I quit my engineering job to be an artist 👩🏻‍🎨

[@tofugoob]

AHHHHHHH! Is this real? Thank you for watchingggg and plz lmk if you've been on a similar journey I would love to hear about your experience ❤

[@ryanpeachturner_art]

Congrats!!! I wanna do this so bad! You're such an inspiration to me. I've been doing the KZbin thing for about seven months now. I guess my only question is, do you have any tips for growing an art channel?

[@Antisympathy]

What type of engineering did you do? I missed it if you said it already…

[@ciarabee]

Just left my job in Feb to pursue a creative career ( I have an animation degree). I graduated 3/4 years ago and finally feel ready to go for it! (Also outside factors such as rent and bills finally fell into a place where I can step off the rat race for a while). So excited for you! I have a lot more to do than you atm but cheers to the future!🫶🏼🫶🏼

[@inkmatcha]

Congratulations! I‘m on a similar journey and hope one day to do the same. Your videos keep giving me hope! Thank you for creating and sharing :)

[@mclast5130]

Same girl! I left a toxic engineering job to start a farm animal rescue (including many ducks!). 😅 I was literally slinging manure into a wheelbarrow on a sunny day and was omg this is so much better than my old job 😂 Totally relate to going from identifying as an engineer (especially as a woman) to something brand new and not necessarily technical. But adding engineering experience to a non-technical field can be sooo valuable, so I totally have faith that you are going to be just fine! ❤

[@karenfindleyart]

you go girl!!!!! im so happy for you. i quit medicine school after 5 years and now im happily studying art and freelancing + God blessed me with a husband that supports my dreams! You keep going in faith and winning!!

[@loomonda18]

I love this!!! I was in teaching for about 5 years now too, and I'm quitting too to purse a creative field !

[@ArtwithOlga]

It takes a lot of courage to quit a stable job to become an artist. I admire you. I would like to commit to being an artist fully but I am too scared. It's so difficult to get things started. I have exactly the same fears about money, health, burnout etc. Good luck with everything! I will follow your journey as your subscriber. Wishing you all the best!🥰

[@tofugoob]

Aw thank you!! Yeah the first few times I considered leaving I was way too scared, and honestly I’m glad I waited to feel more prepared! I can’t imagine having all that stress and fear in me and trying to make art. I hope you’re able to find more time for your art, it’s not easy! ❤️

[@ArtwithOlga]

@@tofugoob It's good to put away some money for later to be able to survive for at least a few months. I hope that too. Thank you for your wishes!🥰

[@studiosherlen]

me: *having existential crisis regarding working corporate for a stable paycheck or following my calling in jewelry design* tofugoob: *posted this* damn is this a sign

[@ItsVesperArt]

haha same, sort of. I got laid off in the summer from my web/software development job with the canadian gov in the summer (contract couldn't be renewed.) I spent a while looking for a new one, then thought about starting my own business, making super artsy websites. And then realized I actually just kinda wanna do art. So I've given up looking for a new job (I have enough saved to support myself for a long time, thankfully), finishing up my current freelance projects, and then going to work on an art channel + shop. By the time I run out of money, hopefully I'll be able to pay at least some of my bills. lol. It's worth it though, I hated that job. HATED IT. More the workplace than the career itself, but still, every day when I woke up, I had some sort of existential crisis. The corporate atmosphere was soul-crushing. So now, I'm gonna sculpt goobery little forest sprites and make stickers and animations. High five lady.

[@sugarshrimp]

This is the exact same journey I’ve recently found myself in 🤣🤣 here’s to hoping we both can make it! 🥹🥰

[@ItsVesperArt]

@@sugarshrimp Best of luck to you. It's worth it to at least give it a shot!

[@nicolasb.henry294]

Same here I got laid off from my tech company and then pursue my art carreer I have A LOT OF WORK to do but...I can organise my day following my needs I fix my now goals and I am working on my evolution. Is it challenging ? Yes but...Do I have to regret ? Definitely not. I feel more free and happy than ever.

