Today is my last day working the hamster wheel of Corporate America and you know what I have to say? Too-da-loo to the Monday-Friday, 9-5 daily grind. WOOHOO!! It's not like I have an extensive career to write about; but even 8 years can feel like a lifetime when you have dreams of your own.
Don't get me wrong, I am absolutely terrified.
I'm also really excited—filled with more drive, determination and passion than I've felt in a very long time.
Kelly and I took a dream that our family has talked about for years and turned it into reality... into a legitimate business! And now I have the opportunity to focus on growing that dream with 150% of my time and energy. How cool is that?!?
After our first day at the Off-Road Expo, Kelly and I were sitting on our hotel beds eating In-N-Out, recapping the day. Not only did we get to talk to people about motocross and MCREY, but we also sold out of items and got to attend a happy hour event and have fun with people from the same industry. We looked at each other, laughing in disbelief: "Dude, I can't believe this is our life."
I'm honestly still in disbelief... and now I'm responsible for my own pay check, my own schedule, my priorities and my tasks. Can you say FREEDOM?! But you know what comes after my brain screams freedom for a few minutes? OMG. How are you going to pay the bills you effing psycho?!
Great question. One I've gotten so familiar with that I'm actually comfortable not having a definitive answer.
Short answer: buy more t-shirts.
Long answer: I'll figure it out and I'll be okay.
I am honestly living the dream. Not because I don't have to clock in or answer to somebody else (technically I answer to Kelly because we hold each other accountable), but because I get to work for a purpose that I'm passionate about in an industry that I love.
Life is too short to dread your job. Period. Okay... it's definitely easier said than done, but remember a time when you started a new job and everything was enchanting, fun and exciting? How quickly did that fade? Imagine waking up to go to work feeling like that every day. EVERY. DAY. That feeling is priceless. For example: I'm so happy working on MCREY that the idea of not getting a consistent paycheck, 401k, covered benefits, etc. doesn't even scare me!!! (Can you hear the strain in my voice yet? Lol jk...)
Not to get too sentimental on ya, but I've been spending a lot of time reflecting on everything that has led me to this point. It wasn't always easy (read previous blog, Horrible Bosses), but I realize that I needed every single one of those experiences, opportunities, and relationships to help me get where I am today. To prepare me for starting and running my own company; stepping up as a leader and CEO; making my dreams come alive.
I wish someone would have told me that when I was making minimum wage and getting yelled at by customers because their rental car is the wrong color...
Hindsight is always 20/20.
So here's to the start of a very scary, wild, exhilarating, and unforgettable journey! I know it won't always be rainbows and sunshine, but even the thunderstorms don't seem so bad when the water is feeding your own garden.