Having the Guts to Quit Work and Do What You Want.

So, I abandoned a VERY bad job to go into seamstress work and into making things happen for the business. As much as I hated working until 4am in a freezing cold room with no entertainment, being harassed by drunks and yobs, a wage is a wage, wherever it comes from.

Leaving work was a hard choice and was thought through for ages until my Auntie told me to leave. She didn't ask, she told me. And it was the best thing I have done so far for my own health and happiness, and Ava's Apparel.

Granted, there have been times where I look at my bank account and sigh, since some times I can't afford to do anything at all. Then I am often reminded how much I love being able to work on my own terms, for my own money, and not have to faff about working shifts around other people. Working for yourself is not all that it's advertised to be, but it is also so much more.

Don't just tell your boss to shove it on the basis that you wanna sew a little bit now and again. Make a plan, be it business plan or personal plan. Make sure you know what you are entitled to, and stick with it. Any self-employed seamstress will tell you that working for yourself is a really difficult thing to do.

The most difficult thing is remaining motivated throughout the process. I myself get a bit lazy once a project is done, since after all, I've just achieved a thing! It can be really hard getting yourself noticed and getting your stuff out there. Apply for as many markets and things as you can handle without stretching yourself too thinly, and introduce yourself by handing out your cards in local sewing shops, and to the general public.

Overall, if you can get it going and your heart is really set on it, go for it.