[@ItsVesperArt]

@@nicolasb.henry294 I love to hear that! It makes me happy to hear the stories of other people doing what they love. You can do it. I believe in you! 🍄

[@vladimir-qt5bl]

same to a t

[@aakoliqizm192]

Honestly, seeing the title, I was a bit hesitant about what the message of this video could have been, but the second point about your art being your lowest priority struck a cord with me. I work in academia and am currently working on my PhD, and I really resonate with the fact that I earn money from my work so my research, my learning, all go down a notch in priorities. Thank you for this very cohesive and to-the-point video. I wish you the best in your career as an artist 🎉

[@tofugoob]

Thank you!! It’s definitely hard to balance passions when working a lot. Best of luck with all of your pursuits - it sounds like you’ve got lots going for you!

[@AudeKonan]

What you said about instability being the price to pay to be an artist, really resonated with me. This is so scary but in the end, I hope, worth it.

[@alabamalove24]

congratulations on pursuing your dreams of art!!! it’s so interesting that one of my other favorite youtubers, Simie Iriarte (a great creator that i recommend) just quit her job as a physical therapist to pursue her youtube channel and creative endeavors full time. it’s so inspiring seeing so many people (especially of our generation) not just settling for “status quo” career and lifestyle that is pushed so greatly in western culture. i decided to pursue my career in photography almost three years ago and it’s been challenging in many ways, but i can’t imagine how much more challenging it would have been if i hadn’t and stayed at my old (not great) job. this is so exciting to see you pursue this entrepreneurial journey, and i can’t wait to buy all your stickers as soon as they’re live! 🎉

[@khushimehta6304]

Wake up babe tofu goob just posted

[@deniseyy648]

When I initially went to college I was majoring in animal science to become a veterinarian but I got very sick and had to drop out of school. Taking time off to heal and understand what I truly wanted led me to go back to school for art. I’ve been juggling work and school for many years now but I’m happy to say I have my first art show this Friday & I’m so excited to get into my local art scene. I’m finally graduating next year too! My advice is to believe in yourself. Everyone says it but I didn’t care for that sentence until someone explained it like this- if you believe you’re going to fail, you will fail but if you believe you’re going to succeed then you will succeed. Once I learned to improve my mindset and find my inner confidence things started to get better for me. People will doubt you but you can’t let them get in your head. Good luck to you tofugoob, I’m excited for you!! I’m still trying to come up with my shop’s name but I eventually want to open up my own online shop too :)

[@michaelmccoy-z7g]

wow, this really hits home - lately I've been realizing that I wish I had given myself a chance to fail at art rather than succeeding at my 'real' job - but I'm someone who always needed that weekly paycheck - now all I can do is wait until I retire and I can finally live my dream - so I think you're right to do what you're doing - I have no doubt that you have enough common sense and energy to get through a new phase in your life - good for you! - and pickles? - well, I like the kind that come in the diner with hot dogs, and the little flat slices - dill and gerkins? - anyway, good luck on an exciting start of the rest of your life - sorry I don't know pickle names -

[@Laurapoet33]

This video came at just the right time!! I am considering quitting my job (more of a running away from a bad job situation bc it's really taking a toll on my mental health) but I've been thinking a lot about how I can prioritize my creativity during my unemployed era. I probably will go back to a full time job in a few months, but I'm excited to give myself the time to really think about what direction I want to go in with my future day job, and really make some progress on my big scary creative goals!! Congrats on this huge milestone - can't wait to see where it takes you!!

[@tofugoob]

Omg that’s so exciting!! I feel like it’s so important to take a bit of time to explore between jobs if you can. It’s scary but I’m hoping it’ll be worth it for both of us!! ❤️

[@pepostudios]

SO PROUD OF YOU!! Tbh I see so much of myself in you haha. I’m a fellow 26 year old in a STEM job (environmental consulting for me✌🏼) working on pursuing my art and KZbin dreams. I admire you so much for biting the bullet and quitting! I know I’ve definitely felt the fears you described as I’ve thought about my own next steps. This is super cheesy but it resonated with me a lot (a running theme in this video)… but I heard somebody say one time that if the worst case scenario is that you have to go back to getting a regular 9-5, then it just means that you’re already living your worst case scenario, so you might as well try doing the thing that really lights you up!

[@fremont111]

Yes, but you'll also have to explain that 6 month-year or whatever gap where you left your field, some may see that as flaky.

