Remember that time I quit my dream job and started a blog?
Oh wait. That’s happening right now.
For the last 4 years I’ve been fortunate enough to have an amazing job. One of those jobs that people say “Wow…how on Earth did you get to do that?” or “What? Your office is in a football stadium? That’s awesome!”. I honestly couldn’t have dreamt of a better opportunity.
Which is why I was rather shocked at myself 6 months ago when I announced to a group of my friends that I was going to quit my job and do something completely different. And even more so that I’m still not exactly sure what that “something completely different” is.
So yea, this may be the stupidest thing I’ve ever done. Except, obviously, for the time our family went to the outlet mall the midnight after Thanksgiving. Or the Wicker Deer Incident of ’08.
Moving on.
Sometimes the chance to make a life-changing move presents itself and you have to jump on it. So I’m jumping. I’m afraid that if I don’t do it now, I may never do it, and that’s something I’m even more afraid of. Sure, a few people think I’m crazy. But I think I’d be crazy not to. Staying where I am may seem safe for now, but I’d argue that it’s ultimately the riskiest option of them all.
As I think about where I want to be 3 years from now, all I know for sure is that my current path isn’t going to get me there.
So about 3 weeks ago I announced my intention to leave the company. Due to the nature of my job, I agreed to stay until the end of December to allow enough time to hire & train my replacement.
What’s Next?
That’s a great question, and I wish I had a more clear answer. Luckily now I have 6 months to figure it out. I know that I’d like to do a little bit of traveling and more writing. And of course checking things off my bucket list. This site will be a big part of that. I have a few business ideas that I’ll be working on, but we’ll just have to see which way the wind blows I guess.
Two questions…
1- Am I an idiot?
2- When’s the last time you “jumped”?
Bo, love it! You are doing the absolutely RIGHT thing in your life and I fully believe you will be able to realize your dreams of freedom and independence! Sure, it’ll be scary, ambiguous, and challenging, but that’s also the fun part of trying something new out … especially when it comes to your own life.
And, I especially love it when people think I’m crazy! You know why? It validates the fact that society is all about not straying from the status quo and if you venture off the well-worn path, you’re deemed as insane. It just pumps me up to show them who’s really insane: those that sit around in their dead-end jobs planning their next vacation or counting down the minutes until quittin’ time, or those who are their own person, doing their own thing, and fully experiencing what it means to live a full and happy life.
We are the only ones responsible for our own happiness. Why not do something about it?
Exactly. Thanks Nina…can’t wait to see your new site launch!
Congratulations Bo. I did this myself in february ’09. Has it been scary at times? Sure has. Has it been ridiculously tough at times? Sure has. Has it been worth every single minute? Sure has. I’ve loved every minute of starting my company and I wouldn’t change it for a minute. I’m really proud of what I’ve done and my heart tells me I’ve done the right thing. So congrats to you and I wish you the best. If I can ever help you, please let me know how.
Bo,
I still stand by everything I said to you when you 1st told me you were quitting. THIS is the time to do it. NOW, when you’re young, unencumbered and not too terribly afraid to make a huge change. Kinda sounds like all of us commentors agree…You’ve made the right decision and while it may seems crazy to others and even scary to you; you will grow immeasurably from this!
Bo, this is the coolest… I’ve got life jealousy! Two things: Four months ago, I was “pushed”… but God has shown me that life is about embracing the fall… from a leap, a jump or a push. Also, my dad used to say, “You may not get rich, but you’ll be greatly enriched.” He was sailor, too. Praying for your adventure!
Love it. Thanks Sally!
Hey! Just thought I’d tell you that I was reading your blog…hahaha! It’s good!
#1 I love your blog.
#2 I’m still thinking the whole office in the stadium thing is totally awesome.
#3 I haven’t graduated from school, but I’m already wanting to take leaps and be adventurous, risky, and make irrational decisions. Ahh being young is wonderful..haha. SOO go for it!!
Great Blog! I’m proud of you man! You’re very inspirational and the sky’s the limit. Best of luck to you, I know you’ll figure it all out in time.
So you left your steady paycheck and means to save up enough money to travel the world… without another steady paycheck ready to go?
idiot is a nice word for what you did:)
you know i am kidding – can’t wait to go home and read the rest of your site!
stuck at work,
TG
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