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???”
Yay! So glad you’re sticking around (though if you’d have decided to leave, we’d all have supported you as well). I check your blog nearly every day and have made quite a few of your recipes. I love being able to make tasty foods that are also good for me.
I think I first heard of you on the oxygen magazine forum (which no longer exists). I made your Fudge Babies, and it was love at first sight…err….taste. : )
Already I can see there is an overflowing amount of support in the comments here, but… there can never be enough support, right?! Congratulations on your decision! We’re all glad to have you staying, keeping with your blog, and sharing all of your delicious dessert (and otherwise!) recipes!
I’m going through a point in my life where I’m seeing many aspects of it change… Change is scary, and most difficult decisions involve some sort of change in our lives as our result. However, change is the only constant in life… So, at the very least, know that nothing is forever and even if you discover that you’ve made a decision you regret, you can still change. However, I highly, highly doubt you will doubt this decision. You are a great inventor when it comes to recipes, and the skills you’ve listed are ones that you’ve already improved upon tremendously already. You will go far. 🙂 You love what you’re doing, and loving your job is probably one of the most, if not the most, important ways to do it well. And thank you for being so inspirational and reminding us all to strive to reach our goals, to make our dreams realities, and ultimately to make ourselves happy.
There can definitely never be something as too much support… especially since I was so terrified of posting this! Sweet comments like yours make me KNOW I made the right decision. I can’t imagine my life without talking with you all!
You go girl! I loved your blog from the very minute I was first told about it, from a friend who brought your fudge babies to a party. I’ve been hooked ever since!
I’m glad your blog’s sticking around for a while 🙂 I definitely look forward to reading your posts every day. I hope it works out for ya 🙂
If you ever need technical help, I’d be more than happy to lend a hand assuming I had the time 🙂
Oh wow, you are SO sweet! And so lucky to know tech-y stuff! Basically EVERYthing is a struggle for me, but I’m slooooowly learning. Right now I’m trying to make the sidebar look less haphazard and more professional.
Hard decision to make but if you put your mind to it..you really can do anything as my parents always tell me. Not to sound cliche but it’s true. 🙂
It’s totally always best to follow your dreams. I’m glad you decided to stick around, I love your blog. I hope everything works out for you. You never know, something great might happen.
Katie!! I am so excited for you and so glad you broke the news to the blog world. You deserve all the support and encouragement in the world. You’ve worked so hared to make CCK a fantastic blog with the most amazing-looking recipes and I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for you.
And now we’re co-workers lol. I can’t think of a co-worker I’d rather have (even if it is only virtual)!
I’m a mostly silent reader of yours, but thank goodness you have chosen to stay as I’ve just only found your blog. I can’t wait for the future of CCK!
Haha,I thought this was ALREADY your job! 😛 So I guess that shows my opinion already but still …CONGRATULATIONS! This seems so perfect for you. You’re already such a wonderful blogger with beautiful pictures,versatile recipes,and fun to read blog posts. This seems like such a great fit and I’m really happy for you that you found something you love so much and are skilled enough to do it at a professional level. I know you probably don’t need it but good luck! Thank you for bringing another bit of fun and beauty into the world 🙂
(p.s. I know that was insanely sappy but a girl (or boy 😛 ) can get a little sappy every once in a while,right? )
Awww yes of course!!!
Good luck to you! And remember, nothing is cast in stone… you can change your path any time you want to. All the best to you…