[@pepostudios]

@@fremont111 Yes, you’ll run that risk. But I also don’t really see it as a gap. If you’re doing what Gabi is doing, you’re literally running a business all on your own! I’ve developed sooooo many skills working on my own creative business that I know employers would find very valuable. If I was in the situation where I had to come back to a traditional job after leaving to do my own thing, I personally would seek employment with a company that sees the value in that kind of work, you know?

[@ericajsd]

i also quit my job in my late 20s to pursue a more creative life! it hasnt been easy but its always been worth it. also huge fan of pickles. good luck! excited for you!

[@lilygoht]

You are so thoughtful and caring in the way this worked out for you!! I just quit my 8-5 to work for what I'm actually passionate about (moving from car industry and customer service to sustainability programming and trivia event planning) and I'm so much happier. I hope peace and success continues to come for you!!! 🎉

[@jenny-bounmivilay]

ahhh burnout and the identity crisis when it comes to our jobs is so real 😢 would love to hear more about your artists dates good luck Gabi!

[@lifebehindthereels]

Loved the video, edits and vibe; as well as the messaging. "Chronically burnt out" is well summed up. I am in FinTech. I am also a Gen'Xr trying to finally inspire and help the "older" generation find their spark in life again. So, I finally started my YT channel, but it took me over 3+ years of procrastination and finally launched. This is way more fulfilling, and I realize how much I love it. This is my second channel, but serves a very different purpose. (Just subbed)

[@lowkeyboldknit]

I too left my engineering job of almost 5 years at the end of December 🙈 It took me 3 years to take action towards what I want to do (which is knitwear design) and 4 years to actually quit.. so this was soo relatable for me, I was struck when you said about this engineers identity that you have to drop and find out who you are without it, because that’s what I said in my last days at work 😌 it’s sometimes hard for me now because of discipline or structure not being there, being a little bit lost, but I would NOT CHANGE AT THING, it was one of the most important and expansive decisions, I’ve ever made 😊 we got this!!!

[@candylove1234]

Well done you! My dream is to have a job that allows me to be outside almost all of the time, I haven't figured out exactly how I will get there, but hopefully one day I'll be quitting corporate too!

[@Honeydoyou]

My partner feels the same way, he’s enjoyed being a cemetery grounds keeper, landscaper, and now works in irrigation

[@meninaLina]

Hearing your story was so sweet, and I’m super duper happy that you’re willing to go venture into such a seemingly scary thing all for your passion of art!! Rn I’m at a point where I’m thinking about what my future career should be while in college, and while I don’t know what that’ll be I do know that I’m glad of the choices I’ve made so far. 🧡 Good luck and I wish the best for your new journey!! 🫶

[@NatalieMeree]

Watching people be brave in a world that only values the 9-5 job is super inspiring. Thank for sharing your journey and have the greatest time opening to this new way of being

[@tammydinh]

i saw the title and immediately had to come here to say CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!! you'll go so far i just know it :,)

[@tofugoob]

:,)))) thank you tammmyyyy!! i appreciate you so much ❤️❤️❤️

[@MelMitchJackArt]

it took me a YEAR AND A HALF of waffling and eventually going part time at Apple before I left to pursue art full time. It's been almost 6 months, a wild time but this is SO worth it.

[@tofugoob]

I relate SO much!!! It took me so long but we eventually got there

[@mariebunny]

So happy for you!!! Can't wait to follow the journey ♥ Quitting my job was the best thing I ever did! It was scary at first but I feel so much more fulfilled and aligned with who I really am now, and that's way more important than anything else :)

[@letmartineze]

Glad for you! I quited my corporate job last July and honestly it was the BEST decision. I still don`t have everything figured out but hopefully I will someday

[@Taydelphia]

I love pickles and often contemplating on quitting my job and work in a different field. Recently started learning art and sketching.

