It was ten years ago this month that I walked away from what I refer to as my last real job. I was in charge of strategic marketing for House of Blues and for the nearly four years I was there it was a great job. After surviving several rounds of layoffs during what seemed like the demise of the music industry, I was proud to be leaving on my terms, bound for life as an independent contractor. I had no idea where this new path would take me and I was nervous as hell, but I knew I was headed in the right direction.
The first year on my own was filled with challenges and apologies to clients (I quickly discovered the pitfalls of selling services) but I persevered and found my groove. That year I made significantly less money (less than I’d made in a very long time) yet it was the happiest I’d been in years…maybe ever.
I no longer had to ask permission to arrive late, leave early or take the day off. I was the boss, in charge of my destiny.