Today is my last day working in cubicle nation for the foreseeable future. Like I mentioned when I announced that I quit my job, this day has been a dream of mine for years and today it is a reality.
Even though my apartment is full of chaos from the whirlwind of packing to move from Seattle to San Diego and then embarking on a 3-month, nearly 9,000 mile road trip across the U.S. (more to come on that next week), it still hasn’t hit me yet.
When people talk about "quitting your job to travel" they don't mention packing.
The big difference so far is simple: I didn’t hit the snooze button on my alarm this morning.
As I’ve mentioned previously, I am a chronic snooze button pusher (is there a medical term for this yet?) and have worked up many “systems” to make this stop. Some of them work, but not everyday.
Today I woke up excited to close this chapter of my life and get started on the next.
Taking the Leap
I have received a lot of support on my original post, on Facebook, Twitter, text messages, emails, and in person. Thank you everyone for the encouragement. There are days that are more fear than joy and these all help.
Some people must think I have a screw loose though. As one coworker put it:
“You get married and then quit your job? Crazy kid!!”
You could call it crazy. You could call it brave. You could call it dumb.
I just call it living on my own terms, not someone else’s.
Your Turn
What do you know that you want to do, but have been putting off for years? Make a plan today to do it.
- Figure out what you want from life.
- Layout a realistic plan to get there.
- Set a date to change.
- Never turn back.
“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”
- Mary Oliver
When is YOUR last day?
{ 17 comments… read them below or add one }
Could not be more excited for you man! Been looking forward to reading this post for a long time
Even more excited to follow along on the road trip - very exciting stuff.
Thanks Sean. Your “last day” post has been big a big inspiration all along.
Good luck on the grand adventure to come… yes, some days it’s scary, but at least you won’t have to live with the regret of never taking that leap and seeing what happens. If everything doesn’t work out quite as planned, you can try something different and you’ll still be just fine. You won’t die
When’s my last day? I can’t imagine I’ll be in my cubicle for more than another year…
p.s. That Mary Oliver quote is one of my favorites.
Thank you Therese. I’ll know now what it is like to try, even if I end up “back in it”.
Have you set a date yet?
Not an official one… I’m still in the bginning phases of laying down my foundation and my plan… I can feel it getting closer every day, though. There’s no way I’ll be here too much longer without going crazy
Congrats, Caleb! Sounds like you’re off on an awesome journey!
See ya at FINCON in a couple of weeks!
Thanks Jeff! See you soon.
Hey Caleb! Congratulations on grabbing life by the horns. It’s been awesome watching this journey unfold for you and so excited for all the future holds. Hope to see you over in Indonesia.
I hope to see you over there too! Still planning on international adventures in 2012.
Again congrats Caleb!! Very excited for you two.
Thanks Benny! I’m excited to hear about your next steps too.
Congrats Caleb! I’m in Seattle myself, dreaming of that day to do what you just did. Can’t wait to read more of your upcoming adventures!
I love you. Am I allowed to say that? You go! I can’t wait to hear about your trip. I don’t think you will ever regret this move, because even if things don’t work out the way you hope and intend you will have still lived your life your way. You would have made YOUR mistakes and not someone else’s. You will never wonder “what if”.
Rock on, man! You’re really doing it!
Interesting move on the chess board, but it’s your move!
With so few options in life, i could not agree with ashley more…
Your life, Your Way!
-MBM
I love it!! CONGRATS man!!! I heard people saying you quit at FINCON11, but wasn’t sure of the story behind it — way to LIVE your life brotha, here’s to many more years of no more snoozes
(btw, if you ever want to read something that helped ME quit hitting that damn button — even though it’s hard as hell - this article is the best I’ve ever seen on it:
http://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2006/04/how-to-get-up-right-away-when-your-alarm-goes-off/
*if* you still worry about it
)
Hey J$,
Thanks for stopping by! I really haven’t had the snooze button problem at all since I left my job. I am excited to get up and do what I am doing each day. Also, if I sleep longer I just work longer now.
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