Time to talk about the F word.
Yesterday’s f word was frivolous: Healthy Frappucinos.
But today, it’s time to get more serious; today’s f word is “future.” Specifically, my future and the future of my chocolate-covered blog.
The future of Chocolate Covered Katie…
This summer, I had to make a big decision regarding the blog I’ve written for over three years. I enjoy every second of the blogging process—from writing posts to creating recipes to setting up photoshoots to interacting with readers. But keeping up a blog takes a lot of time, and as the blog has grown, so too has the time requirement. Answering the hundreds of daily questions I receive from readers could be a full-time job in itself!
I knew there’d be no way to maintain a full-time job and still focus as much passion and energy as I’d like on CCK. If I didn’t want to give up the blog completely, I would at least be forced to give it less than my full attention.
This was not ok with me. When I do something, I do it 100% or not at all. But I couldn’t imagine giving up all my passions to make room for a job where I’d be miserable. Therefore, I decided to make this blog…
My full-time job.
It seems to easy, now, to write the above statement. Just. Like. That. But the truth is my decision wasn’t just like that. It took many hours of going back and forth, writing pros-and-cons lists, and eating a copious number of chocolate bars to counter all the nervousness. There were many “cons” on the list of reasons not to keep blogging, but I realized that most of them had something to do with security. And when it comes down to it, I’d rather take a risk if there’s a possibility to be ridiculously happy.
With Robert Frost’s “Road not Taken” poem in mind, I’ve decided to not go out and look for a “real” job. Instead, I will be a full-time blogger, at Chocolate-Covered Katie.
Nothing is going to change, except that I’ll now have even more time to dream up—and experiment with—healthy dessert creations like hot chocolate fudge cinnamon rolls or chocolate pumpkin cream pie. If I have a chance to do what I love for a living, I need to take that chance. I have to take a risk and at least try!
The fact that I even have the opportunity to make this choice is all thanks to you. If you’ve ever recommended my site to a friend, shared a link, liked the Chocolate Covered Katie Facebook Page, made one of my recipes, or even simply read one of my posts, I am so incredibly grateful.
Yes, I’m scared about the future now that I’ve made my decision. But I’m also excited because of the people with whom I’ll get to interact every day: you all! (Well, you all and chocolate. I must admit to being pretty thrilled my job lets me work so closely with chocolate.) I think part of my apprehension for the future is unavoidable no matter what route I take. That’s just the nature of getting out on one’s own and defining one’s life. It’s a scary time.
I am so indebted to your support and kindness that makes it even possible for me to explore this path. I hope, if any of you are ever faced with a scary decision requiring you to take a leap of faith, that you go for it! Don’t force your passions to take a back seat to the “shoulds” and “have to”s in life, because you only stand to look back someday with regret, thinking:
“What if I’d followed my dreams???”
Wow, congratulations Katie!! That’s a big decision to make and I hope it proves to be a successful and happy one. Choosing the road less travelled is always a complicated decision, one that many people aren’t brave enough to do. Thank you for choosing to keep the blog, not only for the benefit of your readers (including me), but also for doing something you feel is ‘right’. Keep it up. There are many of us standing behind you, supporting you!
Congratulations to my favorite blogger and future (I hope) cookbook author!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We love you CCK!
Katie, I’m sitting here nearly about to cry after reading this post. I am so proud of you – that is a remarkably tough decision. I’m going through something similar as well. My biggest passions are health, fitness, and helping others, and I’ve known for years that I need to combine these things to live my ultimate, most-fulfilling life. I’ve been working a desk job for almost four years and just recently started my own home business as a health and fitness coach. I’m trying to balance the two right now without getting too overwhelmed, but doing something that excites every fiber of my being feels so… *right* (as you said in your post :), regardless of the time commitment.
I really wish you all the best in your journey. You have many loving, loyal friends and supporters, which is a priceless gift at the start of your new adventure.
Thank you so much, Jen. And I’m wishing you good luck too… I think the first step is KNOWING what you want to do and what your passions are. So many people are clueless (like I was a few years ago). So we are ahead of the game. You can’t follow your dreams if you don’t know what they are!
