I don’t have a ton of regrets. I might stress myself out analyzing the hell out of my decisions, but once I’ve made a decision, I typically don’t look back. Why should I? What’s done is done and you need to feel like you’re moving towards something. Now, all that being said, I do think it’s important to assess your choices and determine if you’d make the same decision knowing what you know now. A close friend of mine recently reminded me that the definition of insanity is doing something differently but always getting the same outcome. Not too sure if I got it right, but it sounded cool at the time and if I’ve butchered the ‘saying’ I apologize.
Three weeks ago, I chose to become unemployed for the first time in my career. I know, I know, you hear that and you’re like ‘what the hell are you thinking?’. I can assure that my thought processes are sane and that my decision was rational…should any of you think I’m a complete nutjob. So what am I doing? I’m going to take some time off and do some of the things I’ve always wanted to do, take a few risks I’ve always wanted to take and see if I can actually go to bed without setting an alarm. I’ve had opportunities like this before, and I’ve blown them both. The first time was after business school when I could have spent 3 months traveling through Africa and Asia (I chose to start a company selling computer mice out
of my apartment in San Francisco instead). The second time was after selling the aforementioned company when I felt I had a once in a lifetime opportunity to help build a new group at Microsoft…and chose that option rather than taking some time to decompress.
So, for the third time in my life, I have the opportunity to simply live. History tends to repeat itself, and while I might be going about it differently, there is a good chance than I’m not able to relax and will feel the need to jump back into the fray immediately. And there’s certainly nothing wrong with that. But I don’t want the same outcome this time around. And what is that outcome? That a couple of months from now (or any period of time), when I’m busting my ass trying to grow a company, lead a team, drive a busness, etc, I’m looking back a tthis brillian period in my life and wondering why I didn’t take some time for myself.
Life is too short. And while taking this time off might be hard for me to pull off, I can assure you I’ll do my best to make the most of it.
Questions, Comments, Concerns? Feel free to comment below.
Good for you John – sounds like you are already decompressing – enjoy your time slated just for you.
I am proud of you for doing this! Time off helps your thought processes.
Looking forward to hearing all about your trip as you venture on. Also, as the close friend who told you about the definition of insanity… it’s doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. Have fun, be safe and keep writing!
Is this just your way of saying you need to go have happy hour. Every day? Ok I am in. Enjoy the adventure, brither.
This is fabulous John. I am happy for you and your decision. I need a shot of whatever you are drinking!
Congratulations John! Sounds like a wise decision to me ;-). Enjoy your time of introspection and adventure! I’m very happy for you.
That’s fantastic! I did that at the end of 2006 – theoretically an equally crazy time to jump out of the rat race – and I LOVED it and haven’t looked back. If you want a great guide in Patagonia, let me konw (Dittmar Adventures – David Dittmar). Hiking Patagonia was an awesome way to get off the grid, and my guide also helped us get off the beaten path within the park. Enjoy! Chill! Peace.
Congrats on having the courage to stride passionately toward the unknown and enjoy some spontaneous, unstructured play time. I have no regrets from quitting Corporate America (hopefully for good) at the end of last year. You may miss the steady paycheck but you won’t miss missing all the opportunities to live, love and learn that pass by when we don’t have the freedom to pursue our zaniest dreams! Looking very forward to hearing all about your upcoming adventures…
Thanks for all of the comments…and perspectives. Had some wi-fi challenges in Rome but am now squared away in Croatia, so posts should come more frequently.
Good for you! Enjoy Europe and if you ever need contacts or info, let me know. I have tons of thunderbird friends all over the place. Looking forward to reading your adventures. Am really enjoying my new job!
Good going John! Let me know if i can help you on the next biz venture.