I feel very thankful to have a lifestyle that offers me a great amount of freedom. I have somewhat of a unique mindset in that I truly believe life is too short to be unhappy in any way, shape, or form, and I believe it’s up to us to create the lifestyle we want.
Often when I have discussions with my parents about my future and my career desires I’m told: “think about the life you want to live, and how to make that a possibility with your job choice.” Well what if I’m currently living the life I want outside of work, but I know I’m not in my “end all be all” job?
I admit that lately I’ve been feeling a bit burned out at work, but my job right now is allowing me to live the life I want when I’m not immersing myself in the world of coffee. I find with the proper adjustment of my mindset, the positives can always be found. Working this kind of job allows more time for…
Running/Hiking/Exploring
I thrive off of routine, and the one thing I don’t have while working at Starbucks is a routine. My schedule has been even wonkier since becoming a supervisor. I’ve tried to spin my up and down schedule into a positive by realizing it’s much easier to have a relaxing morning at times and go for a longer run when I have a closing shift.
I’m also able to easily escape to the mountains should I feel the urge, which is often.
Spending time with clients
Aka my house sitting buddies. This has become a legit third job for me, and I spent a lot of my time taking care of other peoples fur babies. I enjoy the freedom of having certain weekdays off, or really any days I ask for off.
This is Emma, she is a regular in my life these days. Her mom travels a lot, and one day I strive to be like that. A life full of love and travel sound fantastic to me.
That haunch fluff kills me. So does the word “haunch.”
Reading
When I leave work, I leave completely. 100% gone mentally and physically. I don’t work a job that requires extra work when I get home, nor requires restless nights due to stressful thoughts about projects or deadlines. This opens more doors for other mental actives like blogging, and reading.
My current read. A classic about a man that escapes to the woods to live off the grid before it was “cool.” A life of self sustainability and tiny homes is a life I would love to live.
So much yes. I dig his style, I think we would have been great friends.
Spending time on meals
Piggy backing off the previous bullet point, I have time and energy to invest in the meals I eat. This is a key part of my life, because food IS life.
Potatoes are also life.
Cinnamon wheat bundles, cinnamon puffin squares, a spoonful of almond butter, a frozen banana, all on top of some homemade apple sauce. So good, but sadly my insides weren’t so happy. Worth it.
When it comes to eating, I’ve taken a step away from my obsessive paranoia with trigger foods, and have focused on the foods that make me feel good. My food allergy test came back with results that didn’t help much, so the true test is how I feel after eating things. The foods that don’t cooperate will continue to be ditched, or moderated. Simple as that.
Travel
I have a fantastic boss, that gives great flexibility when it comes to the schedule. From school to travel, she has accommodated everything I’ve asked of her, and I am immensely grateful for her. I’ve planned some travels to balance my need for freedom.
I’m off to Ohio tomorrow for a weekend of shenanigans with Meghan and I couldn’t be more excited. This has to be the biggest perk of my current job, the flexibility. Follow me on Instagram to see what shenanigans I get myself into on the other side of the country. Something tells me my Birkenstocks with socks will stick out like a sore thumb in the Midwest.
Now if only I could find a job that gave me both the freedom to do all the things I love, AND allowed me to thrive while working. It’s out there, I just have to find it. 🙂 For now, I’m just going to keep riding the caffeine wave. Unless any of you reading want to pay to me travel, make you food, take photos, and share it all online.
Anyone…anyone…Bueller…
Q: Have you found your passion? Are you living the life you want outside of work?
Blissfulbritt 
64 thoughts on “Freedom”
Callie | Flour and Fancy
I love your words and reflections on the essential building blocks of your life. This is one of the most enjoyable blog posts I’ve read all year! 🙂
Brittany
What a kind thing to say, your comment has made my day. Thank you. 🙂
Callie | Flour and Fancy
You did get one bit wrong, though. Peanut Butter Puffins are WAY better than the cinnamon! 😉
Brittany
I admit I am dying to try the PB puffins…however PB gives me maaaddd inflammation. One day…I must try them one day.
Anthony
You’ll find it. You’ll find it because you know exactly what you’re searching for.
KME
After many years, I’ve finally found the job and the outside of work life I’ve always been searching for. You’ll get there!
