Last month I made another relatively crazy decision—I got a part time job! I call it “crazy” because, as you may have guessed, my full-time job and travel schedule don’t leave me with a ton of free time as is, and I’m technically living between two cities right now.
But, crazy or not, I’m officially a bridal (and bridesmaid) stylist!
Logistical craziness aside, this has been one of the best decisions I’ve made all year! While I’ve basically killed any chances for a robust social life, I’m feeling really good about my choice to take on even more. Here’s a little more about my experience with my new part-time job!
Why’d you get a part time job?
Y’ALL…wedding planning!
At the start of the year, I had no idea how expensive weddings could be. Of course, I’d heard statistics about the national average and, in what I now understand to have been a combination of ignorance and judgement, I’d rolled my eyes. Who would ever pay tens of thousands of dollars to get married?!
Needless to say, planning my own wedding has been a reality check!
Is this seriously the price of wedding veils?!
They want how much for flowers?!
There’s an up-charge for those chairs?!
WHEW!
And while the planning process has definitely required a shift in our (mostly my) expectations for our big day—unfortunately, there won’t be a KimYe style fresh flower wall—we’ve had to reckon with the cost of wanting to celebrate our union with 100+ family members and friends. And we’re committing to pulling it off without going further—student loans, y’all—into debt!
In short: my fiancé and I both looked into and secured part–time jobs this Fall! With our eyes set on the financial health of our marriage, we’re doing the most now in preparation for our lives together.
Why bridal?
I’ve never had any particular interest in fashion or the wedding industry before I started the daunting process of finding my own wedding dress. Overnight I learned to speak to different silhouettes, stylistic components, seasonal trends, and bridal designers with ease! And, even after saying “yes” to my own dress in September, I couldn’t quite shake my interest. So when I started searching for part-time jobs, bridal boutiques seemed like the most logical option!
Beyond that, working with brides has (99% of the time) been filled with joy, happiness, and incredible excitement. As a stylist, I help women find dresses and accessories that make them feel as beautiful and confident as possible on their big day! Brides-to-be from all walks of life come into the salon in preparation for one of the happiest days of their lives—and I love that I get to be a part of it!
*Note: that employee discount is also a perk, ya feel me?
How are you managing it all?
Let me be clear: Don’t let the occasional Instagram flex fool you. I cannot, am not, and don’t want to “do it all”!
Taking on more responsibility right now is a lot and, now more than ever, it’s important that I have realistic expectations for what I can get done. This means reminding myself that…
- I can’t be at two (or three) places at once
- There will never be more than 24 hours in a day
- My relationships are my priority
- Sleep is a nonnegotiable
- Some days, I’ll have to say “no” when I really want to say “yes”
With all that said, being intentional and disciplined when it comes to how I spend my time is a must. My calendar is like my lifeline and I stick to a strict work, fitness, travel, and social schedule. And as my parents are sure to remind me, taking time to do “nothing” is a must!
As complicated as things are these days, reminding myself that I’m not being held to any deadlines or firm “deliver by” dates has made this season SO comforting. If and when things stop working or I start to feel overwhelmed, I’m free to reevaluate and step back as needed.
But until then, catch me spending my weekends with bridal fitting clips and sample dresses in hand. I’m taking each day, opportunity, and bridal appointment one at a time!
I love your why !! I wish all the best to you on your special day !!