I feel you all the way. I've been working for the last 6 years at a place that was my passion at one point but as I grew older (more mature) my passions realigned. Now I seriously want to move more firmly into my one true passion (graphic design). I've been doing graphic design since I was in the 6th grade and even earlier and that has always been a part of me. The problem is exactly what you stated though, It's scary as hell making that move. I'm taking uber baby steps. Pay Checks take precedence. To top that off the place where I work now is struggling and unstable but the world is much colder. I'm glad I found others like yourself to motivate me. I am pushing harder now and I just pray that I don't fall off.
Fredric
· 2 years ago
good stuff. i checked your website. i am professional programmer. we should talk.
UMO
· 2 years ago
i am very envious of you Fredric. My goals is to jump off the corporate ladder in 6 months or so and focus 100% on growing my business.I figure if I dont do it now it will never happen. in the grand scheme of things it's riskier for me to stay where I am now then to be completely happy doin my own thing.
AroundHarlem.com
· 2 years ago
Twice in my life I've experienced what you are talking about.
The first time was when I was about 23 years old and had been at a company almost a year. I hated it. I was in an industry where I would read about new tech changes month by month and the company I was with was still using stuff from years ago.
I got so frustrated that I quit to freelance. At the time, no one understood, and I got a lot of flack for it.
It was the best decision that I ever made.
Years later when people ask for advice, I always tell them to risk it all for your dreams so that you won't have any regret when you're older.
The biggest motivating factor for me was my father's death. On his death bed, he talked about all of the things he wished he had done.
Currently, I'm going through the experience again in trying to build my online magazine. There are naysayers and times are lean, but I'd be too disappointed if I didn't commit 100% to the idea. I don't want to have any regrets and walk around saying "if only I had....."
Stay committed and focused and you'll get more out of your career than you've ever imagined.
ETS
· 2 years ago
This was very encouraging Fred. I have been in a process of self-examination and I need to make some decisions. Quick.
blacksmythe
· 2 years ago
Along with this blog...keep a journal of your experiences. Should be very valuable for you and your progeny down the line.
Speaking of which...i need you to do me a favor and answer answer a question for me.
Fredric
· 2 years ago
that's an excellent idea dr. spence. do you mind if we borrow it from time to time, walls of wisdom?
Martin Lindsey
· 2 years ago
Way to go fredric and everybody else who is making or has made that move. That's why I'm back in school full time in Computer Science and Software Engineering. Regular corporate engineering never did it for me and I've been looking for the right thing ever since I left industry 4 or 5 years ago.
Now I'm getting my coding/artistic jones on which I should have done more than ten years ago. Well, like one of my old bank customers told me one day, "It's never too late." That was an affirming comment for me just a couple of months ago.
You hit a positive nerve on this one fredric, specifically, the dream vein!!! Keep on movin' people. Keep on movin'!
David McQueen
· 2 years ago
Well my friend I commend you. Having taken the jump twice myself (learnt a lot of lessons from the first time round) I could only really do what my passion really is. Really focusing on what it is you want to do and how you want to contribute.
Always enjoying the journey with the end game in mind!!! (Hope you and the good lady are fine!)
Anjuan
· 2 years ago
Fredric, Congratulations on taking a chance on your dream. I work for a large consulting company, and I have many of the feelings you described. I don't know if I'm reaching my full potential, but a steady and hefty paycheck gives me a nice feeling of stability. There have been times in my life where quitting to pursue my dreams would have been the worst possible mistake. However, I am getting close to the point where it makes sense to take a chance on my heart instead of staying on the plantation.
DJ Playlists
· 11 months ago
This is very inspirational. Good on you. I don't know if I have the courage to follow your lead, but maybe I will
All Comments
The first time was when I was about 23 years old and had been at a company almost a year. I hated it. I was in an industry where I would read about new tech changes month by month and the company I was with was still using stuff from years ago.
I got so frustrated that I quit to freelance. At the time, no one understood, and I got a lot of flack for it.
It was the best decision that I ever made.
Years later when people ask for advice, I always tell them to risk it all for your dreams so that you won't have any regret when you're older.
The biggest motivating factor for me was my father's death. On his death bed, he talked about all of the things he wished he had done.
Currently, I'm going through the experience again in trying to build my online magazine. There are naysayers and times are lean, but I'd be too disappointed if I didn't commit 100% to the idea. I don't want to have any regrets and walk around saying "if only I had....."
Stay committed and focused and you'll get more out of your career than you've ever imagined.
Speaking of which...i need you to do me a favor and answer answer a question for me.
Now I'm getting my coding/artistic jones on which I should have done more than ten years ago. Well, like one of my old bank customers told me one day, "It's never too late." That was an affirming comment for me just a couple of months ago.
You hit a positive nerve on this one fredric, specifically, the dream vein!!! Keep on movin' people. Keep on movin'!
Always enjoying the journey with the end game in mind!!!
(Hope you and the good lady are fine!)
Congratulations on taking a chance on your dream. I work for a large consulting company, and I have many of the feelings you described. I don't know if I'm reaching my full potential, but a steady and hefty paycheck gives me a nice feeling of stability. There have been times in my life where quitting to pursue my dreams would have been the worst possible mistake. However, I am getting close to the point where it makes sense to take a chance on my heart instead of staying on the plantation.