And omg I’m jealous you work at Starbucks! Ahhhh Starbucks and I are very good friends! Wish I could go more often lol but with the job life I chose, I’m limited to once in a while treats! ❤️lol
Ellie
I’m not sure what my passion is yet. I am very content with my life for the moment, so I will continue to live in it till it changes. I don’t think anyone has a specific “path”, but one that changes as they also change. As long as I’m happy and healthy that’s what matters to me 🙂
Brittany
Ohh I love that idea – one that changes as they change. Yup, yup I totally agree!
Kayse
Oh Britt, you’re the best. I hope you do find a career that you love. I work three days a week as a graphic designer, which i like but don’t loooove, in order to pursue my photography business and my produce farm. I think I’ve found a good way to get some balance in my work life by sacrificing some time to do the work that pays the bills while being able to do my passion work, too.
Hales
It took me a long time and to move across the world to find out how to be happy outside of work. I work with kids in Taiwan. I travel and I love to be outside in my free time. I have finally learned to be happy having my alone time. I hope you find the bliss too. And that you find a routine that keeps you stable. Your words are lovely
Brittany
Wow, amazing! I admire your adventurous spirit that led you to where you are!
familyrulesbyplainjane
I’d comment but I’m still trying to recover from that photo of the Zucchini. 🙂
Jade
Beautiful pictures! I wish we could make money doing what we want with no worries
GiGi Eats Celebrities
Girl, you know I am living the life I want IN and OUTside of work! 😉 Cause UM….. They collide!
mikeytbull
Loving the cinnamon puffs, the cats and I totally agree about having a life-work balance where you don’t take work home with you – just leave it where it is, it’ll be there tomorrow! Henry David Thoreau sounds interesting – you would enjoy reading Gavin Maxwell’s ‘Ring Of Bright Water’ – very similar!
Brittany
Thank you for the suggestion!
Pip {Cherries & Chisme}
Freedom is my favourite word! If I were to get a tattoo… 😉
I love your openness and honesty about figuring out life. I’ve just finished my masters course and am starting out on the job hunt, it’s going to be weird going from such flexible working back to an office! But exciting too.
Have a wondering time in Ohio 🙂 look forward to reading all about it.
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy
I can relate to this so much! Being a full-time blogger, it can be really crazy and I question it sometimes, but it allows me to do all the other things I want in life. I head to the U.S tomorrow to start my 6 week trip and with any other job that might not be able to happen, but with blogging I can work anywhere.
Jessica
You know, as I started reading this post, I thought “I need to meet Brittany some day. I feel like she is my spirit animal.” And then you got to your currently reading..Walden is the book on my nightstand table. You keep doing you, lady. All the love.
Brittany
Omg, spirit animal INDEED. How funny you are also reading Walden! It’s a slower read for me, lots to chew and the writing style is unique, but the basis of it is awesome.
kathy at more coffee, less talky
sounds like things are amazing for you!! don’t worry about trying to figure it all out now; you’re living life the way you want it and that’s the most important thing 🙂
B
That fluffy kitty is adorable! I do some pet sitting too and it’s great! I think I have a pretty decent balance. My boss is cool with my vacation requests, I have friends all over the place which make it easy to visit different cities, and even countries.
allisonfiorini
THAT KITTY! I think you’ve inspired me to take on a job house sitting/cat sitting. Sounds like you do have a lot figured out, even if you don’t feel like you do. If your job lets you live the lifestyle you want, then I think you are at least in the right direction. I guess I’m kind of at that same place – I love what I do, love how I have the time in my schedule to do the things I love, but I would say the one thing I don’t love is the structure. I don’t love that I have “contracted” hours and how rigid it is. But that’s my only complaint. Come the end of May, that seems like a small problem when I’m looking at a whole summer of freedom. So I think if you mostly love what you do and you get to do the things you love, then you are heading in the right direction!
whostardis
I feel you on finding the perfect job to fit that balance. What I do now is close buts is not my passion. It keeps me traveling with a pretty flexible schedule but I dont get up in the morning excited to work which is what Im missing. Good luck finding your perfect job!!!!!
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets
That cat is incredible. It has to be a Maine Coon, yes? Gorgeous haunches, simply gorgeous.
I am an anti-spider girl and that picture was cool.
