Burnout Made Me Do It: My Journey to Self-Employment
This post is me reflecting—on the journey from being a drained, burnt-out corporate employee working 40+ hours (plus gig jobs on the side), still barely making ends meet… to now living a softer life, owning my time, and doing work that fills my soul.
Since I was 16, a junior in high school, I’ve been hustling for the freedom I thought only money could buy. All I wanted to do was dance—my peace, my lifeline—but when we couldn’t afford my classes anymore, I got a job. I’ve been working ever since.
At 17, I moved into my own apartment, paid my own bills, and kept chasing freedom—the kind I thought only existed in the future, somewhere far from here. But what they don’t tell you (that I will) is this: minimum wage, taxes, insurance, fees—what’s left rarely stretches far enough. That cycle leaves you depleted, always searching for the next gig just to get by. Until one day, you’re living a life that looks and feels so far off… on autopilot… just existing.
But I wouldn’t accept that. I knew there was more.
Even as I pushed through random jobs—customer service, office work, coaching dance and fitness—I wore myself down trying to survive. Eventually, I crashed. HARD. And by the time I finally figured out what I wanted to do with my life, I was too exhausted from surviving to make it happen.
At one point, I even had a vision: I wanted to plant community gardens in underserved areas across the country. I started learning all I could about gardening and volunteered at local farms. But I couldn’t keep up. I was too tired. Life was asking me to rest. And I ignored it—until life made the decision for me.
If you take away one thing from visiting me, let it be this:
START LISTENING TO LIFE… when you’re meant for more… or life will intervene.
And when she does, baby, it might not be cute. The whirlwind will whirl. Trust me.
The Shift
But that part of my story is changing now.
Because I started listening.
I let go of the belief that freedom only comes after struggle, or that money has to be the master of my time. And now? I homeschool my kids. I run my businesses. I’m a full-time grad student living a life of rest, fulfillment, and purpose—on my terms. I work how I want, when I want, in a way that feels right for me.
If you’re on a similar path—or want to be— join my newsletter here. I’ll be sharing the behind-the-scenes, lessons learned, and real-time updates on my continued journey to the most harmonious life.
How I Made It Work: My Path to Self-Employment
Let’s get into the practical side of this. Below are real, flexible ways I began making money while building toward self-employment. Most of them are still part of my toolkit today—and you can start them too.
1. Rideshare Driving
Best for: People who need quick, flexible income that works around your life.
When I needed income that fit around my classes and gym job, I started driving for Uber. The sign-up process is one of the simplest out there: upload a few docs, pass a background check, and start earning the same day.
Even when I lost my car, Uber's rental options helped me stay afloat—and even gave me a place to sleep when I didn’t have one. It became more than just a gig. It gave me a lifeline.
💡 Want my tips on maximizing rideshare income without burning yourself out?
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2. Food Delivery
Best for: Introverts, anyone without a car, or those looking for flexibility without people in your space.
When I didn’t want passengers in my car, I switched to UberEats—and later, Doordash, Instacart, and Favor. They’re all fairly easy to join and flexible enough to do on your own time.
Fun fact: I even started traveling through food delivery. Unlike rideshare, food delivery works across state lines—so I could work while on the road.
It helped me stay afloat, fund my business ideas, and support my family without being tied to a 9–5.
3. Becoming a Brand Ambassador
Best for: People who naturally love to share what they love.
This one started by accident—after I big-chopped during postpartum, let my hair go because I was too exhausted, and ended up with one giant matted puff. A stylist introduced me to a product from childhood—Luster’s Pink natural haircare line—and it saved my crown. I wrote to them in gratitude, and next thing I knew, they sent me the full line and invited me to become an ambassador.
From there, opportunities kept finding me—from health brands to apps for moms like Peanut, who invited me to represent them just from me sharing my genuine experience.
Brand ambassador work is not just about money (although that’s nice). It’s about alignment and authenticity. And when you share what you truly love, it doesn’t even feel like “promotion”—it feels like testimony.
Curious about getting started with ambassador work? There’s platforms for it now, like GRIN and Brandbassador, you can check out. Or subscribe for my upcoming blog post on how to land your first partnership.
4. Blogging
Best for: Storytellers, creatives, community builders, or people with a lot to say.
Whew, do I have a lot to say. After years of silence, I needed a place to express myself and build something of my own. That’s how this blog was born.
Now, I share my story while building a brand. Blogging opens doors: affiliate income, sponsorships, product recommendations, digital product sales, coaching offers—and most importantly, community.
Final Thoughts
Self-employment doesn’t always look like luxury or come easy. Sometimes it starts with desperation, a dream, and whatever gig helps you get through. But if you’re willing to stay true to your vision and trust your path, it’s more than possible.
And if you’re walking a similar path—or want to be—I created this space to share what’s worked, what’s real, and to offer encouragement every step of the way.
💌 Subscribe to my newsletter to follow along, get access to more resources, and receive gentle nudges of encouragement to build your own path to rest, wellth, and prosperity.
