This past Tuesday, I woke up as I would any other Tuesday. I got ready for work like any other Tuesday. I went to work, met with my boss, and spoke two words that will dramatically change my life.
“I’m resigning.”
It’s funny, really. I can think of only a couple other pairs of words that have had similar impact on my life. Coincidentally, they were both spoken by Erin:
- “I do.”
- “I’m pregnant.”
Tuesday, I was the one speaking them, and I hope like hell I’m not making a huge mistake.
In around a month, I will no longer have a traditional job. I will be focusing my energy most especially on my family, with my two podcasts and side projects like Casey on Cars following behind. I do have some other things in the hopper, other than Casey on Cars, but I’m reticent to announce them before I know they’re ready.
I’m also entertaining other kinds of work. The impetus for this change is about being around for my family, so I don’t want to take on a 40 hour per week gig. However, if you need a hand with something interesting — especially if it involves either teaching or leveraging RxSwift — let me know.
Regardless, I’m super excited. My whole family is exceptionally, indescribably lucky to be able to attempt me going independent, no matter how long it lasts. I’m so excited to be able to shift the balance of my time from predominantly-work to predominantly-family. I’m so overjoyed to be able to spend time with Erin, Declan, and Mikaela.
In fact, I’m making this leap in no small part because Declan will be in school full-time in a few short years. Mikaela will follow shortly thereafter. There is no better time than now. If I can somehow make this work for the next five or so years, I’ll be overjoyed. If it goes even longer, well, I’ve hit the lottery.
Today, Myke and I released a very special episode of Analog(ue), which is focused on my decision, my thought process arriving there, and my future as an independent worker. Even if you don’t much care for Analog(ue), I’d love it if you gave this episode a shot. I’m really happy with it.
In many ways, this is the resolution of a story arc that is as old as the show. When we started this show, both Myke and I had “real” jobs. A couple episodes from now, we’ll both be independent workers.
I know that, on my death bed, I would regret not giving this a shot. I know that I would say “why did I work, rather than just trying to make it by myself”. I don’t want to make that mistake.
All in all, it’s a really odd thing. Tuesday will go down as either one of the best decisions I’ve ever made in my life, or one of the worst. Only time will tell. Sitting here now, where ignorance is Liss, I couldn’t be more excited or hopeful. I’m so pumped to be able to concentrate on all of the once-extracurriculars that I’ve wanted to get done, but haven’t been able to. With optimism pushing me forward, I can’t help but feel like this is the start of something amazing.
In my life, I’ve never been one to take risks. However, when I do, I’ve always been rewarded, regardless of the eventual outcome. The well-traveled road brings less surprise, but is paved with the regret of poorly trodden forks not taken.
I would be remiss to write this post without mentioning you. It is expressly because of the people that read this website — like you — and the people that listen to my podcasts — like you — and the people that watch my videos — like you — that I’m able to make this leap. Without you giving me your attention, my family would not be afforded this amazing opportunity.
And without the support of my family, and most especially my amazingly patient and brave wife Erin, none of this would be possible.
Sitting here now, I’m not planning a membership or Patreon or anything, but, do me a solid and keep an eye out, would you? And do be sure to use the ATP and Analog(ue) coupon codes. Or get a Relay membership. Hell, do all of the above! But more than anything else, wish me luck.