Nearly 3 months ago I was the casualty of a haphazard layoff. It was my second layoff in two years. In the past I have seen other bloggers leave detailed sob stories with waves of moral support (via comments) to follow. I had a different agenda. Instead of write about the amazing things I was going to do… I put my nose to the grindstone, took action, persevered, and now that I am finally settled into my new life I wanted to share exactly where I am, how I got there, and what it means to you.
Layoff #1
The first layoff was in the heart of the ‘recession’ when myself and 1000 of my closest friends helped improve the bottom line of Budget Truck Rental’s quarterly statement (and stock) by getting the boot. I was thrilled because I couldn’t stand the job, my wife… a little less enthusiastic.
I took action. Immediately following the layoff I applied to over 60 jobs in the first month, had 8 interviews, 4 second interviews, 3 official offers (on the same day), and took 1 job.
Layoff #2
There is one significant difference between the first layoff and the second. My aim.
I made a decision as I walked out the door on that sunny day in March:
No more “day job”… ever.
If Tim Ferriss and Gary Vaynerchuk could do it… so could I. I was going to practice what they preach and live the life I always wanted. A life filled with fun, family, passion, and perseverance.
I absolutely thrive under pressure, and now I had the chance to prove it. So, in a radically different mindset following the layoff I applied to ZERO jobs in the first month, had ZERO interviews, ZERO second interviews, ZERO official offers, and took ZERO jobs.
Instead, I started my own company, hired my first employee, paid off all my bills, got in shape (free time is a wonderful thing), and met Joey Santley who has invariably taken my world and turned it on it’s head. (More on that soon!)
Sure, in an ideal situation I would work the day job, get the ducks in a row, make sure everything was perfect, possibly even generate a substantial amount of revenue, and test the water before jumping ship.
That is not the hand I was dealt.
Looking back now I can’t imagine living another second doing something that I don’t love. If you have the slightest pang of doubt about where your life is going, if you wonder if you are on the right track, or if you are ready to leap, but have not- contact me. I would love to hear your story, and help any way I can.
Awesome post. I can relate to everything you say. I, too, am a fan of Vaynerchuck and Ferris and want to practice what they preach. Problem is, I’m operating in that “ideal situation” you mention. I think you did it the right way. I’m currently working a corporate day job while trying to do a start-up on the side. I find maybe an hour or so in the early mornings or late nights to work on my business. It’s so friggin hard! I wish I could find more time in the day to focus on the business idea that consumes me. The good thing is this… I’m moving forward… and that’s something.
Keep up the great content. It’s a great source of inspiration.