[Note: This is a follow up to this post in which we received over 100 comments. Thank you so much for sharing your enthusiasm, openness and energy. It truly humbles and means the world to me. Thank you.]
Okay, so I’m sorry about leaving you hanging like that in the last post.
I needed to give some space to the message of the bigger vision we’re stepping into, and not muddle it by talking about this specific project I’m thinking about undertaking.
I got a lot of pretty heated responses, like this one from Ashlyn:
This is a mean, mean post. It’s 5:30 and I’m on the train to work reading this and getting so pumped up, “what’s his great idea?! I wanna know what the hl it is!!!” And then, BAM!!! Cliffhanger.
I’m sorry if you felt a bit abandoned there for a second!
In case you’re just joining us, in the last post I talked about stepping into a bigger mission and vision for Paid to Exist than I ever dreamed of. It involves committing ourselves to completely changing the definition and paradigm of work from toiling to joy. From doing something to live, to an act of our deepest service.
And I’m not just talking about a closed-circuit community of non-conformists and one in a million renegades.
I’m talking about transforming the fabric of the world.
Pretty insane. I think, at least.
And in order to do that… I’m considering creating something that our community here has been demanding and pleading of me to create for some time now.
It’s a toolkit, a guide, and a transformational project that currently does not exist.
And the implications of it not existing has become too much.
There’s a void that is not being filled keeping far too many people trapped on a treadmill of meaningless, soul-crushing work. This specific guide not existing is causing more pain, and more suffering than I can put into words, and I believe that it’s time for it to stop.
It’s causing people to…
- Stay stuck for years and years doing routinized, mechanized and spirit-starving work
- Feel like they need to sacrifice their personal joy in order to feed their families
- Remain feeling like powerless victims, pawns and servants, rather than the powerful beings they truly are
The reality is that too many people are afraid to give people concrete advice and practical application on how to quit your job. It’s a risky business. And people would rather fixate on how to build an income, without talking about the messy, internal transformations that need to take place at a personal level.
So, before I tell you about what this is, I want to give you some back story if you haven’t been on this journey with me since it all started.
Years ago I quit my job to be a writer and coach helping people live on their own terms. Back then, my main offering was a product called Reclaim Your Dreams. I also did life coaching for a limited number of clients each month.
Doing this kind of work allowed me to quit my job and work for myself fulltime.
It’s been a wild ride since then. I firmly believe that this journey to self-government and providing for myself has been one of the most important transformations I’ve ever made.
Making that transition was like a rite of passage for me, and it pushed me into fully becoming a man.
There’s something about being responsible for going out and hustling every single month to make sure your family eats that changes you in a deep way. While I didn’t know working for myself would have such a profound impact on me at the time, I just knew that I desperately needed to do something different.
I feared that if I didn’t finally work on my own terms, I would never reclaim ownership of my time, and I would wake up one day at 75 feeling that I had never truly lived.
Over these past years you have asked, pleaded and urged me to share with you exactly how I did it, exactly how I made the transition to quit my job and work for myself.
And to a certain degree, I’ve done that in our flagship program, Trailblazer.
But there’s a lot that isn’t covered there, like:
- How to negotiate a work-from-home arrangement with your boss, or part-time work in order to work more on your side business.
- How to have tough conversations with your spouse to ensure that you don’t end up divorced while trying to quit your job to work for yourself.
- How to create a rock solid savings plan to create a freedom fund that will ease your mind when you quit.
- How to live minimalist-like to make quitting much more accessible (we went from spending about $3,000 a month to about $1,800 a month before I quit my job).
- How to master the art of hustling so you can meet your income goals each month and create a “job replacement income.”
- How to maximize the small amount of time each week you have to work on your business so you’re only doing the highest leverage stuff and gives you the most possible return on your investment.
- The list goes on and on…
None of these things seem to be covered in the many programs out there in the Do What You Love space.
But the truth stands: They are incredibly important and absolutely VITAL to making this transition. Ignore them and you risk being forever trapped on a treadmill of work that doesn’t matter, an infant staying endlessly dependent to the irresistible corporate tit.