P
I feel like my life is pretty crazy busy right now as a grad student, but fortunately I have been able to space out some “me” time so that I don’t get extremely burnt out. I do like what I do though, but morning runs, eating out on weekends, and getting a good nights rest on as many nights as possible are what keep me sane 😉
I also believe that the hard work I put in right now will allow me to have even more freedom to do what I want in the future. Right now, I’m just doing my best to absorb everything around me and to enjoy life through my hobbies 🙂
Brittany
You have a solid head on your shoulders. I admire your dedication to your studies and it will indeed pay off in the end!
Lauren @ ihadabiglunch
Sometimes I think that you and I absolutely have the same brain. I thrive off structure but the 9-5 lifestyle wasn’t for me. So now I’m “piecing” together this life in which the parts individually are all great, but the sum of the parts of a little crazier and less structured than I like. It’s tough.
Your birks will not stick out like a sore thumb here I promise 🙂 the socks might though haha.
Brittany
I just accept that as we change, so does life! Constant movements!
katalysthealth
This post is giving me all sorts of feels because THIS is where I’m at. I just want a job that I love. I want to write, create recipes, help others in the gym and have plenty of time left over to play with my brother and sissy. And I guess my husband too 😉
An Unrefined Vegan
Enjoy your trip (say HI to my home state!) – and your freedom, my dear!
Amy
Love love love ALL of this! Especially the glistening spider web photo. Nature is gorgeous! 🙂 If you still feel like trying to figure out what’s going on in your gut, I highly recommend finding a GI that’s willing to perform a hydrogen breath test for SIBO. (WebMD does a great job of explaining what SIBO is and the symptoms — much better than me anyway!) I did that and took antibiotics as a result. I’m doing better, but not perfect so… Now we’re doing a slow colon transit study, and if that comes back confirmed, I get to take meds for that too. It’s always nice to know that there’s a solution for our problems, even if it does mean take extra meds, so I really hope you get your situation figured out soon!! 💕
Brittany
Oh wow, thanks for this great info!
Laur
Where is the first place you would travel to?! I have the same aspirations as you! One day… one day.
Brittany
IRELAND!
Hannah
It’s hard, girl. I’ve worked so many jobs that gave me the freedom you discussed, but didn’t pay nearly enough. I’ve also had jobs that paid well, but left me feeling bonkers.I never could work out a balance. That’s not helpful, but I just wanted to say that I relate, and that I haven’t been able to read your blog in forever, and I missed it. Your images are gorgeous!
Rach @ This Italian Family
You will find it! You really will. I don’t know what it’ll be or when, but you’ll find it! It’s so good to have both the freedom of a great schedule with a job that you love. 🙂
jejansonius
Ahh ya’ll are going to have so much fun! Can’t wait to see all the public banana shenanigans!
live laugh love
I too am looking for a way to be self employed doing something I love and live my life to travel with BF and enjoy the better things like camping!
Heather @ HeatherRunsFast.com
Amen to this whole post. With my new position, they want me to get a company cell phone- ummm NO THANKS, I don’t care if it is the latest and greatest. I don’t want to answer emails after hours or on the weekend. Thankfully, I do have a good amount of flexibility- SO important. You’ll find your bomb diggity all encompassing job when the time’s right. Meanwhile, keep living the life lady and soaking up the dream!!! Have so much fun in OH 🙂
Brittany
Oh hellllnaawww to the work phone!
Jess @hellotofit
I believe that you WILL find your passion, even though it may take some more time!
For me, I have found my passion. Now, it’s about how I can make it more my own and grow with it. We all crave growth, right? Excited to see your travel pics on IG!
Lindsay @ A Runnaroundd Life
This is so great. Focusing on things that really matter to you right now is so important. I’m trying to live one week at a time, not stress too much about the future and be happy with what I’ve accomplished. “In the moment” right now is huge for me. Great post :))))
Lauren Rice (@heyricecake)
I 100% believe in living/working the life you want. It’s the reason I quit my job and moved to Seattle 🙂 It sounds like you have a great life outside of work, which is a luxury that too few people have. Enjoy it! And have fun on your trip!
Nicole @ Foodie Loves Fitness
Holy moly that is a monster zucchini!! I love this post, as I am all about looking at the bright side of things too.
Have fun in Ohio!
Hayley
I hear you on all of this and am in the same boat. You are right though that there is so much to be thankful for, especially when your job allows you the freedom of doing things you love outside of work. Have fun in Ohio!!