[@guhitparaluman]

You are actually one of the youtubers that motivated me to start my art channel even though i feel like i wasn't ready yet since I'm to busy working as a Software Engineer. Seeing your videos made me realize, why not do both? if she can, why can't i too? Thanks for inspiring. Goodluck with your new journey, rooting for you!!! ❤❤❤

[@sugarshrimp]

I BELIEVE IN YOU!!! I did the same at 21, quit my job to be an artist. I’m now 29, and I don’t regret it, I had a little wobble last year & went back to employment and immediately knew it wasn’t for me so I guess I’m now on take 2 of having quit to be a full time artist again! And here lies your video giving me a lil “you’re on the right path” sign! Subscribed to be along for the journey 🥰🌷

[@cindyscreativeplayground]

congrats!!! it's incredible what you've done balancing 3 jobs (also I haven't seen anyone comment on this but, nba dancer?? insane!!) and I know you're gonna do amazing things as a full time artist. as an aspiring artist with a 9-5 this is all super relatable and inspiring. good luck and will be following along your journey :)

[@AlannaKingrose]

This is my dream also and you are an inspiration. Can't wait for the shop to open!!

[@loomonda18]

I'm in the transition to quite teaching rn to pursue a creative field as well!!!! We got this!! Congrats!!

[@evrimc]

GABI i am so exited for you and i am so hyped to see what the future will bring you and your youtube channel. this is SO exiting 🥰

[@tofugoob]

THANK U 😭😭😭

[@maevetravis2123]

This is so exciting!! You’ve been my biggest inspiration for a long time gabi!! ❤

[@artbymadeleiine]

this is my goal (so proud of you and happy for you!!)

[@tofugoob]

Thank you!!!

[@LinkVentiBojangles]

I love the little dill pickles, i love crunchy pickles, also you have inspired me to start gwtting serious about my own art so that someday i can quit or go part time at my job

[@BenjiSelby]

Aye congrats! It's scary to step out and chase after what feels right, but it's better than the feeling of regret and not knowing. Looking forward to seeing what's in store for you! I'm a situational pickle consumer, I won't eat a whole pickle but I like it cut into spears or wedges haha

[@lazyb3e]

When I first watched your videos, I thought it was insane that you are able to balance 3 jobs and manage to do KZbin on the side. I’ve always had this fear that being an artist might not work out for me, that I wasn’t good enough. Like as much as I want to have a stable job, I would rather live to pursue my dreams of being an artist than never trying at all and letting fear control my life. Seeing you take that leap of fate- it makes me feel encouraged to move forward and keep pursuing my art career. I look forward to watching your journey 💖

[@jessicajamieson7013]

CONGRATS im so happy for you! Cant wait to see where committing to art takes you

[@nicolasb.henry294]

I am in the same journey as you I was laid off my tech company job to pursue my artistic journey....And despite some anxiety believe it or not I am more happy than before.

[@kittuffincafe]

Thank you so much for sharing! I am in a similar spot, over 6 years at one company, I've been on my channel journey for over a year and have learned a lot, taking gradual small steps to move to my dreams! Major changes at work in the last few months solidify the truth that nothing is truly "stable" and that anything can change, so why not take a chance right? So excited for you!! I would love a q and a! Any advice on Patreon and your experience setting it up maybe? 👀 Sending all the good vibes❤ Shaina

[@melissaandreag]

Congrats on quitting your job and pursuing your dreams! ❤ I don’t really care for pickles myself.

[@KayleighMJJ]

When i read the title i thought; OMG she did it!! I think it is really brave to make this decision. At this moment, i'm not so brave. I've been struggeling with this feeling for a while now, and i just don't know what to do. I also have anxieties about money, a stable income and that i'm insecure about what the artist life can provide me. Soo yeah...a lot of doubts i have to deal with. So tips are welcome!

[@estyeffyou3289]

I quit my job back in August, but I had no backup plan in place because the job market is pretty terrible in California. Happy to see I’m not the only creative person quitting the 9-5, but you know, it’s a thing for us to take back our sanity ❤

[@thefairyafrodite617]

Congrats girl! Im so excited to see this next step in your journey! It was cool to see your transition from full time to part time with the engineering job! So inspiring!

[@Pocket-Carrot]

this is what i needed! I'm currently in the works of going to travel in a campervan, work a part-time remote job and have time to travel and fully focus on my art, but the thought of this brings me so much passion and joy, but also scares the crap out of me!!!!!!