Of course money is important.
You absolutely must create an income to replace your job if you want to make a sustainable transition to working on your own terms.
However, creating that income in the first place is a result of all of the things listed above.
Along the way, I’ve shared bits and pieces of this story and small how-to’s with segmented pieces about how I’ve done it in isolated instances. But until now I’ve never shared or created a comprehensive guide on how to make quitting your job inevitable. A kind of “Master Plan” for making the Grand Escape to freedom.
Over and over though, I see people making the same mistakes, mistakes that I made and corrected through years of trial and error.
And now, I’m thinking about finally doing what you’ve demanded of me and creating a comprehensive product around this topic.
This product doesn’t have a name yet. This product hasn’t even been created yet.
And this product may never, ever exist unless… you absolutely want it.
I don’t create anything you and the rest of this community don’t absolutely desire.
So I want to know… is this something you’d be interested in?
Would something like this be useful to you?
Should I do this?
Leave a comment below and make your voice heard.
Thank you for all of your support and encouragement. Your words of support mean the world to me. As always, I could not do this without you.
Hand on my heart.
PS: Please let me know what you think, and please be honest. I’ll do my absolute best to respond to each and every comment.
Yes. And yes.
Thanks for your vote!
I definitely think you should do it. :)
Thanks for the encouragement Ciara!
I would love more ideas on becoming minimalist. My focus for this next year is to wipe out as much debt as possible. Anywhere I can cut back to funnel money into that purpose, the better. I’m a pretty creative cookie and have already done much, so I’m looking for way outside the norm of the typical advice found on the web for this strategy. As long as I’m a debt slave, I know I’ll have a hard time convincing myself to make the leap. So it has to go. Even ideas on how to maximize selling possessions to make it happen would be great too. I’m at that stage that I’m willing to sell off collections and possessions to gain my freedom.
I love all the ideas on your list. This would be a powerful product.
Yes! Do it!
Thanks for your input Lori, I think that’s a great idea.
Yes Please! I just wish it came sooner.
Thanks for your input Jen!
I’m in — provided that it’s affordable, and that you’re willing to provide samples that demonstrate real value and/or a money-back guarantee. Despite what you say, there actually *are* a fair number of products out there that purport to offer the sort of thing you describe, and I’m a cynical bastard when somebody’s trying to sell me something.
Yep, and yep. We will have all that. Thank you for your input!
What glorious timing! My husband and I BOTH quit our jobs THIS WEEK. I’m so happy fate has brought me to this blog and please please please make the survival guide! We are going to pack up and move to Portland and make it happen, and I’m guessing this blog will probably be a life saver :)
Wow – congrats! Melissa thats awesome! Welcome to PtE hope to see you around here often :)
Congratulations Melissa!
Creating a true savings plan and income, along with leveraged actions… definitely things I’ve been missing. Trailblazer is great– this would be a whole new level of awesome. I am intrigued to hear the systems and case studies that I know you will deliver on. Thank you for sharing the beginnings of your vision!
Awesome. Thanks for the vote of encouragement Kate.
This sounds awesome. I’m absolutely in. Couldn’t have come at a better time either!
Badass. Thanks Kyle.
YES! We need more of this in the world. Go for it!
Wicked. Looks like there’s a lot of people that need this.
This sounds like exactly what I’ve been looking for. I can’t wait. Please, do it!
All right, you’ve twisted my arm James. :)
Jonathan, I think this is where the disconnect is between digesting the “live your dream” content/message, and actually implementing it or making it a reality. Riding the hype of living my dream dies out when the real questions arise, like, “okay, so what’s step one?”… Not, is it possible? Two years ago I would have jumped ship, but my level of responsibility is much higher now with a 1yr old son and a stay-at-home wife. All that to say, a realistic, step-by-step road map as to how YOU made your life subject to your own terms is much needed and much desired.
In joy & gratitude!
Awesome. This is exactly the type of feedback I’m looking for. thank you Andy.
