressful, but it was a different stress for me, a manageable one. A good stress, if that’s a thing! I’ve already exceeded the goals I set for myself for my first year of business. And I will continue to grow my business the way that I want. Not saying yes to every prospective client, but knowing that every client I work with is important and making sure they feel that way. That was another lesson from my dad, work hard and treat every person you interact with like they’re the most important person you know.
Change is scary and difficult, and I was always one to take the safe route. But one year ago, I stepped out of my comfort zone and I’m grateful for that push. I’m sorry to say that I’ll likely always be a worrier, maybe just a little less now that I have someone special watching over me. I know God isn’t letting him worry so much up there!
On this first Father’s Day without my dad, I’m grateful for all the little pushes he gave me in life. And for always reassuring me that he’d pick me up if I fell.