Katie's Bliss

A Nashville lifestyle blog covering affordable fashion, baby finds, home decor and more

January 26, 2017
Advice + Career
Why I Quit My Public Relations Job

Why I Quit My Public Relations JobEarlier this month I revealed in a long overdue personal update that I had resigned from my full time public relations job last spring. It took me a really long time to work up the courage to share my news publicly. I wasn’t sure how people would react to my decision and was truly surprised by the overwhelming positive feedback. It was incredibly comforting to know many of you had been through similar situations and that I wasn’t alone. It made writing today’s post a little less scary. THANK YOU!

For those not familiar with my career journey here’s some background… Shortly after graduating in August 2012 I moved to New York where I landed a public relations assistant job at a respected luxury fashion and beauty PR agency. At the time I remember feeling overwhelming anxiety about not being able to find a job so when I got the offer I honestly felt like I’d hit the jackpot.

Fast forward four years– I’d moved on from my first two jobs, been promoted and had taken on more senior responsibility at my latest role. On the surface it looked like everything was going as planned– and it was! I feel very blessed to have had positive experiences at all of my jobs. The public relations industry is cutthroat and if you aren’t proactive it’s very easy to get lost in the shuffle, never find a mentor or receive a deserved promotion. I’m lucky enough to have navigated the ladder and worked alongside some incredibly smart and talented publicists– many of whom I still keep in touch with and call close friends. Looking back I wouldn’t have made any different decisions.

So why did you quit your job?

For the first time since beginning my career I began dreading going to the office everyday. Even at my first job as an assistant I never had this feeling. No matter how mind-numbing or anxiety-inducing the work, I still found motivation knowing everything I did contributed to a greater goal. Those first few years I remember feeling elated when I’d complete a tough project in half the amount of time given or after getting glowing praise on a PR plan I had drafted. During those times I thought, wow I love my job. Looking back I wonder if I just loved the validation of knowing I was good at what I did, and not the actual work itself. Fast-forward to January 2016 and everything had shifted.

While I was making advances in my career, I didn’t feel fulfilled. Pitching and securing a major print story for a client in a top womens’ magazine (something I used to dream about accomplishing) didn’t even make me feel proud. I no longer enjoyed what I was doing and still felt empty even after getting positive feedback. I found myself stressing more and more about real life issues like the quality and cost of my health insurance, my biological clock, the long office hours and travel required of a publicist and my 401k. I saw my boyfriend and many of my friends making dramatic leaps and finding happiness in their careers, while also enjoying life outside the office. It was becoming increasingly clear that my chosen career didn’t necessarily align with my longterm personal goals.

I was crushed when it finally hit me that just being a great publicist wasn’t enough to keep me motivated. I would lay awake at night playing scenarios in my head and wondering if those crucial first few years of my career had been a complete waste. The entire situation made me feel ill– mentally and physically. I couldn’t eat and I couldn’t sleep. Everything I was dealing with at my job combined with the other crappy things that happened in early 2016, culminated in me feeling like a total failure.

Did you try looking for another job? 

Yep! In March I started networking and putting out feelers to all my friends at other agencies and recruiters I’d worked with in the past. I knew this time around I had to be very strategic because the last thing I wanted was to land in another situation where I was unhappy. I ended up interviewing for a handful of promising roles where I would’ve been working on global beauty brands.

Out of them all, I decided to pursue only one at a larger reputable PR agency. The job checked all my boxes, but after three rounds of in-person interviews I just couldn’t see myself going through with it. I had a gut feeling it was a huge mistake. My heart wasn’t in it.

Another blogger quitting their full time job to blog? How original. 

April is when I began to finally consider the most obvious solution– work for myself full time. To be honest, if it wasn’t for blogging I don’t know how I would’ve gotten through those first few months last year. It was the only thing that made me happy and could distract me from stressing about work. I had to wake up very early to keep up with my blog (I’m talking 5AM or earlier) because being productive after a 10 hour day at my PR job was basically impossible. I was always coming home in a negative head space (or tears– that happened more than a few times.) The hours of 5AM-9AM were the best part of my day.