This must be done
Yes, and it shall. :)
Hi Jonathan! I think it sounds great. I’m only one month into Trailblazer but already starting to think about ways I can create more time to work on my own path. I am about to try and negotiate a work-from-home / freelance arrangment so tips on that are useful. The art of hustling is certainly something that I will need to master soon, so this is the other thing that is important to me. I already have savings to lean on and a partner that is 150% on board, but I know lots of people that would find tips on that useful. So, to sum it up: Go for it!
Thanks Jana, sounds like we’re going to plunge ahead!
How can you possibly not do it now?
hear, hear!
Good point. :)
Follow your heart Jonathan, and your people will be there. :)
I have personally worked with a multitude of different thought leaders and online marketing programs and ultimately, each of us has to just show up and do the work. There is no quick fix. I actually learned that crucial lesson from you!
Your personal experience and knowledge, blazing your own successful path from scratch, is of great need and value! A lot of stuff out there, is not useful.
I say Go For It! You have an amazing team and track record, why not!
Doing the work. That should be a chapter in this guide. Thanks for the encouragement Teresa, as always.
Good idea to address these important issues and provide some techniques to handle them, I am sure this stalls a significant amount of people – You are definitely going to be challenged since a lot of the issues change depending on where people are in life.For example, the ability to be frugal is significantly different between a newly graduated student, a family with two young children, and people well into their careers, but there are definitely some core techniques that will ring true through all of it. Other core skills, like “hustling” (or “sales” as us old people call it) are something that everyone needs to have skills at, it can make really make the difference. Best of luck!
That’s definitely important to address. We’ll try to be as specific as possible, but you’re right, you can’t address every single situation.
I think this sounds great! I’ve always thought that some lists of good resources for actually showing up to do the work and get it done would be awesome – things like web site builders, email services, to do list tools, time tracking tools, invoicing & billing, creative stuff, apps, etc, etc but then actually having examples of how to use them and why.
I think it’s the starting that’s so dang hard. Even some “easy” tools like Headway are really not that easy, or knowing where in the hell to start with setting up an email program can take many, many hours. Quicker routes to getting things up and running while also doing all the things you mention above would be heavenly :)
This is a great idea Tracy. You actually just gave me some new ideas for the product, I appreciate that.
Yes! This sounds amazing. I may have already left my job a long time ago, but I’m always open to learn more and understand what I could be doing better. :)
Badass, thanks for your vote Alejandro.
Please do this! We need this and you’re the perfect person to do it! And we’re the perfect audience to spread the good word!
Thanks for always having my back Ron. :)
Yes, please do this! I’m an artist and want to master some techniques and live a life I could be proud of, especially one that encourages independence. I realize I can’t do this on my own and need some assistance. So please keep me posted!
Awesome, I will definitely keep you posted Joshua.
YES! This could not have come at a better time for me. I’m on the Trailblazer path and while it’s really fun and exhilarating, there’s some deep-seated fears that haven’t been fully addressed yet. I’ve been trying to push them out of my mind, but having no income or health insurance has been pretty scary for me. I love your ideas about the minimalist approach when trying to fund a business… and I love the idea of balancing a part-time job- I’m currently trying to find one JUST so I have income (and if benefits, even better.) I just fear it’ll take up all of my time if I get something else, and I won’t be as committed to my own Dreams. That’s why something like this would be so helpful, not just for me, but for many out there on the path!
You are the perfect person to launch such a LIFE-CHANGING movement in this direction, and I could not be more proud of you and the PTE team! Go for it! :D
Lehua
Thank you Lehua, this is excellent feedback.
Yes, yes and yes!
Okay, okay, and okay. :)
Yes, go for it! I want to exist and make my art count in this world!
Yes to art that counts.
Not a tough question…the world always needs more people encouraging others to be who they really are and make their unique contribution to the world.
Hear hear.
Those topics may not be covered in the ‘do what you love’ space but there is a truckload of stuff on them in other places.
So: how would you offer something different? What would make your offer worth someone’s time instead of them just going to the usual generic productivity stuff (prioritising, timetabling and so on. In my view poor productivity is usually a symptom or all the generic advice would work and there wouldn’t be so much stuff on productivity around).
