So...where to begin?
I guess I will begin at the beginning. After thinking about things for awhile, I have decided to go with my gut and cut back on my design team obligations.
I am so very grateful for these companies for everything and I will still be using their products a lot on my blog:
SRM Stickers
Samantha Walker
The Twinery
After doing this for lots and lots of years, it was a tough decision to walk away from some of my beloved design teams and was even tougher to email them and let them know.
But kids are getting older..and I am painfully aware how fast time is going. I have one leaving for college in another year and a half. My youngest two are in grade school but my son is a super athletic and he is on a million different sports teams. So, after considering my life and how I spend my time I have decided to only do freelance work or paid design work (not just product compensation). This may sound harsh but I had to draw the line somewhere and after years of meeting deadlines, assignments and producing tons of projects for many companies that I love----I have more product than I ever could possibly use in a lifetime and I have a calendar that is interfering with other things I want to do.
I will continue to produce projects for my blog (on my time and when I want to) that will include a lot of the teams I had to say goodbye to because I LOVE their products! I am just moving in another direction but putting more value on my time. I am going to take my best shot of making a part-time job out of this. I have a few ideas brewing...
So...that is it in a nutshell. Thanks for hanging in there with me!
Hugs!
34 comments:
Connie - kids grow fast - you will not regret taking the time to spend with them - enjoy every minute - they will be gone before you know it and then you will have plenty of time to settle back in on design teams.
Enjoy and thanks for sharing your talents with us!
Sandra
Well, good for you for putting your family first! It stinks that you have to cut back on your crafts, but having a busy family takes priority!
I hope that your brewing ideas turn to fruition and you are successful! Hugs!
Good for you! You are a great mom!!
Good for you! You are a great mom!!
Cammie, you are a wonderful mother, and I know that your family is going to love having so much more of your time. Gosh, girl...change is always hard, but you are doing it for all the right reasons, and it will pay off, both financially, and emotionally for you and your family. Best of luck with your brewing ideas, and we'll all be watching for your fabulous 'deadline-free' creations! Hugs...
I had a similar revelation this year, as well and totally respect your decision. The great thing about this hobby is that it will always be here waiting for us - enjoy your time with your family! It was so nice to be on the SRM team with you Cammie!
An understandable and well thought out decision. Big hugs to you my friend. xoxoxo
Good for you girl! I know the feeling! I left my DT's last year and now only do a couple challenges. Much easier to manage and if I need to "sit out" they don't mind. I don't need to meet a minimum requirement like some teams have nor do I have to link to anyone. That's a PITA....lol
Your kids and family must come first and nobody is going to hold that against you :)
I'm glad you still create when you want though...I'm always amazed and inspired by YOU!!!
Hugs!!!
Good for you Cammie. Take it from me, you are doing the right thing. Spending more time with the children is a the best decision. After all they grow up in a blink of an eye.I did designing for only a few years and was being compensated by products. After awhile,it seemed I was doing way too much work for so very little and I quit. Best thing I could have done. Will you continue to make your stamps? What ever the future brings you I wish you only the best of luck. :)
No need to apologize Cammie! You and your family always must come first. The kids don't stay kids for ever. Enjoy it while you can! You know that I'll be happy to see your creations whenever you want to share. Best of luck in your new endeavors!
Cammie, Never apologize for choosing to taking care of yourself and your family first. This is your life, and your family is definitely the priority. You've given all of us and the DTs lots of time and energy, and I'm just glad you will continue to share and blog for us on your own time. I, like so many others will look forward to seeing what you have to share, both in life and creativity.
You'll never regret putting your family first. We all wax and wane in this business. Love you, gf! (But DON'T tell anyone I said that ;) )
God bless you Cammie. I'm sure that wasn't an easy decision for you but I'm sure you won't regret it. Enjoy your kids and I hope that all works out for you to do the crafty stuff (you are so amazing at) part time.
I applaud your honesty with yourself and with the companies you work with or have chosen to leave. I'm sure that everyone will be much happier in the long run because of it. Hugs to you on a tough decision!
