That's when I got smart and created the right way to realize my goals and dreams. The right way involves a plan and a system for ensuring financial obligations are met while nurturing your emotional and creative needs. What I learned - and what I teach my students—is that there is a smart way for going about quitting your job and a way that makes it pretty torturous. There is a right way and a wrong way to transition into self-employment.

And the good news is that it absolutely can be done. It’s perfectly possible for you. The wonderful women that I’ve worked with are living lives in which they actually enjoy what they do. And not only that, but their time is their own. They’re free.

Today, I live a life where I enjoy what I do, cherish the people I work with, respect the time and efforts of others, have time for friends, family, and the volunteer groups I am fortunate enough to be engaged with.

I take impromptu vacations during the week, on the weekend, or anytime I want. I don’t have to ask for “permission” to take time off or be limited by how much personal time I’m “allowed”. My schedule is no longer dictated by the arbitrary and unpredictable whims of others. I set my own hours. I volunteer for my favorite non-profits. I do amazingly creative, effective work. No one tells me whether I’m allowed to work from home or not. I’ve escaped the 1960’s, finally. I work where I want, when I want, and the quantity and quality of work I do is better than ever.

But honestly, the best part of all of this is that I can do work that I love. Work that makes me feel respected, appreciated, valued, and good about myself. And I can do it all without worrying about jeopardizing my finances or my financial future.