These are great concerns Evan. You’ve made me think about this in a deeper way (as usual). Thank you.
Absolutely Jonathan! Coincidentally I had a chat with my supervisor today, and found out he is volunteering for a friend in a social responsibility charity – because he started to look for something that is more meaningful in his work. Seems like a perfect time to start discussing my own plans too with the learnings from your list of topics!
That sounds like an amazing synchronicity Mark. Go for it!
Jonathan you MUST do this. I think a practical guide is something that is lacking in this area of working your dream. I’d love to hear how you did it and find ways to apply that to my situation.
Awesome, thanks Dominic.
I don’t have any debt or many bills to pay, but I don’t know what it is that I have to offer. :/
We have something that helps with that….
Wonder if anyone can guess what it is. :)
Kiki,
Seems like a perfect time to do Trailblazer!
I wish you all the best
Fear of falling behind in paying the monthly bills (and throw in some student loans) is the catalyst that we often face when considering a new paradigm like making money on our own. We feel like being a hamster on a treadmill who has to keep running. There seems to be no time to make better plans–even if we understand the peril of staying on that treadmill. If Jonathan can clearly state just what has to be done in a workable timeframe–that is a platform to begin the process of change. What needs to go with it is a focus on the heartfelt emotions and also spiritual attributes. This kind of change in lifestyle can be a shift into personal values. Can Jonathan help people let go of the “corporate tit” to successfully become who they truly are? Hope so.
I’m with you there, Sigrid. Monthly expenses such as a mortgage or rent make it extremely difficult to leave a job you hate. Add some consumer debt and student loans to the mix and it can feel near impossible. Failing can mean long term financial crippling.
Providing some practical solutions to these problems would make a product like this really effective.
Go for it. Actual, comprehensive info is missing. Do it, do it!
Thanks Amber!
As Nike said, “Just do it!” :)
Boom!
Absolutely!!!
Thanks for the encouragement Evan.
Please let this idea be free, act as the conduit for the universe.
Tactics are not as useful as strategy, heavy on the strategy if you would be so kind.
Roger that. Heavy on strategy. Check. :)
Absolutely Jonathan. I’m deep into the Trailblazer course right now and you have an amazing gift of helping others see the greatest potential of themselves.
I agree that the topics you desire to cover in your new program are very relevant and would even be a great transition or add-on to Trailblazer.
Dig deep baby – make it happen!
DO
Awesome, thanks for the feedback Donovan!
Dude … Go for it.
We have enough experts, gurus and canned sages.
The world needs more real. I think the context you can provide via your own journey is invaluable.
People vastly underestimate how much work, suffering, etc. goes into building a life of freedom. We’re in the middle of our journey and it’s still just as difficult at times as it was in the beginning. How you respond to challenges scales as you move forward – all relative.
Too many of the “follow your passion” programs miss out on the real struggle: Figuring out how the fuck you’re going to get to the starting line (and get there consistently) so you can run the damn race in the first place.
We’ll be right there with ya brother!
You’re right Brett. Thanks for the encouragement. And thank you for being a part of what we’re doing around here.
I completely agree with Brett. I’m technically “done” with the 6 months of Trailblazer, but I feel like I didn’t even start to accomplish everything I need to in order to get paid to exist. Admittedly, my own responsibility that I let other things take precedence over my dreams.
I find that it’s a constant struggle to continue to show up (get to the starting line) even though I very much want to run the race!
I would love for this product to address/motivate me to weekly or even daily show up for my business. I love the idea of become more minimalist (without going too far); how to hustle efficiently (beyond guest posting – I’m so over it!); and how to manage what time I do have beyond other obligations. Hearing detailed accounts of how this was done would definitely help me find my way.
Yes, Yes, Yes – PLEASE!
This is the subject matter my husband and myself are needing NOW as we work on creating our dream life. Money’s tight, but we’re doing our best to invest in ourselves to build a life we love. HURRY! :)
Okay! Hurrying.
Deborah, good for you for taking the steps to create a life you love. I think this guide could offer you a lot of answers and inspiration.
Absolutely!!
