I am grateful to have a better grasp on my limits, a business number, and new tools to aid in further business growth.

This morning, I had a “the straw that broke the camel’s back” moment. As you know, I’m balancing a wide array of duties.

I also needed to invest 4 hours in every video conference, and of course, I needed to do e-learning on top of it. So, when I woke up to an email from them, telling me that I needed to finish the last e-learning module before the 10 a.m. training? It broke my will to continue with that strategy.

Oh, I had every business and educational aspect of my life fully scheduled. Still, I don’t always have 8 hours a day just for something that pays $.31 per minute (on active calls only). Especially since this intense training and time drain are definitely unpaid. I decided I would rather make nothing, making strategic business moves (which have greater potential than call center work).

I committed to working only 60 hours per month after training, and I was okay with that. However, I will not dedicate my entire life to them for six weeks.

---

Don’t misunderstand, I respect their view. They are also used to people who only work the phones as a part-time gig. They don’t expect people to have multiple businesses or intense school schedules thrown in the mix.

I understand their viewpoint, but I just cannot dedicate that time to it for six weeks. I have important appointments, among other things.

I decided it was better for me to let them know that I appreciate the chance, but the required commitment does not meet my schedule. I thanked them, and now I move on.

---

In my usual tongue-in-cheek fashion, it became my motivating social media post for today. I mean, it fits. It is true. Sometimes, you should let go of the things that offer no advantage and focus on what does.

Should you quit your day job? Probably not. If you’re starting a business, you still need income. If you’re trying to take on more than you can chew, you should relieve some pressure somewhere.

---

Those first two days of meetings and courses were intense. I kid you not. I was overwhelmed and snapping like a turtle. My boyfriend even got on me for my behavior. I just had no reserve left for regular, daily life.

Yesterday, you were only required to attend if you needed tech assistance. I did not. I managed to get into all systems just fine. I worked on compliance courses and e-learning. I simply did not finish the last for day 3 because, well, I bought a new keyboard and it locked me out of the system after one “wrong password” attempt. There is an hour wait before trying again.

I learned that my keyboard has sensitivity issues. I needed to make changes in the settings. No biggie. However, I had other work to do and planned to finish up the module + more e-learning today after class.

When I saw the email, I opened my eyes and said, “Why? Why run at 110% if it doesn’t feed back into my well-being?” Then, well, here we are discussing it.

---

I had purchased phone service and a new number for the call center opportunity. Well, I am flipping it, and now Stitched Business Solutions has a business number. How about that for lemons to lemonade?!

I also bought a new keyboard because the other one was uncomfortable to work with. The buttons were stiff to press, and they did not fit my hands well. I have large hands and have always managed with a full mechanical keyboard more easily. It suits my typing style and optimizes productivity. This one was marked down at Walmart. It is a Razer, and it has custom lighting. I mean, I am still an aesthetics-based personality, too. LOL!

I am ordering their Hello Kitty keyboard and a Hello Kitty lumbar support for my chair. The support is because the lumbar in my current chair is, well, shot. The keyboard is an early birthday gift to myself.

---

My boyfriend mentioned yesterday that he doesn’t want his house to look like a 6-year-old’s room when his friends come over. I asked why they would be in our bedroom. He said, “They have always been able to go in there.”

I made it clear that it is no longer the case. It is my space, too. Also, he has an office. This is mine. They can go to his private space while I have mine.

He disagreed with me, but he knew better than to argue. I’ll die on this hill.

---

I am fully set up for business success now. I’m on point between all the paperwork filed yesterday, the business hardware (and software) I implemented, and my strategic planning.

I purchased Canva Pro to help me with my social media posts. I also have Microsoft 365 Business Standard for productivity, from Microsoft Planner to the live chat form I’m adding soon. Shoot, I walked myself into a business line on my phone. I have to look and see if Microsoft’s image generation program is worth using over Canva. I simply have experience with Canva and needed it first thing this morning. That gives me a month to learn Microsoft’s software.

I also paid for another month of LinkedIn Premium. It lists public project requests in my field, and I can offer my services through it. I felt one more month of service would help me decide if I should keep it beyond that time. It is $70, so I have no intention of keeping it permanently.

I’m using my tools to build credibility and visibility in my field. I know I am taking the proper steps forward. I just have to remind myself that progress that sticks often comes more slowly than others.

---

I am grateful to be moving ahead. Even though it means a little more uncertainty, I am certain this is the right path to my true destination.

When was the last time you sent a resignation letter to your unnecessary stress?

Have a great Thursday, everyone. I hope you’re empowered and ready to tackle anything. ♡