Next weekend marks the last day I will work for someone EVER. I've been an entrepreneur for 11 years now and I've always had another job aka my "real" job. All of those jobs have provided a safety net for myself as I've been able to handle all my financial responsibilities as an adult. However, my entrepreneurial calling has taken over my existence and it's now time for me to listen to my gut.
I must walk away from the familiar table I'm accustomed to. The one where everyone knows my name...think Cheers. They memorize my food and drink order. They play my favorite song on command. Life as I know it will be different - no more going to "work." Every single day will be an opportunity to commit myself 100% to the hustle and grind of entrepreneurship.
Now, I truly understand that most people won't quit their day jobs for a hobby, interest or passion. This post is not to help persuade anyone to join my entrepreneurial revolt or boycott Corporate America. The purpose of this post is to give one the motivational push to walk away from situational circumstance in order to accept humbleness and fate, as well as embrace wisdom and courage.
2016 has the been the year of walking away from the table, especially in sports. An aging Kobe Bryant went vintage Black Mamba during his last NBA career game. Tim Duncan aka "The Big Fundamental" and Kevin Garnett aka "The Big Ticket" also said goodbye to the game they love. Future HOF quarterback Peyton Manning and one of my favorite athletes of all-time, Charles Woodson, retired from NFL play earlier this year. All of these great competitors could have played one more year in their respective sport - even Kobe. But they didn't. They were content with their legacies. They were appreciative of their journeys. They were at peace with their decisions. They were all wise enough to conceptualize that the end is here and now - this book is complete.
However, there is life after walking away from something great. Most people don't leave a good/great situation because it allows them to be vulnerable. The unknown is too much to handle and they remain the same, no matter the outcome. I like to look at it differently: in order for growth to take place, one must be vulnerable. One should invite and accept sacrifice, change, frustration and faith into one's growth process. That feeling of pure freedom and independence is an unforgettable experience.
Life can be viewed like a Las Vegas Blackjack table. At the end of the day, we're all just trying to hit 21 or come close enough to beat the dealer (LIFE) at its own game. When one is up, it's all good. When one is down, it's all bad. For this purpose, I'm going to focus on being up. It feels amazing when one is on a "hot streak." When experiencing a hot streak, it seems like nothing can stop it. The cards keep going one's way. The stacks of chips keep growing higher and higher. At this point, one can roll the dice and bet the entire house or simply walk away from the table. Business decisions must be made within split seconds. Let it ride or nah?
Unfortunately, I'm not here to make that decision for you. I'm only here to remind you that the decision must be made - win, lose or draw. I'm happy and content with my decision of not working for someone else another day in my life. I understand and accept that there is no other way to look at my situation. Ultimately, I'm betting on myself and the support system I have in place. Together, we're going to win the game of life. I have no doubts or regrets. I'm blessed and honored to be present in this exact moment. Thanks for the memories...ENTREPRENEUR OUT!