[@midsommaryna]

I love how sincere you are about money anxiety here. This is real and very important. Also I really liked the idea of not quiting because just wanna get away from a job, but rather chase something you really want. The times that I quit were really for the sake of getting away, not really thinking how I can pull it off on my own, which taught me a lot. Your take on how art can be less prioritised in our life because it doesn't make instant money resonated with me. It's nice to hear that making money of your art can be a greater support rather than a stressor. It's so good to see that you're going in with an inner confidence, open and curious mindset of exploration how big and beautiful this can be. Wish you good luck! And thank you for creating ❤❤

[@beatrixwo]

Cheering you on in this next chapter! Hoping only good things come your way!

[@Creativelycjcraig]

I'm so proud! I started watching your channel because you were juggling three jobs. It was nice to see someone who was living the reality of working and balancing their art. I would love for you to go more in-depth about your transition and the emotions you dealt with to finally make that big decision to go for it! I’m so excited to see this next part of your journey and to continue being inspired by your life!🥰

[@BaileytheIllustrator]

DUUUDDEEE CONGRATULATIONS!!! What a freakin WIN. You are inspiration for us alllll 😍

[@hellybelle]

I’ll bet you could relatively easily get back into engineering in the future if you wanted/needed to. As far as getting your own healthcare, search your local area for a federally qualified health center (FQHC). It will likely be the most affordable place for healthcare and all of them have a sliding scale payment option for those without insurance and won’t turn anyone away for inability to pay. Many FQHCs have multiple services under one roof like primary care, mental health care, therapists, and dental services. Also, sweet pickles for a snack and sour pickles on burgers are ideal 😊

[@RonColeman-KENT]

Congratulations! This is the best possible way to live you rlife. I wish you the best. One word of advice would be to be careful of how much income you are claiming/reporting... not for potential tax issues etc but for future purchasing/credit. Doing art fairs and selling pieces etc can often present a lot of cash that we tend to just put in our pocket. Nothing wrong with that. We all do it. That being said, (speaking from experience) when it comes time to make those big purchases, house, cars etc, its much tougher to get credit/financing when you arent showing as much taxable income as what youre really making. Even though youve got plenty of money coming in to make those payments, if it isnt provable on paper, it doesnt exist in the banks eyes. Just my .02. Congratulations once again!!

[@gutsguiltgreed639]

I really admire you, you're out there living the dream most of us aren't able to - or are too scared to - chase ourselves

[@ecthelion0210]

Hi tofu goob i would love to share my story with you. I'm a 4th grade mechanical engineering student and also who try to build an another career on game industry as a game artist. I always love games it is my whole childhood i have so many great memories on different games the best part of games for me not gameplay i was always admiring the open world the concepts the characters. so thats why i always wanted to work on game industry as an artist(i didnt know there is a job called game artist that days tho lol). When i started uni i HATED it literally i was like what am i going through rn??? but the thing is keep me motivated was art in that though days. I was always dreamed about myself as an game artist and designing games and make the player feels like excited and mesmerized as much as when i was a kid. And last year, i got a chance as a game artist intern in a mobile game company. Everything was going awesome in the begining but after a 6 months i had to quit because of mobbing, unprofessionalizm etc. and went through a huge art block. I forgotten why i want this career path. This experience made me questioning my choices a lot actually but in the core reason why i want to be an game artist still make happy my inner child with making create concept arts and characters in fantastic worlds. Thats why i want to work as an artist not an engineer. Btw i almost gradute!! im going gradute in this june and super excited and also kinda nervous because as you mentioned in the video when making art become what you get money sometimes it can be hard to manage keep your motivation up. But hope that i can figure out how to solve this soon. Thanks for listening wish you best on your journey🤍❣

[@claireandclaws]

I LOVE PICKLES! 💚 Also, a massive congratulations on beginning your next chapter of your adventure.

[@osaeg6547]

love pickles!! and girl i'm finally pursuing a transfer out of my current art school to nyc🫡.. it took me 3 years of shrinking into a toxic environment to do it buttt no longer! love your videos and have been keeping up, big ups to you sis!