Kaizen Journaling would never have been born if it wasn’t for that crazy dream!!
Thanks Dolly, you’re awesome.
Just before reading your prior post, I stumbled across this slide show via the coworking community. https://nwc.co/projects/letsfixthestupidjobcrisis/
In short, it’s calling for the underemployed to step up and “hire themselves” to start creating value over the internet instead of waiting around to get a (better) job. It was pretty inspiring, but paired with your recent posts and the overall PTE mission, I’m on the edge of my seat to learn more about what you plan to develop.
For many, the barrier to entry of a Paid To Exist life is personal and requires some heavy work to discover purpose and conquer fear. But for others, it’s the “fabric of the world” that is proving to piece together a stiff and uncomfortable garment. Reducing personal overhead, mitigating spousal anxiety, and having a rock solid plan, and your other areas of coverage are all indispensable. But what I’m also sensing, between the lines, is that it’s going to take all of us working together with a unified voice and a strong community presence to reshape the perception of the normal marketplace and workforce. Freelancing and Consulting are words that carry baggage and don’t fully capture the passion and commitment of the new independent value worker.
This is the new way. It’s not just for the elite or the “entrepreneurial”, it’s for the future. You’re talking about quitting jobs in a time when people are having trouble finding them. I see a future when high school doesn’t just prepare you for college, and college doesn’t just prepare you to be an employee. I see a future when kids understand from day one that everything they learn and experience is what will shape their source of revenue. When I was growing up, I was told I could be or do anything I wanted. The trouble is, that was based on picking something to become or what someone else was already doing. I have been struggling with that for the last ten years; popping in and out of jobs, trying on different hats, trying to find the me-shaped hole in the world. I’m only now realizing that I AM the me-shaped hole in the world, and that being truly myself is the first step toward finding people who want me to be me – for them.
I look forward to seeing what this turns into for you, for me, for all of us. Whatever this thing is that’s waiting on you to create it, I’m sure it will be perfect as long as you stay focused on transforming the fabric of the world. We need it.
This is fantastic Tommy. Thank you for sharing that.
I could see a product like this giving people more confidence to do what they truly want.
I can’t picture myself buying this kind of product, but I imagine there is a market of people who would.
One other thing. When you say, “How to have tough conversations with your spouse to ensure that you don’t end up divorced while trying to quit your job to work for yourself.” … I want to point out that when I quit my job to pursue the Trailblazer thing, I did so KNOWING that my 4+ year relationship would END. I understand you have to implicitly promise people that they’ll keep their spouse so they don’t get scared and run away, but in the program a dose of “figure out what’s more important” (sugar-coated?) might be necessary.
You’re right it’s definitely different for everyone. Thanks for your input Nathan.
Hi Jonathan
It was so good to meet you at WDS this summer in Portland after following your blog for a couple of years.
This is a fantastic idea – what people really need is not just help to keep motivated to achieve their dreams, but concrete ideas on HOW to transition as well. You have a wealth of experience and really “walk your talk”- you will potentially bring benefit to millions in sharing your experience.
You already have a brilliant community – why NOT expand it? “:-)
Kate
It was fantastic to see you as well Kate. Thank you for your encouragement.
I don’t need that kind of a product. But my dad does, and my mom and their friends and basically everyone I know who’s older than 25.
I’d love to see a product that is realistic, no woo-woo, that takes responsibility for the advice and action plans it gives out and that makes sure that families don’t end up homeless and on the street when they follow the advice. It has to work 100%. Quitting your job is a far too important step to play with people or to unconsciously make mistakes. Because this is not just about doing work you love, it’s about survival too.
I’d love to see what you create.
Yeah, we definitely don’t want any of that. If it’s not sustainable it’s not worth doing.
Definitely yes from my side too. I wish and look for such a guide. It is such an amazing idea of yours Jonathan. We live in a world where there are not many Fathers (I do not mean in the sense of blood only but in the sense of true leaders who are committed to helping people and showing them the way.) From what you are writing it is clear to me that you are such a Father/leader person who has lived it and are able to convey that information to others. I should think that you are compelled to do this with a sense of destiny that you do seem to have already. Cannot wait to see it.
