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. You can learn more about the various projects I’ve worked on here.
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 in place.
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 stopping by my blog!
Great for you! Not all of us have that ambition! Wishing you all the best! Tight lines
Hey if you can do what you love as a job , the money wont matter . If any thing positive came out of this crazy time for you then awesome . Hoping you all the best , you’ll be fine your a smart girl . Hey from North Carolina , I’m heading to the beach in the morning to flounder fish . Keep those lines tight
good luck Ashley. I really really respect your professionalism and integrity related to fishing as a professional. These are tough times for everyone but I know that was a good plan in place and support from your family, friends and your sponsors you will do very well. Times will be Unpredictable for the foreseeable future but you’ll get through it. Keep up the great work.
Ashley, Best wishes on your leap of faith to self employment, David aka Superdad
I am so happy for you Ashley. It isn’t work if you are doing something that you love. You are a natural at sharing your knowledges and experience. It is always a great pleasure of being alongside you teaching the younger anglers what fishing is all about.
Best of luck to you Ashley you have lots of supporters. BTW would love to see you have your own TV show.