[@tahteescreations]

I'm so happy for you!!! I'm an art major and hearing other people's stories about how they started their journey to get to where they are makes me not have self-doubt anymore. I realized everyone's journey is different and there's not only one way to become an artistWhat I struggle with is picking only one type of art field lol

[@tenhoursbetter]

Your comments about the tradeoffs really made an impact on me. I appreciate this video. Can’t wait to see more

[@JaneVanDerKarr]

Oh my god congratulations! 🎉 I swear I say this on every video, but you are a huge inspiration to me. It's so nice to feel like I'm not alone. Rooting for you always!

[@ClumsyFaerie]

You are doing amazing! And really inspiring/motivating me! I'm also 26 and I've always wanted to be an artist but I constantly feel stuck and like I'm having an inner battle with myself about what I want and what I should be doing! And I find it so hard to do the things I should do but yet feel guilty and anxiety a out doing the things I want to do! 😂 it's so overwhelming! I've just started my youtube wanting to do studio vlogs and things too - currently building my confidence with editing and filming! 💚💚💚

[@emilywezeman]

Yay!! Congratulations 🎉! This is very inspiring. So happy for you and this next chapter!

[@emilyckohl]

The advice about imagining what my older self would say just really hit home with me 🥹 thanks for including that

[@RodrigoKormann]

Quitting a job is a tough decision but we feel so relieved...there's so much freedom on that. Because no one owns you anymore. I quit my job last year after my vacation. I had a burnout working as a motion designer for a design company (like an agency). On top of that, a couple of weeks later my relationship of many years ended. So I've been recovering myself for months. The ideal me wants to be an artist, but I'm not an artist. At least I don't feel like one. It's strange. I don't want to have a boss and give them my blood so they accomplish their dreams. But at the same time, I know that to be on my own is hard because I'll need to do everything. Well, the struggle continues. Let's see what happens. Thank you for this content. Your video production is very good! Have a great week!

[@shielanaguit4559]

I admire you Gabi. You inspire me to follow my own path as well.

[@xjadesleeps]

I think it's amazing that you're pursuing your dreams. Good luck in your journey😊.

[@Dee_Generate]

I was sort of forced out of my corporate position when the company decided my position would become obsolete. I had been working there for over 7 years and I really identified with it as part of me. I decided to just quit before my time was up because, truth be told, I was burnt out as well. It was so scary and so many emotions to process. Who am I without some job telling me who I am? I have always been an artist, but when I was younger I never pursued it seriously because “you can’t make money being an artist”. Im so glad that times have changed and now it seems like a more attainable goal. Been working at improving my art skills and see where it takes me. Sometimes the anxiety wants to creep back in, but I realize I’m working towards something I love and I’m closer to living a life that feels more authentic to me. Excited to see where your journey takes you ❤

[@GracieEmGirl]

Yay Gabi!! Congrats!!! I have no doubt you will succeed in everything and anything you do.

[@ScapePlayer]

I'd like to hope this all works out your content has motivated me as an artist and a creative and has been evolving ever since I hit the subscribe button. YOU GOT THIS TOFU GOOB

[@jenwebbcreates]

congrats!! so happy for you 🤗 I came to a lot of the same conclusions when I decided to quit my engineering job a year ago. the idea that I could always find another job if I have to is also reassuring. so funny that you released this today because the video I'm working on for this week is basically "what I've learned since I quit my job" since it will be my 1 year anniversary of quitting in a few days 😆

[@Antisympathy]

What type of engineering did you do?

[@jenwebbcreates]

@@Antisympathy software engineering. and now I'm doing freelance web design in addition to art, so in a way still using my software skills

[@Antisympathy]

@@jenwebbcreates that’s awesome! It’s good that you have skills to make use of. I wanted to learn engineering once upon a time however I heard that there was a lot of math involved and never took the steps to pursue. I’m just beginning learning skills that I want to make use of. 💯

[@brumbss]

Congrats on your bravery in this big step in your life! Your videos always inspire me and make me think ❤ If I were to quit my job, I wish I had something to go to, rather than just escaping my job! I’m not an artist so it has to be something else…

[@bellisbotanicals]

LOVE Pickles and I am also so excited for you!! I was wondering just how burned out you were handling so many different things in your life that demand your time. When I finally left my job to pursue my art business full time it was intimidating but so freeing. You are already doing so dang well. You just have more time to put into your passion now and its going to reward you even more! yay!!

