Before we get to my big news, check out the Foodbuzz Blog Awards!
Carrots ‘N’ Cake received 3 nominations! Thanks, guys!!! 
Best Healthy Living Blog:
1. Carrots ‘n Cake
2. Eat, Live, Run
3. Gluten-Free Girl
3. Healthy Tipping Point
5. Kath Eats
1. What blogger would you most like to take to dinner?
1. Bouchon for 2
2. Carrots ‘n Cake
3. Eric Rivera Cooks
4. The Healthy Everythingtarian
5. Steamy Kitchen
What blogger would you most want to make you a cocktail?
1. Carrots ‘n Cake
2. Choosy Beggars
3. Honey Nut Lo
4. Sippity Sup
5. Tokyo Terrace
I love that people want to eat and booze with me! But, the category that I really want to win is the Best Healthy Living Blog! Just sayin’. 
Please vote for Carrots ‘N’ Cake here!!!
Lunch
For today’s lunch, I added leftovers from last night’s stuffed peppers to a bed of Romaine lettuce and threw in some sliced tomatoes to make a homemade salad of sorts. I also ate a banana with lunch.
Simple, yet satisfying.
I had no intention of buying such a delectable afternoon snack when I went out for a java run, but a frosted pumpkin scone at Starbucks coerced me into buying it.
I have zero willpower around pumpkin-flavored baked goods! 
This baby was worth every single calorie and gram of fat.
Calculated Decisions
Ok, here we go. First, a little background info for you…
In January 2009, I took a position working for the Dean of Harvard College. At the time, I wanted a high-energy and interesting job that would make the work day fly by. My new job in the Dean’s Office was no doubt exciting, but it didn’t leave me any “downtime” to blog like I did at my previous job.
So, for the last 9 months, I’ve basically been running around like a crazy person trying to fit it all in (full-time job, CNC, Health gig, Examiner, Healthy Living Summit, new puppy, sister’s wedding, the Move from Hell, traveling, exercise, etc.) But, unfortunately, I haven’t been very successful at balancing it all. Basically, something had to give… but what?
I considered giving up my blog a number of times. During the spring and summer, Mal and I had a bunch of heart-to-heart talks that would almost always end with me in tears. I didn’t have enough time for the blog, but I knew I couldn’t give up on my dream that easily.
Devoting less time to my blog was also an option that I considered, But, I’m not the type of person who can just half-ass something, especially a project that I have devoted so much time and energy to in the past. My blog is my baby! And, as cheesy as it sounds, sharing my love for healthy living is my passion. It fuels me.
So, in the end, I decided that giving up Carrots ‘N’ Cake was just not an option, but how the heck would I pay the bills if I resigned from my full-time job to devote more time to it?
I’m pretty “straight and narrow” when it comes to job security and a steady paycheck, so I knew quitting my job and hoping that my blog income would get me by was a bad idea. As much as I wanted to impulsively quit my full-time job and devote all my time to blogging, I took the time to make a calculated decision in order to make my dream a reality without totally messing up my life.
I started by creating a list of what would help me achieve a happier situation, and then, I considered all of the possible ways to make them happen. I consulted my husband a lot during this time. Ultimately, the decision was all mine, but almost daily, I bounced ideas off him. A lot of the time, Mal brought me back to reality and prevented me from rushing into anything. But, at the same time, he also supported and encouraged me to chase my dream.
After weeks of considering possible options, I finally formulated a plan of attack:
- Save money (for when I leave my full-time job)
- Research part-time jobs related to health, wellness, nutrition, etc.
- Secure a part-time job (that will pay the bills)
- Resign from current job to devote more time to blogging
- Try not to freak out!
- Seek out additional social media projects for extra income
So, that was my basic plan to make things happen. Let me elaborate on a few things…
Save money: I’ve always been good with money. I grew up poor and then later went to grad school, so living with less is something I am used to. So, more than 2 months ago, I went into super save mode. I’ve been able to save a good chunk of my income as a security blanket for when I finally resigned from my full-time job. For weeks, I cut back on all of the “extras” in my life. Thankfully, all of these little sacrifices added up, so now I am pretty comfortable with my financial position.
Tip: Sign up for ING!!! I use ING to “squirrel away” my savings. ING is great because your savings earn quite a bit of interest and it makes it semi-difficult to withdraw funds once you’ve deposited it. (It just takes a few days for them to transfer from ING to your personal bank account.)
Research jobs: I spent a lot of time looking for part-time jobs, but I wasn’t going to leave my fancy-schmancy Harvard job for any ol’ gig. I wanted a job that was related to my passions and that would allow me some flexibility in my schedule. I applied for quite a few jobs and went on a number of interviews. Some were good; some were not-so-good, but I learned a lot about what I wanted in my ideal position.