But even though I LOVED working on my site and for months I had been earning more on Katie’s Bliss then I was at my “real job” — it was still very hard for me to consider resigning. There’s a stigma with bloggers that the moment one achieves a little success, they just up and quit their job leaving their planned career behind. Being labeled with that stereotype caused me a lot of stress and anxiety. I had gone to college, graduated with a bachelor’s degree and was working at a reputable company– I was really going to quit to work on my website?

But you still did it? 

Yes, I did and I unapologetically haven’t looked back. The last nine months of my life have honestly been some of (if not) the best of my life. The second I gave my notice I felt like the weight of the world had been lifted off my shoulders. I had been fighting my feelings for so long– not letting myself give in to that fact that the career path I’d set for myself as a college student wasn’t what I wanted anymore.

I’ve come to realize all of the judgement I imagined was really just self-imposed. Guys, I was the only one holding myself back. With the encouragement of everyone in my life, (and I mean literally everyone– Nick, my entire family, coworkers and friends) I finally made a decision that was in the best interest of my happiness and health– the one that had been staring at me in the face for months. I’m thrilled that I can now say I finally feel like I’m living my truth.

Considering taking a leap of faith?

While I would never encourage anyone to quit a job impulsively (obviously we all have bills and responsibilities ) — I wanted to share some positive motivation for any of you who may be feeling stuck in a rut or disillusioned by your career path. Life begins when you leave your comfort zone and sometimes all you need is a little push to give you the confidence to take a leap of faith. Remember: you are capable of so much more than you think.

- Katie

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Why I Quit My Public Relations Job

Why I Quit My Public Relations JobEarlier this month I revealed in a long overdue personal update that I had resigned from my full time public relations job last spring. It took me a really long time to work up the courage to share my news publicly. I wasn’t sure how people would react to my decision and was truly surprised by the overwhelming positive feedback. It was incredibly comforting to know many of you had been through similar situations and that I wasn’t alone. It made writing today’s post a little less scary. THANK YOU!

For those not familiar with my career journey here’s some background… Shortly after graduating in August 2012 I moved to New York where I landed a public relations assistant job at a respected luxury fashion and beauty PR agency. At the time I remember feeling overwhelming anxiety about not being able to find a job so when I got the offer I honestly felt like I’d hit the jackpot.

Fast forward four years– I’d moved on from my first two jobs, been promoted and had taken on more senior responsibility at my latest role. On the surface it looked like everything was going as planned– and it was! I feel very blessed to have had positive experiences at all of my jobs. The public relations industry is cutthroat and if you aren’t proactive it’s very easy to get lost in the shuffle, never find a mentor or receive a deserved promotion. I’m lucky enough to have navigated the ladder and worked alongside some incredibly smart and talented publicists– many of whom I still keep in touch with and call close friends. Looking back I wouldn’t have made any different decisions.

So why did you quit your job?

For the first time since beginning my career I began dreading going to the office everyday. Even at my first job as an assistant I never had this feeling. No matter how mind-numbing or anxiety-inducing the work, I still found motivation knowing everything I did contributed to a greater goal. Those first few years I remember feeling elated when I’d complete a tough project in half the amount of time given or after getting glowing praise on a PR plan I had drafted. During those times I thought, wow I love my job. Looking back I wonder if I just loved the validation of knowing I was good at what I did, and not the actual work itself. Fast-forward to January 2016 and everything had shifted.

While I was making advances in my career, I didn’t feel fulfilled. Pitching and securing a major print story for a client in a top womens’ magazine (something I used to dream about accomplishing) didn’t even make me feel proud. I no longer enjoyed what I was doing and still felt empty even after getting positive feedback. I found myself stressing more and more about real life issues like the quality and cost of my health insurance, my biological clock, the long office hours and travel required of a publicist and my 401k. I saw my boyfriend and many of my friends making dramatic leaps and finding happiness in their careers, while also enjoying life outside the office. It was becoming increasingly clear that my chosen career didn’t necessarily align with my longterm personal goals.

I was crushed when it finally hit me that just being a great publicist wasn’t enough to keep me motivated. I would lay awake at night playing scenarios in my head and wondering if those crucial first few years of my career had been a complete waste. The entire situation made me feel ill– mentally and physically. I couldn’t eat and I couldn’t sleep. Everything I was dealing with at my job combined with the other crappy things that happened in early 2016, culminated in me feeling like a total failure.

Did you try looking for another job? 