[@TwoLettersStudio]

Shook!! Look at you taking big steps!!! 🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@roxanastoian1742]

This video made me so proud of you!!! I have been following for a couple of months and I have always been so proud of well you seemed to juggle everything(all your jobs and social media and also trying to make art your priority) because girl I feel like I could never!! And after all of that hard work you’re finally going to do what you love the most!! I have a good feeling about this and I know you’re going to achieve it but you’re also going to have a lot of fun whilst doing it! Unfortunately I am really far away from this step! I have waisted the last 5 years just trying to survive and also being too afraid to do what I knew was best, but this video gave me a little bit of hope that maybe I can do it too! I used to draw all the time when I was a child but got lost along the way and stopped doing it for years! Only this year I got back into it and I realised how much I missed it and how much it completes me! My plan is to get into tattooing so we will see how that goes but I’m buzzing about your journey!!🥹🫶🏻

[@tofugoob]

Aw thank you for the kind words ❤️ and that makes me happy to hear your gonna try tattooing!! You can do it :)

[@lauradutrisac3743]

ahhhh this is so exciting gabi!!!! so proud of you 🥹🥹🥹🥹💞💞💞

[@Ellaburrr]

I have always dreamed of working for myself. It makes me so happy to see another person following their dreams. My fears about pursuing my own business should not stop me from following my heart. I can't wait to see how you grow with this experience! Also, pickles are the best snack ever. Minus bread and butter pickles. Not for me. Lol ❤

[@lornawood3260]

My relish plate: sweet gherkins (small ones), baby kosher dills, green olives stuffed with pimento and/or garlic, while black olives. Yummm

[@Valecruzart]

The part where you mentioned the fear of not being covered by health insurance was so so real 😭 please, if you can, share with us your experience in that throughout future videos! Sending you love!!! I feel indifferent about pickles!!!

[@sophia_lyon]

Very proud of you and excited to see where your art journey takes you! 💜💜💜

[@MeghanHarker]

I am about to embark on the same journey! Actually leaving a job is the scariest thing.

[@tofugoob]

It’s genuinely so scary?? Good luck with what’s next for you!! ❤️

[@fantabulousjess]

Hellloooo! I LOVE pickles. I’m also a fellow engineer, creative, and gamer. I feel like my engineering job requires so much of me and I want to give myself more time to think of a new career path. Could you share more about how the conversation with your company went when switching to a part time position? Ive been working with my company for 8 years and have a good relationship with the company, but am curious on how you pivoted from full time to part time. I’ve loved watching your videos and feel like I relate to you so much. 💖Thank you for sharing your journey with us!

[@tofugoob]

Yes I can definitely chat about that in a future vid!! My biggest piece of advice is just to ask, and since you’ve been there so long and have an established relationship that should definitely help! I was very honest with them about the fact I didn’t feel like I could handle coming back full time. Best of luck if you decide to go for it!! ❤️

[@kaitlinshares]

Huge pickle fan! I would love love to quit my job to be an artist! However, it feels like having a strong social media presence is mandatory in order to ‘make it’, any advice for a borderline-millennial who never developed a posting habit? I want to make cool things but I get stuck thinking about how to share those things. Also, huge congrats to you 🎉

[@CourtneyCha0s]

Congratulations! We know you can do it. Here's to the path ahead!

[@Tamaradraws]

Congrats on taking this big step towards your art and having that faith in yourself! 👏 Good luck. Wishing you great success and fulfillment 💜 P.S. love pickles!

[@tikaepixwhom666]

I'm so happy for you! I guess this means we'll be seeing lots more from your creative side. I'm excited to see what you do next! Also, I love pickles. But only the dill kind.

[@brushandbird]

just came here to say pickles are the best. but also so excited for you! it's a wild journey - the instability is definitely one of the toughest parts, that constant unknown sometimes but if you can balance and manage it, it's totally worth it to live the life you want (:

[@bubbledabelle]

It's eerie that you upload this as I'm mentally preparing to quit my current retail job to focus on my own art career 😅 this makes me feel way less alone in this experience 🥰 well done to you for building the courage to make the next step!! I so look forward to seeing what you do with your business and it's awesome learning along the way with you with your insight and uploads 😊

[@tofugoob]

Omgggg congrats and best of luck on ur journey!! It’s so exciting ❤️ you’re definitely not alone even though this path can feel super isolating!

