Fitting in vs Standing Out Part Deux

Don’t Quit Your Day Job Just Yet

This is a continuation of Fitting in vs Standing Out. I recommend reading that post before you read this one.

Writing is a process. Part of my process is examining feedback and updating or adding to my posts. Below are some additional thoughts based on feedback i’ve received on part one of Fitting in vs Standing Out.

I don’t want to encourage anyone to run out and quit their job if they don’t have a plan and a safety net. It took 10+ years of really hard work to get to where I am today.

In chess, you need to get yourself into an advantageous position before you can attack the opponents king and win the game. The same is true in life, only the objective here is happiness, not regicide.

Working full time, getting an engineering masters part time and renovating a 150 year old house all at once was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. I spent four years taking subway rides to Brooklyn after a long day of work so I could continue my education. I was tired all of the time. I had much less time for relationships and social life. Friday nights were spent at home depot. Saturdays and Sundays were spent labouring on my house. Evenings were spent studying and going to school. I didn’t do it alone. My parents spent countless weekends at my house helping me renovate it. My then girlfriend spent countless hours supporting me as well. I remain grateful to everyone who has affected my life path; I…