So considering i’m like the 4858 commenter on your post, I doubt you’ll even get to my comment, BUT, i just want to say thank you for sharing your dreams with us!! This post really helped me out today as I’m currently going through some mind-games, wondering if the path I’m on is worth the sacrifice etc, etc (just posted about it today, in fact – crazy coincidence!). Reading that you’re following your dreams, even though your not yet sure of the path (just like me) makes me feel a whole lot better in my own decision! So thank you, Katie!
Oh Allison, of COURSE I see your comment! It also makes me feel better to know I’m not the only one. We’re in this together, trying to figure out our futures. Good luck with yours!!! 🙂
Aw, this couldn’t be a more relevant post, Katie! Way to speak straight from your heart and go for your dreams. You’re an inspiration to all of us of that example 🙂 I’m going through the same thing, except I haven’t finished college yet 🙂 I badly need a job during school, but don’t want to have to lessen my blogging time as I LOVE IT. So true- my brain flows with foodie ideas each day and had I not started a blog, I’d keep all the ideas to myself! Blogging is super fun in that way and many more. I wish I could turn my blog into more of a job, but I guess that’ll come with that- as it did with you.
Good luck Katie and you’re awesome!
Phew! I was getting nervous reading this post. What would I do with out recipes like Blondie Batter Dip (how did you ever come up with that idea?! So, so good.) GOOD LUCK!!!!!! I think your decision is fantastic for you.
I can so relate to this post! I don’t have a blog, but I am also just done with college, and I have two different paths I can choose. I’ve been leaning towards the more stable, money making path until today when I read your post. Really, what is stopping me from taking a risk and going for my dreams? Thanks for being brave. It makes me feel like I can be too!
Girl, I am in a similar situation. I know that I have some questions for you.. but I don’t know where to start. Actually, that can be my question. Where do I start??
XOXO!
p.s. made your blondie dip the other day.. oh my gosh! I finished it for breakfast this morning, and I’ve already got some chickpeas soaking to make another batch.
I still need to try that one!
Definitely, ask away!
P.S. So wishing we’d been in NY at the same time!
Never ever leave!!! You have the best blog! What would I do without my daily dose of CCK???
Yay!!! You had me worried half way through this post 🙂
Congrats, Katie! I know it’s a scary decision, but your love and perseverance will get you through. In the end, it’s all about having fun and making a difference—two things you definitely do. I’m sure you will only continue to grow the blog (and yourself!) from here—I’ll be here with you all steps of the way!
Glad to hear you will be continuing your blog! Katie, I am curious, what did you study in college? What sort of job would you be interested in?
LOL I think the question is “what didn’t I study?” 😉 I need to write another post about college. I’m starting to work on it now!
I am so excited for this decision and I will always be a proud reader of your blog!
In fact, I am going right not to the oatmeal section to find something for lunch 🙂
I love your blog, Katie :). I check it every mornign while I’m eating breakfast… which is usually one of your recipes!
Lately I’ve been hooked on the banana bread in a bowl. It’s so amazing, especially with a little almond extract added in. Oh and chocolate chips of course!
I’ve never commented before, but I just wanted to say thanks for staying! I love your blog! I’m not vegan, but am working towards a life with less preservatives and just healthier all around, and I rely on your blog a lot for getting there! I’ve made several of your recipes and have liked them all! Thank you for staying, and next, I think we need a CCK cookbook!!! I would totally buy it!!!!
Aww thanks Alyssa! I’m working on the cookbook 🙂 🙂
congratulations on making such a bold decision! I think it always ends up paying off when you choose to do what you’re passionate about over the “right” thing to do. Do you already have a recipe for molten chocolate lava cake?? It’s something I’ve been dying to veganize because it used to be my absolute favorite dessert!!
So far, I have perfected a no-added-fat version. It is very good for healthy foodies who want a snack… but it’s not the version I’d serve to company (or to anyone looking for a decadent dessert as opposed to a yummy snack). I still need to work on the more-decadent version. More taste tests!!! 😉