Well, I’ve done it. After five years working in the corporate world, I’ve taken my parachute and jumped. As I’ve mentioned elsewhere in this space, I got a fine sendoff from Discovery Channel folks and I’m now officially underemployed.
There have been two main reactions from others: “Hey, man, you’re living the dream!” and “Oh, God, how will you make money now?”
After a week of dealing with the transition, I can honestly say those pretty much reflect the poles of my own reaction as well.
On the one hand, I’m getting a lot done, and I’m inspired by that, and I’m excited about the many great things that lie ahead for me. And it truly is a wonderful thing, to feel like my future is once again unwritten. Add to that the amazing support and love I got from my friends and colleagues on making my departure, and it’s a great time for me.
On the other hand, I’ve never been any good at being poor. I don’t like it, and it makes me anxious.
Which means the peace of mind that was the ostensible reason behind all this is doubly threatened: (a) I’m working as hard, or harder than I ever was, and (b) if I start to panic about money, I won’t take the time I knew all along I really needed.
And there’s another factor: (c) when the hell am I going to get a good night’s sleep? I’m really concerned now that I don’t remember how to STOP GOING OUT AT NIGHT. I need to be a really big help to myself right now, and I keep getting in my own way.
I presume that won’t last forever, now that I’m focusing my attention on the issues. I’ll keep you posted.