The New Year is a time for resolutions, and for many people that resolution is to get more organized. So, this week I talk to one of the most popular Organizers on the Web: the Orgjunkie, a problogger in British Columbia, Canada who turned a hobby into a profession. Let’s see how she got there…
Who: Laura also known as Orgjunkie of Orgjunkie.com
Laura’s an organizing addict who is enjoying life one pile of clutter at a time and who loves to get others hooked along with her.
What variety of Someday Syndrome affected you the most? In what way?
That would have to be Someday My Ship Will Come In.
How did it affect the rest of your life?
Organizing is a passion of mine but I never had the courage to do something with that professionally. Instead I stayed in a job that I liked but didn’t love waiting for the world to provide me with my dreams instead of realizing them myself.
How would you describe your happiness level at that time?
I was so immersed in the working full time with two young kids at the time lifestyle that I didn’t realize just how stressed I was until I was no longer in it. I knew I wasn’t happy though because I wanted nothing more than to be able to stay at home with my kids. I was running on overdrive trying to keep it all together that I missed so much of what was going on around me.
Did the other varieties of Someday Syndrome appear in your life as well?
Oh sure. I suppose in the back of my mind I always hoped I get around to doing something professionally with my passion someday but at the time I felt my hands were tied. I didn’t have the confidence in myself or the financial stability that was necessary to make a go of it on my own.
What changed? Was it gradual or did it come as an epiphany? Perhaps a mix the two?
When I was pregnant with my third child three and a half years ago, the Company I worked for shut down and I was laid off. I was without a job, without an income and needed to pay the grocery bill. Deep in my heart I knew this was my chance. If there ever was going to be a time to start my organizing business this was it. I took the leap and started organizing professionally. The problem was it still took me outside of the home and not available for my children. Thankfully not long after though I discovered blogging and it literally changed my life and for that I’ll always be grateful.
What dream are you in the process of realizing?
Today I’m a professional blogger blogging about all things organizing related. I’m living my dream of being home with my kids while being able to pay my grocery bill at the same time.
How would you describe your happiness level now?
Most days I’m still in awe of where I’m at, that this is even a reality for me. I love my job so much and am so thankful for the blogging community that has embraced me, for without them I could never continue to do what I do. I finally believe in myself and this new found confidence has even led me to giving a presentation on blogging at the Professional Organizer’s Conference this year. Something I never thought I’d do! It really is a dream come true for me.
What advice would you give someone in the position you were in before?
Every once and awhile take time to slow down and evaluate where you are in life. What’s working, what’s not working. What internal conversation are you having with yourself that is keeping you from living courageously? Reach for something greater, create new possibility for yourself!
8 Responses to “Organizing Life: The Orgjunkie Interview”
Leave a Reply
Please join in the conversation and leave a comment - I’d love to hear from you!
var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");
document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));
I like the reflection.
Just asking what’s working and not working is a great way to get perspective.
J.D. Meier´s last blog post..The Change Frame
Alex,
Great interview as always. My favorite quote: “… waiting for the world to provide me with my dreams instead of realizing them myself.”
I’ve caught myself at that game now and then, especially concerning balancing family and work. That’s something I have to monitor all the time. My daughter may be the squeaky wheel, but it’s too easy to say “I hear you, honey, catch me later” and prioritize other things. The squeaky wheel grows up fast!
Thanks, Laura, for your insights—and happy New Year to you both!
Regards,
Kelly
Kelly´s last blog post..Chris Brogan Nailed It at 1 am
Great advice at the end there. I find that I ill go full speed for so long that I forget to make sure I am going in the right direction. It is so easy to get lost in the daily routine! Thanks for the reminder!
Jay´s last blog post..Dream and Grow Rich
That’s what working happy is all about. Yes! Doing what you are really good at and loving every minute of it.
It’s harder to put off work when you love to do it. The work is so enjoyable that it becomes like a tractor beam.
We all need to understand what we really want and reach for it. Sometimes losing a job may just be that extra push we needed to make it happen.
Karl Staib - Work Happy Now´s last blog post..Your Personality Should Explode Throughout Your Work Space
[...] too long ago one of these played a role in my life. Find out which one by reading the interview I did with Alex on his [...]
Hello!
What a great interview. Thank you for your honesty; it’s very encouraging to read about your success!
I wish you all the best.
Trixie
http://farmhomelife.blogspot.com/
Trixie´s last blog post..Menu Plan Monday
@JD
I do the what’s working/what’s not comparison all the time.
@Kelly
I admire parents for their ability to divide their attention between their own lives and the lives of their children. I realized many years ago that I enjoy being selfish and don’t want to have to make that division (even a dog requires too much split attention for me).
@Jay
I too get into a groove of working and forget sometimes what are my core goals. I have to drag my head up and look about at times to make sure that I’m still going in the direction I want to.
@Karl
Laura is a perfect example of loving work. She’s definitely an inspiration to everyone.
@Trixie
That’s one of the things I love about this interview series - people open right up and we can see how they’ve made major changes in their lives.
An inspiration as always Alex and Laura. Great interview - and I love the series. Happy New Year to you both,
Cheers
Carolyn Caldwell´s last blog post..Someday Syndrome & Someday Wishes