Challenging My $100K Job: The Journey to My One-Person Business
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The Struggle of a 9-to-5 Employee
For years, I found myself trapped in the cycle of a 9-to-5 job. Initially, the role excited me; it was my first position after university where I acquired new skills and formed connections. However, over time, it devolved into a disheartening experience.
I soon realized there was no escaping the grind. Each promotion meant increased responsibilities and more complex interpersonal dynamics. To understand where this path might lead, I looked at those a couple of positions ahead of me. Did I truly want to mirror their lives?
Transitioning to Entrepreneurship
Starting my own venture wasn't a walk in the park either. The most surprising aspect? Abruptly leaving behind a steady paycheck was incredibly challenging.
"A salary is a drug they give you to forget your dreams." — Noah Miller
This quote resonated deeply with me. A salary serves as a temporary relief, but it’s also highly addictive. Breaking free from the security of a regular income felt akin to overcoming a destructive habit.
During those initial months, I was consumed by thoughts of financial stability. Questions plagued my mind: Where would my next paycheck come from? How could I replicate my previous income? How long would this transition take?
The hardest part? It was a mental battle with no external triggers to escape from. Despite having contracts lined up and savings for more than two years, my mind remained restless.
Fortunately, after three months, the anxiety lessened considerably. Now, fourteen months later, although I don’t have a steady income like my former job, I’ve diversified my revenue streams. The craving for that salary still lingers, but I no longer feel compelled to surrender to it.
As Nassim Taleb wisely noted, "The three most harmful addictions are heroin, carbohydrates, and a monthly salary."
Interestingly, quitting the salary dependency sparked a shift in my other habits as well. I found myself letting go of various addictions, including:
- Pornography and masturbation
- Alcohol
The only persistent struggle is with social media and caffeine.
This shift triggered a cascade of positive changes in my life. I adopted a vegetarian diet, addressed my gut health, meticulously tracked my nutrition, and improved my sleep patterns. I also committed to a workout regimen that focused on progressive overload.
I feel healthier, more energetic, and stronger than ever. It's astounding how one major change can lead to significant improvements in many areas of life.
Reevaluating Life's Programming
From an early age, we are conditioned to follow a prescribed path. It’s not as sinister as it may sound: Go to college, land a 9-to-5 job, work for decades, switch employers occasionally, and expect a modest annual raise.
However, upon quitting my job, I realized how inadequate this arrangement was. Why not start living the life I desire now, even if on a smaller scale?
Tim Ferriss refers to this idea of "mini retirements." It’s a straightforward concept: pursue your dreams now rather than waiting until retirement. You might discover that you don’t enjoy certain activities as much as you thought.
Since establishing my one-person business, I've:
- Explored as a digital nomad in New Zealand, Southeast Asia, and soon Europe
- Immersed myself in the creator economy
What did I discover? I thrive on the combination of travel and work. Traveling solely for leisure often leaves me feeling unfulfilled; I need a purposeful endeavor to enhance the experience.
Is this lifestyle for everyone? Definitely not. But it suits me perfectly.
Confronting the Cost of Inaction
How much would it take for you to not live your life or follow your dreams? — Jimmy Car
For me, the price would have to exceed $100k before taxes. What about you?
At 28, I've observed many friends and family members settling into mediocrity. They’ve accepted:
- Average jobs
- Ordinary lifestyles
- Mediocre relationships
This notion frightens me. The most alarming aspect? Many don't even realize they are settling.
Settling is a gradual compromise of one’s goals, building over time, akin to how a river shapes a mountain—one stone at a time. Eventually, they come to recognize how far they've strayed from their aspirations, often culminating in impulsive purchases or drastic life changes.
"The happiness of most people is not ruined by great catastrophes or fatal errors but by the repetition of slowly destructive little things." — Ernest Dimnet
While I work harder and longer now, my mental health has significantly improved. During my 9-to-5 days, I frequently felt irritable and exhausted. I experienced burnout every few months and was often unwell.
Friends and family noticed the transformation in me. Initially, they remained silent, but as I embarked on this entrepreneurial journey, they began to see the changes.
I work harder now, without a doubt. Yet, I don’t feel burnt out. I haven't been sick since leaving my job. This reminds me of a quote by Viktor Frankl: "When you know your why, you can withstand any how."