Tip: If you’re going to make a career move, make sure it’s in the right direction. I’ve loved my time at Harvard, but to be completely honest, my job was not inline with my career goals at all. The 9 months that I spent in my current role basically just delayed my dream.
Secure a part-time job: Last weekend, I accepted a part-time job working for a company that I truly believe in. My new position is related to my passions and very much inline with my career goals. I’m very excited to begin this next phase of my career.
More details to come!
{ 116 comments… read them below or add one }
← Previous Comments
Next Comments →
I’m so glad you decided to stick with the blog Tina!! I can’t wait to hear about your next adventure. Going to vote for Carrots n Cake right now!!
Tina – you are an inspiration to me. i’ve been in my career for 6 years, unhappy every day. it doesn’t fuel me and is not my passion, at all.
although it will be more difficult for me to pick up and move (financial obligations, etc) i’m going to put more effort into it and hopefully i will have the same happy result!
congrats!
Congrats on your nominations ! You absolutely deserve them ! Your blog is one of my very favorites ! I am so excited for you ! I think what your takes a LOT of guts ! I can’t wait to here what’s to come !!!!!!!
Congrats on the nominations and your career move. I’ve been in a job rut lately and you’ve motivated me to search deeper into what I really want to do. Very courageous of you to do this during the bad economy, but obviously it was a great move for you!!
I love ING also because you can create “subaccounts.” I have in the past made accounts called Wedding, Vacation, Savings, Extras, etc etc. You can put away a little bit of money at a time into each account and keep it separate. Makes it easier to save and not touch that money.
Sounds like you made a great plan to move forward…can’t wait to hear the rest!
Courtney
Adventures in Tri-ing
congrats on making such a huge and positive decision. you forgot to mention one little thing… what in the world are you doing for your new gig???
Congrats on the huge decision! I’m the same way with wanting job security and everything, but it’s important to follow your heart! I can’t wait to hear what your new job is going to be!
You are an inspiration to follow your dreams!
Good for you Tina, and good luck. I’m excited to see where your next adventure will take you!
Congrats on the foodbuzz nominations! Good for you for taking the steps to make your life better, you took a pragmatic approach and made a decision with all the facts.
congrats on going full force! doing what make you happy is all that matters. Dont ever let work or school bring you down because thats when its not worth it. I look forward to hearing all about ur new adventures!
xoxo
LO
Congrats on the nominations and on making your dreams a reality!
First of all, congrats on the new job!! And I also cannot resist a starbucks pumpkin scone. Also, I totally agree that ING savings is great- it just takes it out my bank account when I get paid and transfers it over so I never even feel like I am “losing” money.
This sounds so exciting!
Ok, I’m very excited for everything! You have a great blog and I’m glad the foodbuzzy peeps know that. Also, way to go changing your life to follow your dreams! That is scary and awesome! I’m so glad you made those hard choices and I think that it will be so great for you.
wow – its truly kismet –ive been reading so many recent posts about following your passions
ive already got an ING account but i need to beef it up 
you are truly inspiring!, plus i love all your foods — planning to make the stuffed peppers, maybe with mushrooms, today! ooh harvard (hisssss)… im a yalie alum, no hard feelings!
Good for you!
I’ve truly found that writing down your goals is the first step to achieving them… and look at your success! I’m always trying to update my short and long term life plans… it keeps me motivated and striving towards the life I want for myself!
Congrats on all of the nominations!
I’m so glad you are starting to figure your career path out. Good luck, and I can’t wait to hear more!
Plus, I also cannot resist pumpkin flavored anything!
Tina,
It sounds like you took the time to make the right decision for you. I can totally relate to you- I’m always the one wanting to make impulsive decisions NOW, while my boyfriend tell me to step back and weigh my options and be patient before jumping to conclusions. Your way of handling this situation is great for us all to learn from because it shows that, while it is great and all to follow your dreams, when you have to worry about paying rent, that can not happen over night. I also think it is so smart of you to wait until you secured a part time job at a place that lines up with your interests/ passions before resigning. I am beyond excited for you and CAN NOT wait to hear more!
Congrats…I am currently going through a similar process, it is funny how when you make a decision to do something, you seem to see information pieces about it all the time that you never saw before. Just like when you decide to buy a new car and then all you see on the road is the car you are thinking about buying. Putting it out there is the start.
I can hardly wait to hear!!
Well done Tina! I also use ING and although it is annoying if you want to transfer money out quick, it is honestly a good thing it takes so long as it makes you less likely to spend on the spur of the moment! If you need to dip into savings then you actually need to think about it and plan for it in advance. Can’t wait to hear about your new job and life adventures
.
Just wanted to say a little hello! I just came over to your blog from KERF! Congrats on your nominations and all your exciting life changes!! And, I LOVE Pumpkin Scones from Starbucks! They are the best!!
Yeah! How exciting! I can’t wait to hear about your new part-time job…other than blogging. Congratulations on following your heart and pursuing your dreams. Very courageous!
