Sunday Scribblings: The Experiment

March 27th will mark the one year anniversary of the commencement of my experiment, that day I stepped away from corporate stability and dived head first into the unknown. A year later, I look back knowing that this was absolutely the right thing to do. Most of us leave college looking for the job that everyone expects them to want; 8-5, hour lunch, 401K, health insurance, set vacation. I found my spot in that world after a short break, it had nothing to do with my history and geography degrees but it was stable and fun compared to other similar options. Twelve years later, after some advancement, a healthy 401K and topping out at 4 weeks vacation, I knew that it was no longer for me. How could I see the world in only 4 weeks a year? Beer is fun but being free is better. I knew what I was leaving behind, I was reminded by many, but I knew that I was no longer the person that started that job in 1995 and it was time to find out who I am now. So I gave myself two years to find out if I can do this, can I live on significantly less money, can I maintain everything that I have grown to cherish and yet spend so much time away from it, can I find enough work? So far, the experiment is a success. I am extremely happy, I made it through my first off-season and still have money in my account and those that I love so much continue to count me as part of the family. The verdict is still out on the enough work. Other then the obvious happiness, it all takes adjustment. A roommate, less eating out, less conspicuous consumption, more e-mailing, hoping that people are reading this blog, quality time over quantity. I am always on the search for new gigs and ways of improving my resume, but now it is fun; learning French, reading, traveling. Instead of a 10x12 office with gray walls without windows and dreading the predictability of each month, the world is now my work space and I don't even know what tomorrow will bring but I look forward to finding out.

Thanks for reading.