5 Reasons You Shouldn't Quit Your Day Job

You may be wondering from the title that this chick is cray cray. Maybe just a little!

I know it’s everyone’s dream to quit their job and start a business. That plan may work for you if are financially ready and set. Although I make decent salary and earn extra income from time to time the option to quit my day job is not ideal. I’ve heard so many stories of people taking that leap of faith and going full throttle but they fail to tell you about the numerous struggles. I am already on the struggle train with trying to figure it ALL out so I don’t need the extra stress. My mom always use to say “you are good at what you do, there is a time and place for everything” so have a little patience, chile!

After carefully planning and budgeting my expenses I realized a few reasons why I am not quitting my day job anytime soon.

1. Having a job gives you resources like a steady paycheck.

If your business failed you will still have income to keep you afloat and you won’t be upset that you spent all savings and maxed out your credit cards. So now you’re broke as bleep! And plus you’ll stay committed until you figure it out. To be honest if John Legend was able to released his debut album in 2000 and still kept this day job 2 years later until it was his time to shine. Ummmm you can wait boo!

2. There is no pressure

Have you seen the amount of influencers and YouTubers who are burnt out? Of course you can get burnt out working your day job. Think about the pressure of pushing out a product or service because you need to keep up the appearance of being this fabulous superstar. And since you are still have your day job you have time to approach your business thoughtfully.

3. You could be quitting for all the wrong reasons

9 out 10 startups will fail within the 1st year. Do you serious want to be a statistic?  OK, so you may be tired of your boss or you know someone who made it and things went well. Do you even have a solid plan? Nope, you don’t and don’t lie and tell me that you do because I know you don’t, which is another reason why you should keep your day job. If I would have quit my job years ago I would be in serious debt with extremely low self-esteem because I didn’t have a solid plan therefore creating more stress I don’t need or want.

4. Whose gonna pay your medical bills

Your health is extremely important and it plays a huge role on how you perform. I love my benefits and I have a great plan that pays for nearly everything. Now a take a minute to see how much your employers pays for you to have those wonderful benefits.You’ll be surprise that you pay a very small percentage for the coverage. I’ve seen a few of the health plans advertised in the market place and if you want good coverage like that employer sponsored plan, you’re going to have to pay a hefty fee. Are you seriously ready for that or would you gamble on your life? I hope not but you never know these day sometimes desperation kicks in and you might do whatever. BUT PLEASE DON’T GAMBLE WITH YOUR HEALTH!

5. I simply love what I do and I’m learning a lot

And that’s the truth! Yes, I would love to have my own branding agency and one day I will. For now I am soaking up all the information and resources that’s available and never turning down an opportunity to attend a conference. Knowledge is key and you can never have to much. I’ll acquire all the skills I need until the time is right for me to take that leap of faith.

Now that I’ve given you new perspective, having a job and starting a business is not so bad. There are so many people like you and I who would love to quit our day job but it’s not ideal. Even though I make a decent amount freelancing, it’s just not steady income. As a business you want a steady stream of income in order to see profits and become sustainable.  

Food for thought

I’ll leave you with a fun fact: Actress Regina King who has been in the entertainment business for over 30 + years appearing in movies and television was finally nominated for an Oscar for her role in If Beale Street Could Talk. She has won NAACP awards and Emmys, but it took years of hard work and dedication before she won her 1st Oscar, which is awesome! Take the moment to celebrate all of your small victories because your time will come. SO BE PATIENT, BOO!

Be thankful that you have a job, there are a lot of people who don’t and want to work.

MY FAVORITE SUMMER FACIAL ESSENTIALS

It's officially summer and I am sure you have already planned your summer wardrobe of shorts, dresses and swimsuits. Have you thought about your skincare routine? I have!  I live in Georgia and it gets extremely hot with the high temperatures and I like to keep my face looking fresh and clean. I love using facials products are lightweight and control shine. For the past few months I've been using Formula 10.0.6 products. They have tons of products for all skin types. 

Here are the products that I absolutely love:

1. Best Face Forward Daily Foaming Cleanser Passion Fruit and Green Tea

The cleanser washes away oil and impurities. The passion fruits reduces oiliness and the green tea exfoliates your skin to look healthy, clean and clear. I use this product daily - AM/PM.

2. Pores Be Pure Skin-Clarifying Mud Mask Strawberry + Yarrow + Rosemary

This skin-clarifying mud mask help to eliminate impurities and clear blocked pores. It's packed with anti-oxidants that I love. I use this product twice a week at night.

3. So Totally Clean Deep Pore Cleanser with Salicylic Acid

This is a 2 in 1 cleanser and toner helps to clear clogged pores. You simply apply the solution on a pad and gently rub your face and neck. I use this product daily - AM/PM.

4.Seriously Shine Free Mattifying Oil-Free Moisturizer Aloe Vera + Bamboo

his moisturizer is great for oily skin, the bamboo extract is great for absorbing excess oils. I used this product daily in the morning and at night.

5. Keep Me Clean Purifying Facial Wipes Cucumber + Witch Hazel + Salicylic Acid

These wipes are a life saver when you need to freshen up like after a workout or attend happy hour. I use these wipes to help cleanse my skin more after I take off my make-up. The are convenient and you can take them anywhere. 