Yep! In March I started networking and putting out feelers to all my friends at other agencies and recruiters I’d worked with in the past. I knew this time around I had to be very strategic because the last thing I wanted was to land in another situation where I was unhappy. I ended up interviewing for a handful of promising roles where I would’ve been working on global beauty brands.

Out of them all, I decided to pursue only one at a larger reputable PR agency. The job checked all my boxes, but after three rounds of in-person interviews I just couldn’t see myself going through with it. I had a gut feeling it was a huge mistake. My heart wasn’t in it.

Another blogger quitting their full time job to blog? How original. 

April is when I began to finally consider the most obvious solution– work for myself full time. To be honest, if it wasn’t for blogging I don’t know how I would’ve gotten through those first few months last year. It was the only thing that made me happy and could distract me from stressing about work. I had to wake up very early to keep up with my blog (I’m talking 5AM or earlier) because being productive after a 10 hour day at my PR job was basically impossible. I was always coming home in a negative head space (or tears– that happened more than a few times.) The hours of 5AM-9AM were the best part of my day.

But even though I LOVED working on my site and for months I had been earning more on Katie’s Bliss then I was at my “real job” — it was still very hard for me to consider resigning. There’s a stigma with bloggers that the moment one achieves a little success, they just up and quit their job leaving their planned career behind. Being labeled with that stereotype caused me a lot of stress and anxiety. I had gone to college, graduated with a bachelor’s degree and was working at a reputable company– I was really going to quit to work on my website?

But you still did it? 

Yes, I did and I unapologetically haven’t looked back. The last nine months of my life have honestly been some of (if not) the best of my life. The second I gave my notice I felt like the weight of the world had been lifted off my shoulders. I had been fighting my feelings for so long– not letting myself give in to that fact that the career path I’d set for myself as a college student wasn’t what I wanted anymore.

I’ve come to realize all of the judgement I imagined was really just self-imposed. Guys, I was the only one holding myself back. With the encouragement of everyone in my life, (and I mean literally everyone– Nick, my entire family, coworkers and friends) I finally made a decision that was in the best interest of my happiness and health– the one that had been staring at me in the face for months. I’m thrilled that I can now say I finally feel like I’m living my truth.

Considering taking a leap of faith?

While I would never encourage anyone to quit a job impulsively (obviously we all have bills and responsibilities ) — I wanted to share some positive motivation for any of you who may be feeling stuck in a rut or disillusioned by your career path. Life begins when you leave your comfort zone and sometimes all you need is a little push to give you the confidence to take a leap of faith. Remember: you are capable of so much more than you think.

Comments

  1. Amanda Howard says

    Great post Katie! Thanks for being so open and honest, so glad you did what was best for you! Love this blog and especially posts like this!

    Reply

  2. Emily says

    ahhh Katie I think that’s so awesome! I had no idea, I thought you were still in PR until now. I’m actually a senior in college so I am in that weird in between and trying to figure everything out! I would love to do blogging fully time some day, but ironically enough, I haven’t been able to as much as I would like because of school! Keep up the good work and have fun! <33

    Reply

    • Katie says

      Thanks Emily! I’m so glad to be full-time blogging now, however I don’t think I could’ve gotten to where I am now without working my full-time job first. I learned a lot from working in PR and looking back wouldn’t change a thing. Good luck! xo

      Reply

  4. Lynne says

    Great video and post! I worked in IT for several Fortune 500 companies for the first 20 years of my career. I believe it’s a beneficial way to start a post-college future.

    After that, jump ship, take what you’ve experienced (in 2 years or 20 years!!) and create YOU! Sometimes, as in my case, the next job is fulltime MOM! That involved multi-tasking, patience and faith. At the same time, since PCs were so easy to use at home, I was able to freelance.

    Keep inspiring!

    Reply

  5. Lisa says

    My daughter is a recent graduate with a degree in PR. She moved to Nashville and is looking for a job. Do you have any advise for landing that first job?

    Reply

  6. Miranda says

    Katie,
    What a wonderful post and video (very well done!). I obviously don’t personally know you – though I have been reading for years so feel like I do! This post was so powerful and so relatable to me. Thank you so much for sharing, would love to see many posts like this in the future.