Thanks for your input Pieter. You’ve definitely inspired me to move forward with this.
Do it!!!! This is what I was waiting for! You’re an innovator and bold creator. You do things for the people, which is enough inspiration to us all alone. Absolutely do it! You have my vote.
Awesome. I’m on it!
Yes.
I’m no longer in a traditional job, so I’m not sure whether I would be able to use it, but it is definitely necessary for the vast majority of people who are. There is a huge block of fear around quitting a job, especially with folks depending on you.
*But* . . . it sounds like you are getting into an area where many people might need situation-specific advice. “But I work in a _____ and there is no way to telecommute.” “But I’m a ______ and the dynamic with my boss is different, so I can’t _______ like you recommend.” And so on. Not quite at the level where they need full one-on-one training, but just some tweaks and “customization.”
Surely not an insurmountable obstacle, but an issue worth considering if you decide to go forward with this awesome idea. :)
Take care,
Jeremy
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Jeremy. We’re definitely going to try to be as specific as possible without getting too crazy.
Yes please!
Okay :)
I think some customization may be needed to address where a person is in his or her life. But really, the excuse of “I have a baby on the way / new infant” is not really much different from the “I have children” excuse no matter what age they are.
And with the number of people who lost their traditional jobs over the last six years…Traditional jobs does not equal security or safe or the responsible way to live!
Either you’re the type of person that is comfortable with taking the risk, or you’re not, or you’re somewhere between the two extremes. And I think this is one of the things this program needs to address – is risk taking something that can be learned? Does it feel less like risk when we have a better idea of what to expect and a game plan for where we’re going?
But I think what’s important to remember is nobody is saying, “Quit your job and then build your business!”
Knowing that a big facet or even the main facet of the business is online, you don’t have to start all or nothing. You can start slowly during your non-day-job hours.
I want to get rid of debt before quitting. Some kind of safety net in savings is probably smart to have. I have two teens that are wrapping up high school and will soon step into full adulthood.
Does it make more sense to do nothing until “the time is right” or start small now and have reached a certain level of knowledge and hopefully success that makes it even easier to launch bigger as these other pieces fall into place?
I’ve started. I want the option to step fully into my dream and the rest of my life as my family transitions into its next phase of life.
And besides. Doing something for me in the evenings and weekends almost keeps me sane enough to get through the work day. ;-D
This is excellent feedback. Thank you Lori, this is very helpful.
Great idea! So many of the resources out there on the internet are about the ‘fun’ stuff, how to dream big and the like. But very, very few deal with the ‘dirty’ nitty gritty of how to actually make the leap to your passion business. I think you could really have found a gap in the market here.
But I do have a concern, and it’s echoed by many of the earlier comments. In the same way that much of the other content on the web deals with the fun side of things, they also make the assumption that we’re all trying to quit REALLY WELL PAID jobs.
There is a trend to assume that you have plenty of cash coming in from working ‘for the man’, but that you’re unhappy with what you actually have to do to earn that money. I think there is a lot more variation in the career-change audience than that.
Many strategies out there are already based upon creating a savings cushion by living a minimalist lifestyle. What the heck do you do though if you’re already living that minimalist lifestyle , not because you’re accumulating savings, but through the necessity that you have little cash coming in in the first place?!!!
In the continuing global economic chaos, many of us have needed to take low or minimum wage jobs to make ends meet. If anything, that kind of work makes you want to quit your job a whole lot sooner than sitting on a comfortable income and all the perks.
There are also many of us who’ve already made the transition to part-time work in order to spend more time developing our passion business. We’re no less keen to quit that part time job, but the savings cushion and minimalist living strategy doesn’t work here either.
I think you’re totally spot on about the need for a strategy to help people (us) make the leap to quitting the jobs we hate. And it’s because I believe in the work that you do that I felt compelled to respond. But please, do give some consideration to the different stages many of us find ourselves at.
