At the end of an exhausting workday in San Francisco, Jordan Jones sat at her desk feeling unfulfilled and out of place in her role at a data analytics company. Regardless of having a secure job that paid $60,000 annually, something was missing. Like most 23-year-olds would, Jordan called her mom to vent. “You’re having a pity party,” Jordan’s mother told her. As someone who loves to throw all kinds of parties (yes, even the occasional pity party), she agreed. After hanging up with her mom, Packed Party—a lifestyle gifting company that creates a party in a package—was born.
From that moment on Jordan spent her time formulating plans, creating content for social media, and having plenty of doubt-filled conversations. With countless people who told her the idea had little potential, Jordan stayed consistent in her belief that her party service would be successful. She was right.
If you want a job that doesn’t exist, create it.
Regardless of losing a job and fighting against the naysayers that slammed doors in her face, Jordan carried on. She wants college women to remember this: “If you’re passionate about tacos, there is an opportunity out there that combines tacos and travel and photography—you can create those jobs. You just have to step back and see the opportunity as it is.”
Be authentic and passionate on social media.
Jordan believes that Packed Party was always more than just individual projects. She had cultivated a strong following from her keen media presence and eagerness to spread the word via news outlets. Her success is credited with speaking with a lot of confidence and fully loving the idea of celebrating every day.
You need to teach yourself to be disciplined.
It wasn’t always all confetti and party hats. Jordan explains that the most challenging aspect of leaving her stable job to pursue this business was self-discipline. If you’re looking to take a side hustle into a full-time gig, Jordan suggests writing down ten things that make you smile and five things you know you’re passionate about. Packed Party was designed without even knowing it after combining a few of her constant hobbies and interests. Figure out what habits drive you every day and identify what makes you happiest.
Have a plan. And then a back up plan.
“You need to look at all the factors when making any sort of decision about a role that you’re not in love with. Don’t ever jump jobs, and I wouldn’t recommend leaving a job without a plan. Things change and planning is key.” Jordan stresses that you need to prioritize what is important to you, but also remember the reality of a job before upending stability.