    Can’t wait to see what is in store for you this year!

    xx
    Miranda

    Reply

    • Katie says

      Hi Miranda,

      So happy to hear you found the post relatable! I definitely plan on doing more personal and advice-type posts in the future 🙂 Thank you so much for the support and following along! xo

      Reply

  7. Brittany says

    You have to follow your heart! I know how challenging it had to be to let go of something you worked so hard for. However, you should be incredibly proud of what you built while working full time! I know many people don’t think of blogging as full time career, however I just don’t understand that! Aren’t we all just looking for something to be fulfilling while bringing home a paycheck we can live off of?

    Reply

    • Katie says

      Thanks Britany! It’s so true and I couldn’t agree more with your comment. I plan on writing about what my new routine working for myself– 0t’s a lot more work than people think! xo

      Reply

  8. KP says

    Great post Katie! I’m going through a similar situation and it feels great to see someone else who is thinking the same way — why am I doing something that I am not passionate about?! I wish you all of the best

    Reply

  9. Maddy says

    I absolutely love this post! I’m so glad you did what’s best for you. I’m currently in college and running a fashion blog on the side. My blog is my greatest passion and I’d love to make a career of it! Not saying I’m going to quit college or anything, it’s just great to see that it’s possible for a passion to become a career!

    Reply

    • Katie says

      Thanks Maddy! Definitely use all the free time you have now in school to work on building your blog– that’s what I did and it was the best decision!

      Reply

  10. Jessica says

    Thank you! I know why I’ve been depressed for so long too. Having a job that sucks the life out of you is exhausting. I get home everyday and the first thing I do is worry about how I am going to dread tomorrow. You inspire me to make a change. I just need to figure out how 🙂

    Reply

    • Katie says

      Hey sometimes the hardest part is realizing exactly what it is that’s making you unhappy. Now that you know you can take steps to making a change. Best of luck!!!

      Reply

  11. Anastasia says

    I think you’ve accomplished a lot they say we have to go through a lot of jobs before we find one we actually enjoy and feel fulfilled (paying our dues).

    I took public relations in college as well I graduated in 2014 and was never able to find work in the field like you said it’s very cut throat and employers have high expectations and can choose whoever they want. It makes it very difficult to find that entry level job especially with no connections. I’ve decided to go back to school and pursue a different field that has better job prospects.

    Great post!

    Reply

  12. Franziska says

    Oh such a wonderful post, Katie! This is such a tough and scary decision to make and taking that leap of faith takes so much strength! Such an encouraging story! Thank you for sharing! ❤️

    Reply

  13. Andrea says

    This is the first time I’ve seen your website, and now I absolutely loved it. Sml for this post ❤ Thank you for the inspiration, Katie! I really admire your courage to quit your job just for your happiness. Good luck!

    Reply

  14. Sarah Borg Barthet says

    I just came across your blog and this post online and I can relate 100%. I worked my way up to what I thought was my dream job, only to realise I don’t like it at all. It too caused me anxiety and stress which took its toll on my body. Earlier this year I decided to do something different, realising that I had a lot of travel and fashion material to work with – something that my job in finance allowed me to have – I decided to start a blog focused on luxury travel and the clothes that come along with me. I haven’t been able to quit my ‘real’ job just yet, but just having the blog on the side as a little side project for now has made me so much happier. Knowing that I now know what I want to do has made the anxiety has drop so much. Thanks for sharing your story xx

    Reply

  15. rooman says

    i left my 13 years job which i wanted to leave from day one but got stuck in it to support my family. i quit it relying on savings for a year or so. did i do it right?

    Reply

  16. Jen says

    Very great advise, I am ready to get out of my own PR career after eight years. But how can you leave? How did you pay your bills? I can’t just leave and not have a new plan. I’m really struggling to figure out what to do next.

    Reply

  17. Morgan says

    Three years later and this post is still inspiring! This is the first time I’ve come across your blog after searching for career answers on my own, and I’m so glad I found this. I felt like I was reading about myself in your post! I took what I thought was a dream job about 6 months ago, and as of about a month ago, I noticed a huge difference in how I felt and just haven’t been as motivated or passionate about much lately (not like me at all!). It’s obviously not ideal to feel this way so soon into a new position, but seeing your post gave me some hope and reassurance! So, thank you!

    Reply

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