[@nash5262]

I’m so happy for you! Wishing you all the best ❤

[@lyatchi]

I don't typically comment under youtube videos as I am a mostly silent subscriber. However, even as a stranger on the internet, I'm just SO proud of you for taking this big step. I'm sure it wasn't easy, but like you've summarised, life really is too short... and no one wants to get stuck in a cycle of doing something that they no longer want to do. I resonate with this a lot because I studied something that was quite academic and after a pivotal change in my life where I discovered art, I was encouraged to switch careers. Here we are now... wishing you the best of luck in your art journey!!

[@tofugoob]

😭🥹 omg this message is so sweet. Thank you!! Makes me so happy to hear from other people who are choosing to make big moves too. I appreciate you so much (i tend to be a silent subscriber too hehe) ❤️❤️❤️

[@lyatchi]

@@tofugoob no problem ❤️🫶🏾 it is a big, slightly uneasy step, but at least we’re pursuing our dreams :)

[@assetragon]

waaa you're truly amazing and brave. congrats!

[@tofugoob]

Aw thank u!! ❤️🥲

[@UsagiMori]

pickles are delicious....Wishing you the best on your journey as well! I am not ready to quit my job to fully pursue art but I know I'll cross that bridge one day!

[@ChelsSpiceArt]

So happy for you! You work so hard and I know it’s going to work out for you! I’m in the same boat!

[@szonjacook]

hey ❤ i'm currently doing my civil engerneering bachelor degree, and working in the field, and i was so happy when i found your channel! Finally i found someone, who showed me i can be an engineer and have a creative-side as a woman, and it's possible to balance more things at the same time if i'd like to. you became a role model for me even after a few videos haha 😄 it was a little bittersweet to see the title, but i'm so happy for you! thank you for your videos, thanks for showing the importance of change, avoiding burnout and and your reasons to quit. good luck on your journey! ❤

[@malumias]

Great video! I love your video style :) I left you an abo and I am excited to see your journey! :)

[@destiinyy]

I just quit my job last week after working as a developer for 10+ years! I feel quite scared with lots of anxiety too but I went through a similar thought process as you before I reached this decision. I don't have a plan to be an artist but I am on a path to discovering something new about me! Excited for you, and excited to follow your journey :)

[@evavaneck1787]

Wooow, congrats on taking this step and starting for yourself!! I’ve been following you for some time, and hearing your your thoughts and seeing the progress that you make inspires me a lot! I’ve QUIT my job and I started freelancing last month. I want to discover how I can combine my freelancing and more creativity in my life this year. Please keep up the good work, keep sharing and BE YOURSELF!

[@Alex-zs3fy]

This was so flipping relatable!!! 😅 been struggling with wanting to leave my 9-5 and pursue art full time. Not quite at a point where I can leave just yet but I’m so happy you were able to!!! Hoping I get there someday too. Proud of you and best of luck!! ❤

[@tofugoob]

Aw thank u!! It took me a long time too so no shame in waiting until the time is right

[@havanarosee]

i love pickles... and congratulations! as a fellow artist who wants to pursue a career in art, i am so happy for you

[@Lili-v4c6n]

you’re so inspiring! thank you for all that you do!! so excited to see what’s to come💓💓✨

[@tofugoob]

😭 thank you!! I am so excited too :)

[@coffeegirl18]

As someone that went through the same thing as a creative person. I'm working part-time and studying Film in college part-time too. I actually at one point tried working full-time; college part-time and KZbin part-time. I don't recommend that. It was like 60 hour weeks and I barely slept. Pandemic cut my hours and the isolation gave me time to think. I'm basically good with a 30-40 hour work week anything above that and my Lupus flares which is really bad. Definitely do a Q and A, they would've helped past me.

[@MarleneVega]

I love pickles! lol ahhh you are so inspiring and I’m so proud of you! ❤

[@itsme_KdG]

I am also going through a similar journey, I can't believe the timing of this. Love following your journey and seeing where it takes you, it's been giving me the courage to try and give my artistic side a shot at a career. S/o to women who aren't afraid to follow their dreams.