I've been thinking about it, even planning it, in my mind, for some time now. I'm starting a blog. I'm hoping to be able to allow others to follow along in my newest pursuit as an Interior/Exterior Designer; sharing some tips for starting a new business, as well as design ideas. I'm thinking I can also share my thoughts about doing this at the age that most people are setting their sights on retirement. Well, I've never been one to follow the crowd. I'm sure that there will be many humorous life lessons along the way, too. I think that humor is just about the best way to approach almost any situation, especially a big life change, like this one.
So I'll start with the day that I first thought of leaving my career as a Mortgage Loan Originator. Actually, there was no one day that the specific thought popped into my head. It kind of sneaked up on me, a bit at a time...the first thought being, "I'm not happy originating mortgage loans."
Not knowing what else I would do with my life I tried to re-invigorate my self with the passion for the job that I once had. I networked, I marketed myself, I spent more time on the parts of the job that I really enjoyed. I was able to keep pushing forward like this for about 2 years.
Then the market crashed and my job became considerably more difficult, in a lot of ways. Good, solid, loans became harder to get approved, with more documentation requirements and more demands on my time, causing me to work longer and longer hours, with no increase in pay. My life became more frustrating on all fronts.
Sidebar: Most Mortgage Loan Originators are paid 100% commission. This commission is based on the type of loan, and the amount of the loan and the loan actually closing.
In the Meantime: During the summer of 2009, I had the opportunity to do the decorating of an entire 1200 square foot condominium in Washington DC. I took a couple of 2 week vacations and a few long weekends and I put together a space that I am very proud of, and one "the client" is extremely happy with.
Back to the Story: So when my job became more and more unbearable, the thought of becoming an interior designer became stronger and stronger...until one day...I told Guy, (my life partner), that I wanted to quit my job as a mortgage loan originator and strike out as an interior designer. To my complete surprise, he agreed. This was huge for him, because as much as I like, even thrive on change, he wants to avoid it, even abhors it.
So...I quit. June 18th, 2010, was my last day as a mortgage loan originator. It felt weird, after 16 years in the mortgage industry, to not have any e-mails, nor phone messages, nor walk in clients, nor realtors, nor processors, nor underwriters, nor closers, nor any one else in the process, to deal with in a "time is of the essence" manner.
It took me about a week of down time for it to really sink in. Then I took a REALLY deep breathe, and exhaled, slowly, and left it all behind. Whew! It was and is, truly, a relief. I am excited to be on to the next stage of my life and career!
I hope you enjoyed my first post. Please let me know the kinds of things you would like to read about.
My best to all of you!
Linda
The Designing Housewife
P.S. In my next post, I'll tell you the real story about my first interior design job in Washington DC.
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