I know how fast kids grow up, mine are adults & I still can't get used it. It seems like it was just yesterday that I was attending football, baseball, etc for Marc. Cheering, dancing & skating for Jessica...time flys much too fast. So I say your making a good decision & on the creative side I wish you all the best & much success in your new adventures.
Applaud, applaud, applaud!! You will NEVER regret being there when your children are actively involved in different things. I also put crafting and a lot of other things on hold for a number of years and now that we are empty nesters, I have the time once again to pursue those other things I love to do! Enjoy them, Cammie!
Follow your heart! The great thing about blogs, (and for us receiving them) is that we are happy to see the new creations at any time. I for one am glad everyone doesn't blog one every day, or i'd have to unsub lol.
I look forward to seeing your creations any time you choose, and I'm sure you will enjoy it even more.
Sounds like your priorities are in exactly the right place. Enjoy this time!
Cammie, You are doing what's right for your family. Family should come first and the focus. I am glad that you are still going to continue with your blog at your own pace. Can't wait to see more of your beautiful cards.
I will be here supporting you whenever you decide to share your beautiful talent and your family stories with us! I can certainly relate with wanting to be there for your kids. Although mine are older now, when they were younger I was working full time and missed so much,and I grew to resent what I was doing because I wanted to be with them! You are making the right choice for you and your family Cammie! You don't need to be sorry for that!
Can't wait to see what you will be up to next! And looking forward to your next blog post, whenever that may be!
Blessing and Hugs!
Mary
Kids grow up too fast so enjoy them while they are still around.. It's memories that you can keep forever. Crafting is awesome and nice stress reliever and will always be here and like riding a bike you'll get right into it again when its necessary. Kids/family is more important now.
Great move Cammie - the family is only with you for a relatively short time. I look forward to seeing what you choose to blog. May your plans bear fruit as you enter this new season!
Blessings
Maxine
Great choice, Cammie!Spend as much time with your family as you can. Financial compensation is much better than product!
Good for you!!
As I have been purging and downsizing from a entire room to a corner for my crafting area, I've also come to the conclusion that I have more product than I'll ever use!! I REALLY don't think I need to buy paper for the next 5 years...YIKES!!
And, I'm right there beside you in realizing how quickly our kids grow up. My oldest is only 2 1/2 years away from college. He receives emails from colleges every day now. YIKES...
While I have never had the design team committment that you have, I am really grateful right now not to be on one. Trying to keep track of two teen agers, one middle school kid and a boatload of school projects, homework, and what ever sport each is in at the time is overwhelming!! But!! I want to enjoy it!! Not stress on meeting some deadline!
And...now that I'm not on any DT's, I can use up "old, retired" stuff versus adding to the chaos!! hehe
Best of luck and I look forward to what you will create in YOUR time!!
We all need balance in our lives. Sometimes I wonder why I spend most of my time on this hobby/craft/art form. It is rewarding and meets that inner need to be creative and express ourselves. Totally understand where you are coming from. All those deadlines can be very demanding. I know your children will always cherish the time you spend with them. Some of my favorite memories from childhood are of the hours my mother would spend with me...just playing board games or cards. I will still look forward to your occasional posts. Virtual hug!
Cammie totally understand what you are doing! I see my friends with kids doing to much and not enjoying it all. I wish you enjoyment in all of the areas of your life!! Looking forward to seeing your crafting for years to come!!
A nicely maintained blog by a busy mom. Good work
Thanks,
Perry Belcher
Cammie, Good for you! Kids come first and i is a good thing you value your time and want to be compensated for it. Don't forget, you can also post projects on line and sell the tutorials. I am sure that would generate some additional income. Best of luck.
Good for you! No one should hold against you te fact your family is coming first. You've put in a lot of time and effort to each DT and now you need to enjoy the family. You won't regret it! Big hugs girlfriend... Xoxo
Family always comes first!!! Best wishes to you and I will still stop by to see your creations!
BTW...that camera box below is AMAZING!!!
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