Fishing For a Living - I'm Going All In!
Ashley Rae ??
SheLovesToFish.com ?? Full-time Fishing Writer, Video/Content Creator. Multispecies Fishing & Travel??
I’m often asked about what I do for a living. My answer has recently and unexpectedly changed.
Over the past several years, I’ve worked full-time and ran my own freelance fishing-focused business on the side. This has meant I went to work Monday-to-Friday, then after work, on weekends, and even on my lunch break, I worked on my own projects. I used any holidays I had to work. My business consists of a variety of activities; writing, creating videos, social media campaigns, partnerships, public speaking, hosting events, a bit of guiding, and more.
To be honest, I had been burning the candle at both ends for a few years. I wasn't sleeping much or taking the best care of myself. I’m not complaining as I love what I do. I’m grateful for every single opportunity. I enjoy every aspect from the fishing (of course), to writing proposals, phone conferences, emails, planning, late night video editing & everything in between. Many of these skills I’ve taken the time to learn myself.
Although my fishing projects kept me very busy, I felt comfortable working full-time too. I had goals in life: financial stability, buying a house, vehicles, a boat, owning a dog. I didn’t want to struggle financially as I’ve been there in the past. I work hard for what I have and I pay my own way. I’m so grateful for the support and encouragement from Eric, my family, friends, and the companies that support my dreams. I took on a lot with this crazy schedule but always knew where my next paycheck was coming from… This was up until recently when I lost my full-time job as the company I worked for lost business due to the pandemic. This was a huge change in my life and I’ve been adapting. I also lost projects due to the pandemic with the travel restrictions as well.
I’m grateful that a few projects have come to fruition recently and as a result, I decided to take the BIG leap to becoming fully self-employed! To be fully immersed in what I love to do. The timing was certainly unexpected. It’s exciting yet terrifying. I don’t know where my next paycheck will come from. I don’t know what the future holds. But I’m going to give it my absolute all. Here’s hoping it all works out!
Thank you for reading,
Ashley Rae
The only things that count are the ones that make us happy and you sure look happy you are an inspiration to anyone that wants to follow a dream and should you never know how life is going to turn out unless you take those chances
Packaging Specialist/Sales at QC Industrial Solutions
4 年Bet you will do great Ashley. Wish you the best.
Founder of 10 businesses, 4 sold. Auctions, Liquidations, and more unconventional ways to build wealth. Making money can and should be fun. Follow to learn how.
4 年Cheers to taking the leap! You will look back on your decision in the future and ask yourself, "Why didn't I do this sooner?!" When you're ready, I would love to have you on The Small Business Show to share your story with other outdoor Small Business owners. Fish on!
Navy Veteran, Strategic Adviser, Speaker, Entrepreneur, Envoy
4 年Far Out !!
Sr. Technical Resource: Technology and skills information removed to comply with company policy, confidential.
4 年I have no doubt it is going to work out for you and it will likely be a decision you will cherish in the coming years. You already know the risks, you have already developed the work ethic necessary (probably got that from your family), you have a portfolio of experience, name and face recognition, you know how to deal with sponsorships, etc. You have all the pieces, just put them together, do the work, and enjoy more of the credit and financial benefit. You will do great!