Amy @ A Desert Girl
I just want to cuddle Emma. She’s too much fluffy feline goodness!
You’ll find that perfect balance! Keep up the optimistic attitude and keep your eyes open – so many things fall into place simply because we are in the right place at the right time with the right attitude for the right opportunity!
Enjoy your travels!
BunKaryudo
My passion? 1) Wife and family, 2) Writing, 3) Eh, that’s about it.
Notice that my job is nowhere to be found on this list. I need to eat so I work, but frankly, I’d rate changing my socks as somewhat more interesting. On the other hand, I don’t actively loathe and fear my job, and I like most of the people I meet and work with there, so I can’t really complain, I guess.
Allie Zottola
I relate to you so, so much on this post, Brittany. I think we have somewhat similar job lifestyles (i.e.: a steady job that can be crazy, and fun side stuff in which you can make your own schedule). I am like you in that I’m living the life I love outside of work, but I also know my main job isn’t my end all be all job. Yep. I feel ya!! If I could pet sit full time, I totally would, haha. But even though, I think… is that what I was MADE for? I don’t know! I guess we don’t know these things until we’re in the situation. Even then, we change, and our interests change. I probably sound cliche…. but I guess it’s a journey and while you’re on the journey, it’s all about balance. I think you have really great balance in your life, and this post is evidence of it. It’s clear to me that you’re happy, and doing so many things you love! I love when you post about things like this. It gets my gears turning, and gets me thinking about purpose/wants/dreams.
Also, that fluff on the haunches. So. Cute.
Brittany
It really is a journey, and as we change so do our lives. I can live with that. 🙂
Melanie
Your pictures are always soooo beautiful! Love them all! I’m sorry your work schedule is nuts, but you are lucky it allows you so much flexibility! I’m so grateful for fall weather that allows me to run at different times of the day so much easier!
I need to add reading back into my life again. It is so therapeutic to me! I love that you’re a cat sitter too. So awesome! ha ha.
50statecanuck
Just keep being true to yourself and caring for those around you. You will find what feeds your soul.
Brittany
Caring for those around me…that’s brilliantly put. Thank you!
BabetaRuns
I do LOVE my job. There are days which are harder (like today) and there are days which are super inspirational and fabulous (like yesterday)… And that’s the way it goes…
I can’t give you a job travelling and writing but if you fancied a job in a hostel or hotel in Prague, then let me know and we can have a chat! And… when you are in Europe then travelling is easy peasy 🙂
Brittany
Good to know! 🙂
Bradley on the Run
This post made ME feel blissful – and a wee bit jealous! But in a good way. I have followed you on Instagram because I love your photos. They make me smile. 🙂
Lucie Elizabeth (@CollectingLight)
I TOTALLY agree with you Brit! I also believe that life is way too short to be unhappy. This post makes me want to SQUISH you!
Brittany
This is why we would get along so well, and many other reasons too.
Amanda @ .running with spoons.
I love your mindset! Probably because it’s one I share as well. I honestly couldn’t imagine waking up everyday dreading going to work, or being tied down in a job I hate, which is probably why I did a complete career swap a couple of years back despite the fact that it scared the bejeezus out of me. Best decision I ever made, though. And I hope you’re having a fantastic time with Megs. I wish I could have made it, but I think you guys should take a weekend trip to the Canadian Rockies 😀
Brittany
Yes!!! I so want to come see your mountains….I think I shall visit Meghan again and we will both come to you!
Luv What You Do
I totally believe in following your passion! I LOVE my job. Working with kids is rewarding and challenging and every day is an adventure. When my guy was drowning in his job and hating life, I told him to go ‘find his passion’ no matter what it took. He quit, went back to law school, and we too are trying to balance our work lives, love of travel with a side of YOLO : ) Enjoy the midwest and keep living your dreams! Also, that kitty is SO cute!!!
Jade
I think that as long as you are living the life you want outside of work and don’t hate your job you’re in a good place. But i hope you find a job you’re really passionate about that lets you have your freedom too soon
stateeats
Hi Britt – it seems to me that you are living very mindfully which is something not a lot of people can say. Yes, you may not have the job of your dreams, but it allows you to do the things you love which is worth oodles! -Kat
castl23
Your enthusiasm is contagious! Keep on enjoying!