Quit My Day Job

[Former_Member]

Hi all. I'm really enjoying the threads and conversations in this team. We seem to be all over the place both geographically and in our lives, btu the one thing we have in common is Etsy and out love for what we do here. I want to ask, has anyone managed to 'quit their day job' and make Etsy it? I know it takes more than just being on Etsy, probably other outlets etc, - just looking for feedback, experiences, hopes and dreams, and advice.
Anyone? Anyone? Buhler?

[Former_Member]

Hi Desiree! There are people that have made Etsy their full time job. You may want to look at this list of the biggest etsy sellers: http://www.craftcount.com/

I have found that it is easier to sell my jewelry in person. Meaning craft shows, home shows, consignment in shops, etc. This is a helpful way to go while you are building your etsy business. I have sold more jewelry in one show than I have in my entire time being on etsy. Selling anywhere on line is complicated. You have to know about photography, seo, writing descriptions, etc. There is a ton of information on this in the forums. I would suggest looking for other outlets to sell your bags, while you build your etsy business. Good luck!

[CindyBurkeOriginals]

I have a day job that I love, although it is somewhat stressful and my "office" is in the middle of a busy newsroom. Making jewelry keeps me sane. ;-)

[Former_Member]

I quit my day job over 3 yrs ago. But it wasn't because of etsy but another online venue. When it started making lots of changes not good for sellers we all started looking for other places to sell. I had a friend tell me about etsy. I will be here on etsy 3 yrs on the 23rd of this month. It has been a struggle selling much here at etsy but I am sticking with it. I think this is a very seller friendly site and I'm not giving up on it!!

[RamonaBethBags]

We - my sister and I - still have day jobs... she is ready to retire and I am hoping to get there as we both work for the state of Louisiana. We so look forward to the day when we can do our creative thing all day. Kay is the president of the Magnolia Chapter of the Humane Society and is very busy with that as well. I am looking forward to hear more stories from the team on this post...about what works and doesn't work. Oh and by the way, I work 4 10 hour days... that's how I can be on here now!

[Former_Member]

My hubby and I ran a business together for over 20 years. I had a baby at 40. When he got old enough to stay at home alone, I found it difficult to re-enter the work force. I am now 55, and given the current unemployment levels, would prefer to work at home. I live a few miles from the Late, Chrysler Auto Assembly Plant which is still currently under demolition. It is quite a site to see, since it is not only a 5 million acre undertaking, but it is also a frightening sign of the times. My husband likes freelance photography, and has taken some truly dramatic and emotional photos of the plant being torn down.

More and more and more people prefer to shop on line, so, etsy is here to stay!!

[Former_Member]

It's friday evening. I'm working on treasuries and shopping on etsy in bed, laptop computer, eating ice cream.

No, I won't grow up

[Former_Member]

I am disabled and can't work outside the home. I started my shop on etsy to try to supplement the check I get from the state. I would love to say I am making enough to live on, but that isn't the case yet. BTW, LillyPearl, I am in Louisiana too!

[ShowOffDesigns]

Interesting comments. I have no doubt it can be done because I've read those success stories as Melissa pointed out. It is encouraging to read how those people did it. I see similarities in what they tell us.

It seems to me that very few people are over-night successes, what you may call lucky. There are a lot of steps and hard work, which is why loving what you do is important.

I love being a part of the Etsy community because it has so much to offer. For now, it is in addition to the other ways we find to sell our products.

Linda