We connected with some of the most resilient folks in the community and one of the most insightful questions we had an opportunity to ask centered around whether there was ever a time they almost gave up. Highlighting some of the responses below.
Aurora Chaffee
I can actually think of multiple times in the past couple years that I’ve almost given up and gotten a basic job. Most of those times are after a big mistake or failure I encountered. At those moments, positive energy to move on and move forward seemed really hard. Working a 9-5 job was really tempting because it’s ‘safe’. Read more>>
Mariah Cox
Im not gonna lie there have been many times I’ve thought about giving up. Its hard trying to run a small business as an artist and a perfectionist. There are many times when I think, why am I not doing my business full time or even part time? Read more>>
Quinton Blanche
I believe there comes moments when pursuing a major dream where you are tested to see just how bad you really want to achieve it. I like to think that many people are three feet from gold in life. Meaning so close to their goals and dreams. However, most people quit when they are right at the tipping point. When everything changes. Read more>>
Emma Mannino
Every winter, I’ve felt the pull to give up. Retail slows down, and I’ve definitely caught myself scrolling job boards, wondering what it would be like to have something more stable. But then I remember what this business gives me—freedom. I’ve had three kids while growing Saint Tattoos, and even without a traditional maternity leave, I’ve been able to create my own schedule. Read more>>
Nikolay kibkalo
Yes, during my first year living in the United States I almost gave up. I could barely speak English, it was extremely hard to find a job or make friends, and I felt completely alone. I worked 12-hour physical shifts every day and had no idea when or if my life would start to change. Read more>>
Karen Conrad Metcalfe
I think everyone hits points in life where they’re tempted to give up. I know I’ve faced that temptation multiple times throughout my career, and I believe that’s something we all experience at some point. Read more>>
Kevin Batstone
Yes, there have been times when we both wanted to give up—whether due to financial struggles, personal challenges, lack of viewership, or other obstacles that tested the grit it takes to keep going. Read more>>
Steve Olguin
There were plenty of times Steven Olguin felt the weight of it all—moments where the exhaustion of running a nonprofit, the endless calls for help, and the uphill battle for funding made giving up feel like the only option. When you’re working tirelessly to help countless people, it’s easy for that compassion to start turning into burnout. Read more>>
Beth Smith
There have been several times that I have almost given up! I have looked for jobs numerous times in my career, thinking that I was done with this work. Ironically speaking, looking for jobs actually re-enforced my commitment to my work. The struggle that employers and candidates have in the job search is atrocious. It is my job/my duty/my calling to make it easier. Read more>>
Jessica Montoya
Yes. This year. I still feel like it sometimes. When bookings are painfully slow, it makes me want to quit and go get a minimum wage job. It makes me second guess what the heck I’m doing, and obsess over what the heck I’m NOT doing. Read more>>