There are plenty of get-rich-quick merchants out there on the internet, but your audience has actively chosen you because you advocate being authentic to yourself, not making a quick buck. So maybe if we’re people who value authenticity and lifestyle, we haven’t always chosen to pursue those high paid jobs in the first place!!
:)
You’re absolutely right Bev, and that needs to be addressed. For people in those types of situations it’s going to be even more crucial to first create a job replacement income that’s consistent, and then quit.
Yes, it sounds interesting! I’ll tell you what I want: a step-by-step plan to make the transition AND a lot of support.(If both were in Spanish, the better! I know, I know, this last it’s impossible, I’m just dreaming.)
Great feedback, thank you Alejandra.
I want to add my voice to a potential community aspect of this offer. We have the forum in trailblazer and I love having it, but it would be awesome to have a platform that enables people to get together real-time and communicate “face-to-face” even if it’s by web-cam. Some blazers have taken it upon themselve to make these connections, but they have to do it outside the forum.
I’m thinking a platform that allows the community to share their talents, knowledge and strengths with the community as a whole by being able to lead workshops or be able to schedule events to gather as accountability partners or groups would be an excellent facet.
Hmm that would definitely be awesome. I could see something like Google Hangouts being really cool.
Sounds like a great idea! One area you didn’t mention that’s so critical is the change in mindset required to make this jump. A couple years ago I bought a couple “live off you passion” type programs and both spent the first half talking about how to make that mind shift, how to get past the fears of making such a big move and knowing that they’re good enough and have what it takes to make everything else work. Without that, all the other techniques you listed will fall flat leaving the person wondering what they did wrong and reinforcing the lie that this stuff doesn’t work.
You’re right, that’s huge Paige. Noted.
Sounds like there are a lot of people who need this. Make it Jonathan!
I don’t need this product personally. I’ve been saving and INVESTING for the last few years (and when I mean investing, I’m not talking mutual funds) so that I can quit my job quite easily.
Right now, I make enough passive income (really, truly passive – it’s very possible, trust me) to live (especially if I live minimalist, which I’m doing and refining).
Here’s what people don’t get: INVESTING is what makes us free. Not saving. Not creating a home business.
Savings will inflate away, or you will spend it eventually. Savings aren’t self-sustaining.
And the home business is work. Full-time work most of the time. And if you’re not making money from it, it’s a source of stress that can destroy lives.
Investing…REAL INVESTING…allows our wealth to build without us being there. It can be passive if you do it right.
*note: I haven’t left my job yet. I am not in a position to put in 2 weeks notice (I have a unique job in that respect). I have 260 days left.
My goal is to be making over $2k per month passively, then increase income through personal/home-based business content (like the book I’m writing and other content I’m working on). I’m at $1,250 passive right now.
I’m looking to minimize expenses to: $1,500 per month. This includes rent, food, gas, phone, internet, utilities, etc. The essentials, so to speak.
The extra cash I make passively over that minimum amount goes straight to more investing and saving.
I’d love to share how I’m doing it with people if any of you guys are interested.
I also think, Jonathan, you should possibly add some of these advanced investing and savings technique into your product. I’m not sure how well it would resonate – I know people generally want a quick, easy fix (and so I’m not sure if real, useful advanced investing techniques would sell), but I also believe, if people really care about being successful, they’ll put the time in to understand finances, investing, and saving.
Good luck to everyone here on preparing for the jump! :)
-Tom
This is really great feedback Tom. I think most of us are pretty naive and uneducated when it comes to money and how to handle it properly. More content and practical implementation tactics on this topic could be hugely transformative.
Definitely.
Boom.
I’m all about this. I think this would be really useful to me, especially if it focused on the emotional and financial part of things.
Check, check. Thanks Jennifer.
I would love to hear more Johnathan!
My life circumstances have brought be back to the importance of laying the foundation in everything I do. I was an at home mum and now transitioning to a single parent.
I’d love to hear more on How to master the art of hustling to meet income goals each month & How to maximize the ROI when working ON our businesses.
Awesome, thank you for your feedback Tracy.
Definitely something I’d be interested in. I think it would make your blog even more useful and inspiring than it already is.
