One of the best decisions I’ve ever made (next to marrying my dream girl) was investing in myself by enrolling in Capilano University’s Interactive Design program in 2009.
The previous year I felt I had no direction; I didn’t know what I wanted to do professionally, I wondered what my purpose was, and I simply felt lost. Long story short: I found the program, enrolled, and moved to Vancouver, BC. After two years of studying New Media, Web Design & Development, Technology and the Internet I finally had a direction; I acquired a new skill and the passion to run with it. I was inspired.
Since then I’ve discovered the incredible opportunities that Web Design & Development has opened up for me; I began working after my first year of school, and since then have had the opportunity to work with businesses both large & small, start-ups, individuals, and professionals from many walks of life.
Which brings me to right now.
I quit my job.
Well, there’s a lot more to it than that, but it sounds more dramatic saying it that way.
I’ll give you a little more detail. Last year, my wife and I moved to Calgary and I found an amazing job with a company called Sajak & Farki. I loved it. It was a dream job; I’ve never experienced anything like it before. The people were diverse and exciting, we shared similar passions and opinions, the atmosphere was relaxed, the work was amazing, the creativity was inspiring, there was fresh espresso, foosball championships, and teamwork. So why did I leave? What was wrong? Nothing was wrong. The experience was amazing, and I’m eternally grateful for the opportunity I was given. I didn’t storm out and say “I quit!”, rather, I realized that this opportunity was a step in the direction of me achieving my dream, and it was time for me to move on.
“What is your dream?” You may ask.
To work for myself. To journey and flourish as a one-man business. To be location independent. To explore and enjoy freedom in a way I’ve never experienced before. To experience new cultures, to travel, to be minimalist, and most importantly: to spend more of my time with my wife, my family, & my friends.
To live simply and meaningfully. Vivir con sencillez.
Being self-employed and working from home isn’t for everybody. There are pressures that come along with this journey; there is less financial “stability” (meaning you don’t get the same paycheque once a month), there is a risk of failing, and you’re responsible for you’re own outcome. In truth, there are risks involved with any direction you may choose in life. But is that going to stop you from doing what you love?
It’s not going to stop me.
I’m okay with the risk & responsibility because the potential benefit of choosing this path far outweighs the risk. I value my time and freedom over “financial stability”. I’m passionate, I’m curious, and I’m determined to make this work, because it’s what I love, and I wholeheartedly believe if you do what you love and love what you do, it will work out for you.