Formula 10.0.6 doesn't have a lip scrub yet, I use Eco Lip Scrub Brown Sugar every night to help moisturize my dry lips. 

What are some of your summer facial essentials?

XOXOMelissa

Missouri NAACP Issues Travel Ban Advisory for Black People

If you weren't aware consider this as your notification.  Missouri recently passed a legislation to make it impossible to sue for housing and employment discrimination. According to The Associated Press, the new law is slated to take effect Aug. 28. It will require people suing for discrimination to prove that a protected class such as race, gender, age or ability was "the motivating factor" for disciplinary action from an employer. Under current law, employees must only prove that their protected class contributed to an employer's decision to fire, discipline or refuse to hire them.

Apparently Missouri was one the easiest places to sue a company and win. 38  other states have laws in place to protect the "so-called" businesses against discrimination. Proving discrimination is hard, however; it occurs on a daily basis. It's even worst that innocent kids are being targets. Companies will find loop holes to finagle themselves out to keep form losing millions.

When statistics shows 75 percent of black drivers are likely to be pulled over than whites drivers becomes a larger issue that the governor seems to be sweeping under the rug. With the recent rise in police brutality the situation in Missouri will only get worst. I found it disturbing when the NAACP had to issue a travel ban because the legislation is a infringement upon your civil rights.  According to CNN, the NAACP urges individuals to "warn your families, co-workers and anyone visiting Missouri to beware of the safety concerns with travel in Missouri." These concerns, the organization writes, could include unnecessary search and seizures and potential arrest.

Let's Talk!

What are your thoughts concerning this situation?

8 THINGS I LEARNED SINCE I STARTED BLOGGING

I have been absent most of the month due to battling my allergies, traveling and planning for GirlChat events for the months ahead.  GirlItsMel is almost 2 months old and I can not believe how times flies. It's has been a dream come true with many, many, many years in the making. Has it been easy? Heck no, nothing in life is easy. It has been challenging juggling work and my passion to allow them to coexist together. The look and feel of GirlItsMel has changed little by little each week with a few additions such as the GirlChatwithMel events page, the Shop and creating my youtube channel. 

Here are a few things I've learning about myself since I've started this journey:

1. Success is not going to happen overnight. Patience is a virtue INDEED! People will come in due time.

2. Things do not always go as plan and there is no need to dwell on the negative, push forward and do what you can for NOW!

3. I always considered myself as introverted person and I was WRONG! I am both introverted and extroverted, I love meeting and talking with people. Speaking in large groups motivates me even than EVER. Having this platform has been a great conversation topic with women of all ages.

4. Networking is KEY! No one will not know who you are if you are not out promoting your brand. I have made a lot of connections with so many people and businesses that will help grow my brand.

5. Be HONEST! I had no clue on which direction I wanted to go with this site until I kept hearing the same stories being repeated by many women of different ethnic/age groups. Hence the birth of GIRL, IT'S MY EVERYDAY LIFE! (GirlItsMel).

6. Set a schedule, stick to it as much as possible. Consistency is KEY! Although I haven't published many posts I am grateful for social media sites (Instagram, Facebook and Twitter) to keep my audience engaged.

7. Step outside of your comfort zone and go for IT!

8. Be Yourself and Stay true to your brand! MOST IMPORTANT BE RELATEABLE!

Let's Talk

What are some things you learned about yourself recently?

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DO YOU REALLY KNOW YOUR FRIENDS?

I can count on one hand the number of people I call a FRIEND. People use the term so loosely nowadays which makes it hard to determine if the other person really has your back or not. Practically anybody can be classified as friend whether it's the guy next door you occasionally have sex with or the receptionist at your workplace. Although it's nice to have people you can relate to and bond. When do you consider that connection as a friendship?

I know you may be able to relate to my story. I have never been the one to follow a crowd or be apart of a clique for popularity. This may be due to the introvert side of me who would rather be alone at times. Sometimes being in group can be complicated and girl code can be broken. Typically in these groups/cliques there is always the leader, the female who thinks she can do no wrong. She would be the one to organize all the activities and often she would be the loud one of them all. If she got mad with one of the girls then everyone must follow suit and not speak to that particular female. How awkward can that be to be told not talk to someone?  If you are a kid that's expected but to be an adult is just ridiculous. I understand there is loyalty but why should your issue be my issue. Why do I need to inconvenience myself to please another grown ass woman?

The point is you shouldn't have to and often we feel the need to be apart of something whether it's healthy or not. Many of us may feel the need to have some sort of companionship to function. I'm OK with having my 1 or 2 females I considered a friend. A friend is someone you are able to cooperate with, trust and support. A friend is an individual who will listen to understand and most people lack this quality.  A friend may even agree to disagree with you at times.

However; a friend will not coerce you into holding grudges, control your life by telling you who you should talk to or manipulate you into doing things that may have a detrimental effect on your life. Be weary of the ones who do not have your best interest at heart. You always want to surround yourself with  positive-liked individuals and avoid getting sucked into the "clique" zone because you want to feel accepted. 

I want to hear from you. Does being in a group/clique make you feel included or not?

XOMelissa

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