Jumping into the Deep End of the Pool

[ekovisions]

All,

I am at the point where I am seriously considering jumping into the deep end of the pool. That is, quitting my job. I don't have muses set up yet, and I have about $25K in the bank (no family, no mortgage) (this isn't my 401K, it's other savings). I am simply burnt out (burnt to a crisp) on my job, and don't want to go down this path any more. The problem is that my job is very time-consuming such that I have no energy left at the end of the day to get things going. Thinking a little fear, and a whole lot of time (possibly working from a cheap international location, like Thailand) would be more conducive to me setting things up, and I have enough money to keep me going for a while (especially if I move somewhere cheap). Thoughts? Of course, many people are telling me I'm crazy (most notably my mother). But I wanted to hear from people more in the "escape the rat race" mindset about the wisdom of this plan.

Thanks so much!
Kelly

[FreddyBoy]

If you are unhappy, my suggestion is get out of it. Nevermind what others will say. What counts is how you feel.

Don't be part of the millions who end up saying "I should of".

Taking time off will clear up your mind.

[ConquerLife]

It seems risky, but with careful planning you can eliminate most of the risk. For example, figure out how long you could survive in Thailand on $25k, my guess is a while. Once you plan it carefully, you'll also eliminate a great deal of the Fear involved as well.

Make no commitments, just make a plan. When the plan is complete, it will show you how easy it is to execute, and go for there.

[storm33229]

All,

I am at the point where I am seriously considering jumping into the deep end of the pool. That is, quitting my job. I don't have muses set up yet, and I have about $25K in the bank (no family, no mortgage) (this isn't my 401K, it's other savings). I am simply burnt out (burnt to a crisp) on my job, and don't want to go down this path any more. The problem is that my job is very time-consuming such that I have no energy left at the end of the day to get things going. Thinking a little fear, and a whole lot of time (possibly working from a cheap international location, like Thailand) would be more conducive to me setting things up, and I have enough money to keep me going for a while (especially if I move somewhere cheap). Thoughts? Of course, many people are telling me I'm crazy (most notably my mother). But I wanted to hear from people more in the "escape the rat race" mindset about the wisdom of this plan.

Thanks so much!
Kelly
My only suggestion is to make sure that there is water in the pool before you jump. In other words I'd work on developing some interests and muses out of those interests. This way you have direction. ;)

[padma]

Yep, if you don't have enough motivation to create something on the side while you are constantly reminded of the pain of your job, what makes you think you'll have the motivation once you quit your job?

[JFrenzel]

But,

I might add though, that pressure forces one to act. Its the common theme of feast of famine. It may be good for you. I might mitigate and do a combo of things that spread the risk out better for you. Be resourceful, know what direction you want to go.


Cheers


'Jose

[ekovisions]

Thanks all of you for your input.

I certainly have thought of muses and started trying to put them in motion, though they aren't very far along. Regarding the motivation to do work during my job, my job is such that I typically work 12-14 hour days. Not to complain, but it is hard to find the time and energy to do "extra" work on top of that. That's why I think jumping might make more sense.

Has anyone actually DONE the jumping thing? Has it worked out, or failed miserably?

Thanks!!!

[JFrenzel]

Well, I did do the jumping thing. I was making about $1500 a month a Bally Total Fitness and quit my job to start Blue Clover Landscaping, LLC. I was able to have sales of over 1million in my first year, though I am saying this not to impress you. But impress upon you how it can be done. Unfortunately, I hate the service business and am in the process of selling the company and doing something else. Don't do something you won't like cause you will eventually want to leave it also.


Hope that helps,

Cheers

Jose

[JFrenzel]

http://youtube.com/watch?v=ywuse55qU2A


Hey check this out. Really cool Story.... Hope this inspires you.


Jose

[dking]

When you decide to try to beat the odds, first make sure you can guarantee surviving the odds beating you. Jumping is good; But first look at what you could lose. It will focus you.

[jonparker83]

Has anyone actually DONE the jumping thing? Has it worked out, or failed miserably?

Hey there

I did the jump thing in December, living in the UK until the beginning of May and working on my main project.

It's not making much money yet but there is daily progress which I'm very happy with.

I'm now living in Bali, Indonesia for the next (at least) 5 months having spent the last few weeks traveling down from Bangkok through Thailand and Malaysia.

At the moment I can live comfortably for around £5-10 per day and a life of luxury would only cost £40 per day.

The main lessons I've learnt along the way would be:
- The need to be consciously aware of the transition between a job where you are paid per hour and then working for yourself (where productivity is the goal)
- Staying in England drained a lot of the money I had saved. I had no choice as my girlfriend had to continue work until the and of April, but if you do jump, then I think taking advantage of the geo-arbitrage as early as possible is a good idea.

I'll try and come up with some more for you too....

Good Luck

Jon :)

[Bizmaker1]

Even if you move, you can certainly find another job, even if it's something like a jet-ski rental worker where you can make a little but have a lot of time. This will give you much more flexibility for creating your ultimate money-maker muse. As it was stated above you have to pick something you can see yourself devoting time to. And don't forget about Elance. The people there can do more for you than you might think. I've used Elance numerous times all with success.

[JFrenzel]

Great replies by everyone!!! Its inspiring being in a forum with people whom share the same visions. I am actually on the verge of selling my existing company and pursuing what I want to do, day trading and acting. If anyone has any advice it would be much appreciated. But I agree, life is short, go dive after what you want. Not many will take that route.

Cheers

Jose

[captaink]

I always got out of jobs I did not like.

There has always been a better and often better paying opportunity opening itself up when my decision was made.

Right now, I am working on getting out on my own, but the job I have is GREAT. So I can do this while waiting for my muse to take root.

::captaink::

[ephigy]

I've been living in the deep end for a long time without a life jacket. It's been hard and stressful, but I'm still alive and now I'm learning how to swim (to keep with the metaphor). I don't advise anyone do what I did (without savings and all) but I'll tell you what I learned. I survived. It's hard on the ego, but if you have friends and you explain what you are doing and that you believe in your dream, they will help you out when times are tough. I wouldn't want to go through that period of my life again, but I know what the bottom is like and it's not that bad.

You have 25k savings, that will give you some time to get things up and running. Especially if you move somewhere inexpensive. I would go and visit before making a move, and you might not even want to make a move. Perhaps just moving to a smaller apartment, and reducing your expenses would be enough.

I think you'll do well if you allow yourself to make mistakes.

[vivek]

Tim mentions this in the book also -- to take a silence retreat through the Art of Living (www.artofliving.org). Before you can take the silence retreat, you'll need to take their level 1 course.

These techniques have been keeping me sane for quite a while now. I was pleasantly surprised to read the mention in the book.