Being out of a full-time job for almost a year now, I was going to have to find something to earn more money than what my occasional copywriting and proofreading projects were bringing in. But the thought of going back to a permanent corporate job wasn’t appealing. The thought of going through the interview process for the zillionth time was so unmotivating, I can honestly say I didn’t even make much of an effort looking for job openings. I relied on my own contacts, networking, and current clients to bring in some dollars. But I wasn’t going to be able to live off of that alone.
I love not working a 9-5 job anymore. I love rolling out of bed at 8 a.m., grabbing my laptop and heading to one of the many cafés in my neighborhood to spend a few hours writing. When I was working 9-5, I used to envy the people I’d see leisurely lounging at Starbucks, typing on their laptops, surfing the net, as I waited impatiently in line to get my tall latte before rushing to the office. Now I am one of those people. Have been since June 29, 2009. I thought I’d get bored, but I haven’t. I made some new friends who also work at jobs with flexible hours. We occasionally meet up during the week to go for breakfast or to the beach or to a matinee. I go out at night to networking events and fundraisers, not having to worry about getting up early the next day. As much as I liked the steady paycheck that the 9-5 job brought, I quickly got used to the life of leisure, and decided to find a way to continue to live it.
Ideas came and went as I thought of my next move: Maybe I can get a part-time job at Borders. I can be around books all day long. But working retail? No. Out of the question. Maybe I can find a job in social media marketing, since, I admit, I spend a lot of my free time on Facebook, Twitter and Foursquare. Or maybe I should try one of those multi-level marketing companies like Mary Kay or Avon. There are hundreds out there, from cosmetics, to jewelry, to baskets, to home décor, and even sex toys. Yes, I did consider becoming a consultant for a sex toy MLM. But I realized the repeat customer rate had to be low. I mean, come on, you buy a vibrator and you’re done, right? No, if I were to join an MLM it had to be for products that consumers will come back for.
I didn’t worry about my job situation. I told my friends something would come along at the right time that will be the right fit. Something that I won’t have to give up my writing career for. I was confident fate would take its course.
It did one night in April when I attended a fundraiser at Martini Park (RIP). I met Lindsay Madison, another writer. We hit it off and decided to meet for coffee a couple weeks later. It was there that I first learned about Arbonne, an MLM company that sells vegan botanically-based personal care products. Lindsay told me about her job as a District Manager, how it allows her to pursue her writing and acting passion. At first I was skeptical. But she gave me some samples to try, and I went home and did extensive research on the company and products. I talked to friends who’d used Arbonne products and loved them. I thought, what have I got to lose?
So last week I officially joined Arbonne as a consultant. Other than the initial skepticism while I was learning about the opportunity, when it came time to sign on the dotted line, I didn’t have any doubts. This was the something I’ve been waiting for. The something that will earn me money selling products I believe in while still focusing on my writing career. The something that will let me keep my flexible work schedule so I can keep going to cafés with my laptop.
I’m ready to start this new adventure and see where it leads me. So here I go.
And what kind of consultant would I be if I didn’t do a bit of shameless self-promotion? Visit my Arbonne site at daniellepatarazzi.myarbonne.com.