You’re very inspirational.
I’m delurking to say CONGRATS on the nominations and for having the courage to take a big step toward your dreams. A couple posts back you mentioned that you’ve never had a clear idea of what you wanted to do – and I can completely relate! I’m 31 (almost 32!), and am getting ready to embark on a new career in teaching that just kinda fell into my lap. It’s funny how things eventually work themselves out, and how that process takes more time for some than others. Good luck to you, and I can’t wait to hear about your new job!
Congrats on the nominations and your new path. I’d never be able to do the latter…I’d need health insurance.
I think Starbucks… haha if it is, I’m so jealous!!! Congrats on everything, Tina! Can’t wait to hear more.
this is so exciting! i can’t wait to hear more about the part time job – I think it’s great that you’ve figured out what you want and how to make it work!
congrats on the Foodbuzz noms!
yeah Tina! You are getting there! I know it is not an easy road but I am sending you lots of love along the way
You rock! Congrats on putting yourself out there and going for what you want… My guesses for where you scored a new job… 1) NaSoya, 2) Stoneyfield or 3) Barney Butter… Am I right?????
Wow – congrats Tina! Can’t wait to hear about your new gig.
Also, thanks for the tip on ING. I’ve been looking into online savings accounts and this one looks worth checking out.
Tina, congrats on the new gig, on the Food Buzz nominations and on the self-reflection and intelligent decisions you have made! You set such a positive example!
again, CONGRATS!! new ventures in life are so exciting, even if sometimes they are also overwhelming and you are fabulous and brave and i look up too you and run on sentence status GO!
my guess for your new part-time gig? pug walker.
i obviously have no clue but super excited to find out!
Congrats on the foodbuzz nominations and on the well-thought on life change/ new PT job.
My guess is that it has something to do with being some kind of health/ fitness writer for a magazine or something?
NuVal!
Congrats to you! Writing down your goals is the key! (Have you ever read The Secret? If not, you should) My job guess is something sweet with Lululemon. Their healthy goals seem to be in line with yours! Good luck with the next step in your life.
YAY!! Congratulations!! I’m so glad you’re following through with your dream!
AWESOME!! I am super excited for your new directions! Really, good for you!!
Perhaps I should start my list of long-term goals too, not that I have anything else planned but going to med school in Australia for the next 4 years, which should keep me occupied. I started reading your blog in March-ish so I am not familiar with how it was before but I did get a sense of a hectic life from your blog – I didn’t think anything was off, just that you were super at juggling tasks. Anyways, my guesses for your new jobs are: on a planning committee for health-related conferences, spokesperson/marketing position for Nasoya, or a freelance lifestyle writer/reporter for some media. Am I close??
My Guess is NuVal…..
i love how you keep telling us bits and pieces here and there to keep all of us guessing!
i am going to guess you got a job at healthworks perhaps?!
jenna
Congratulations on the new job and the nominations! My guess is something to do with Healthworks!
I wish you all the best in this next phase of your life!
Congratulations on your new journey and on the FoodBuzz noms! I just voted!
You’re killing me with the suspense! Congrats on the big step. I recently took a big step of my own. As a former French teacher, I moved to a new town last year and decided to try a different job. It’s been good, but not as fulfilling as teaching the language I love. Anyway, I went to the local community college recently, all set with a resume and my spiel to convince them they needed to offer French again. Turns out, it didn’t take much convincing. I have 3 classes to teach starting in January! So glad to be able to post it hear as I haven’t been able to tell many people yet because I’m still at my other job. But soon!!
Leaps of faith can take you somewhere so unexpected….and you end up right where you need to be!
Can’t wait to find out your new gig!!
Congrats on the foodbuzz nomination! Well deserved, Tina!
Btw… is your old job at Harvard taken yet?? LOL I would DIE for a job like that, but even getting interviews over there is impossible this year!
here, not hear. I hate it when I can’t edit after posting!! I swear I’m qualified to teach!!
I had to comment because I too am contemplating leaving my very stable, but super stressful, job. I am have employed with benefits since forever so the thought of leaving that is terrifying! I am going back to school and loving it and know that is the career path that I would like to eventually take. You gave a some extra courage to do put a plan into action.
Congrats on all fronts!
I’m in the “what do I want to be when I grow up” place right. I’m not passionate about my job and it does little for me than allow me to make a good living…. but its blah. So I will be curious to hear about the path you are taking!
Congrats on both nominations and the decision to follow your heart and your dreams! I can’t wait to hear about your next adventure!! Sooo exciting!
Congrats on the nominations – you deserve them all and more.
I’m so jealous. I’ve been trying to figure out how to quit my job and not end up on the streets. Is your position at Harvard open?
you are amazing tina!! and i’m so happy for you
i’m going to guess something in regards to PR with either an athletic company/gym, or healthy food company??
← Previous Comments
Next Comments →
{ 3 trackbacks }