I’m ready to move on from my current job. I’m ready to begin a new journey in which I don’t have to depend on corporate america for my income. What you are offering here would be a great help to make that transition. I can see the need for this and its usefulness to many.
On to the next awesome mountain, Jonathan! If there’s anyone who has the gift to do this….it is You!
Jonathan this sounds like a fantastic program/course/product. I can’t say that I would buy it personally, because I have already been through that transition, but I think there’s a huge need for this sort of practical know-how. I have seen most of this info on the interwebs, but never before in one place with a specific mission. For example, not many people are talking about having those difficult conversations with your spouse about how one’s entrepreneurial ambitions impact the family (huge topic!). Maximizing one’s time is also crucial. Love them all. Go for it!
Jonathan, I wouldn’t personally buy that product because I’ve already done all the things you’re talking about. That said, if you’re interested in sharing examples of people who have walked that path, I’d be happy to discuss it with you.
In a nutshell, I gave up a 6-figure corporate job to start my first business at the start of the last great recession, 1989. Since that time I’ve reinvented myself many times starting new businesses as my interests have evolved. Along the way, I raised a child entirely on my own, lived in 4 different cities and now make my living entirely online, with clients in 21 countries.
I’ve enjoyed reading about you stepping into your bigger mission, we’re on very similar journeys!
Ok, I’ll be honest. I probably would not buy this product, but it should still be made. I feel like I have the knowledge already, just need to pull the trigger. I think an interactive community of people who have already made the transition, or are in the process,would be be beneficial in helping me make the big move. If this is part of your plan, then I may reconsider.
My resistance comes from the same thing that many others are dealing with, namely…we make a buttload more money now than we would for a while to come if we quit right away. I am working with my spouse on the idea of drastically cutting our lifestyle and living expenses in preparation for freedom, but I do not want to live a minimalist lifestyle on a permanent basis. Although I do not approve of conspicuous consumption or opulence, I want to be able to do what I want, when the spirit moves me.
Yes, the attraction of doing something I can love that also makes a greater impact on the world is very strong, but there is still some inner conflict that some real life case studies can help assuage.
Maybe not as supportive a comment as others, but I hope it helps in some way
Thanks for your honest feedback Mike. Based on some of the responses we’ve gotten we’ve decided to “up the ante” so to speak and feature a lot of very in-depth case studies from people that have made the leap, or are in progress and break down exactly what they’ve done. I think it’s going to add a lot of value to the end product.
You have my attention now! This has the makings of a revolutionary course….and thanks for listening!
Hi Jonathan,
I think this is a very useful product and will help a lot of people, myself included. Before finding your Paid to Exist (Trailblazer) I read a couple of bestseller books in this area. All seemed to show you how to build the business whether it is what you love to do or a source of passive income. Your program appealed to me because it puts a structure around the process. Working in a very demanding job and having other adult responsibilities, I don’t think I’d have started down this path without the structure.
On the other hand, the majority of the current tools reference location-independent and minimalist lifestyles. That is not the goal for everyone who wants to exit the corporate world. I’ve been around the world already and while I love to travel, I don’t want to do it year round. I consider my lifestyle not too expensive or ‘high maintenance’ and do not have a family to support. Nor do I have any credit card debt. Student loans and car are paid off. I do have a mortgage, which is fairly high. And I bought the house when I was recovering from a very serious health condition. Fixing it up refocused my attentions after a couple of years of illness. It really reflects me and I’m super attached to the house. Basically, do not want to move or downsize in that area.
With a product like this I would love to get some guidance on how to make this transition keeping some significant expenses in mind. In other words, what do people do who need to ultimately match their current salary? How does that transition work? I realize it will be slower. Thanks!
Jonathan we definitely need to change the culture of entrepreneurship. It has to be seen as the first option instead of the dreaded choice. I believe too that we need to get more of the larger corporations to support small businesses. You need to talk more about partnerships and joint ventures and about helping people period. Some of us have little or no mailing lists, very little money but huge ideas. Those who can should help without expecting anything in return. Too often now it is about WIIFM – (What’s in it for me). Let’s create a sharing community.