Next year, my grandfather will celebrate his 40th year of self employment as owner of one of the longest running plumbing and heating businesses in his city. At the age of 74, he is still going strong as the oldest plumber in business in Boise, Idaho. Nonconformity and delinquency are still pumping fiercely through his veins.
My grandfather no doubt transferred his contagious thirst for autonomy to me early in my life. I guess entrepreneurship is in my blood.
Just as my grandfather did 40 years ago, last Thursday I gave my boss my two week notice.
I will no longer be requiring your employment services. My last day of work will be Friday, June 12th, 2009.
Thank you,
Jonathan
It started with a single intention
Last year around May, I offhandedly made a goal to quit my day job by the following year, May 2009.
This wasn’t a serious goal at the time. I didn’t even know if it would be possible. I just knew that I wanted it, and you know what they say: you gotta put a deadline on your goals, right? So I put a deadline on it.
And it worked.
Now I’ll never underestimate the power of intention. If you want something bad enough and are willing to do anything it takes to get it, there is NOTHING that can stop you.
I still think that killing your ego-driven goals is a good thing, but the intention part of goal-setting is nothing to take lightly.
A few other interesting coincidences
- It’s the year of the Ox. I was born the year of the Ox.
- I just so happened to be offered a business opportunity that would double my income, right near the beginning of this month, a few weeks before my deadline to quit would be passed.
- Last May (the same time I made my goal to quit my job), I saw Lyoto Machida fight for the first time in the UFC and he immediately became my favorite fighter. Last May, I said “he is going to by the light-heavyweight champion, it’s just a matter of time.” On May 23rd of this year, Lyoto Machida beat Rashad Evans to become the light-heavyweight champion in the UFC. He said “if you have a dream, it is possible.” He said this right after I found out I had achieved my income goal to make it possible for me to quit my job, and pursue my dream of being a full-time blogger.
How I did it
Some of you may be interested in hearing how I made this dream possible. I’ll briefly outline a few of what I think are the main keys to my success here. They may or may not work for you.
Here are a few of the big factors that contributed to my success.
- Focused on adding value. If I don’t have something worthwhile to say, I don’t write. I would rather not add to the noise. I always focus on providing unique, genuinely valuable content. When I’m writing, I’m always asking myself what the value will be to you, the reader.
- Clearly define what makes this blog unique. I’ve worked hard to try to set my writing and the culture of this blog apart from the crowd. I know that if I’m average, I’m invisible. I don’t want to be just another forgettable blog in someone’s feed reader. I aim to make all my content unmissable by thinking differently and acting in no-limit ways. I’m not afraid to push the edges and I’m not afraid to voice a contrarian opinion.
- Wrote and sold an ebook. This was a huge milestone for me in my blogging quest. I made sure that I spent a lot of time researching what my readers would most likely value, and then I gave it to them. I even did a series on Living Your Dreams, before I wrote my ebook, Reclaim Your Dreams. Testing my idea helped me make sure that it was a hot topic and it would receive a favorable response. I also did a lot of research on how to effectively launch an ebook and spent a lot of time planning the marketing of the ebook. Right now, sales from Reclaim Your Dreams currently make up about one fourth of my income, and it’s steadily rising.
- Community and tribe unification. I used to try to write for everyone. That failed, gigantically. Now I write for and build a community around a tribe of people I most connect with. I seek to connect with unconventional, off the beaten path self-development seekers. Focusing on cultivating a community and connection with my “right people” has greatly aided the popularity of Illuminated Mind. Sometimes discrimination is the key to connection.
- Saved an emergency fund. In the past year, my wife and I have worked to building an emergency fund that would support us for several months once I quit my job, if the income from my blog completely dropped off. Having this safety net gives us some peace of mind and helps ease the calm-panic when faced with the unknown.
- Transition. I made my first goal to create an income of $100 through this blog. Once I reached that goal, I aimed for $500. Then $1,000. I steadily increased my goal and refined my methods until I reached the next, bigger goal. I also transitioned from 40 hours a week at my day job, to 32 hours a week. That extra day a week allowed me to spend more time on the blog and helped ramp up my efforts to increase my income.
- I stole Leo’s mantra. Last year, my good friend Leo quit his day job and revealed that the mantra that helped him do it was the word “Liberate.” I had to admit that this was a pretty badass idea. So I stole it, and made the word “Liberation” my mantra. It was my reminder of the reason I spent hours responding to email through dinner and working on my ebook on the weekends.
- I wanted to get paid to exist. I’ll be the first one to admit, getting paid to exist is not easy to do. Most jobs want you to do something more than just existing. Since I’m not too keen on that, I realized I would have to create my own “job.” So that’s what I set out to do: to create a life where I get paid to be me, where the value I give to the world by just being me is a way for me to feed my family.
I also did things like put myself on auto-response and I ruthlessly stopped caring about a lot of things (to make psychic space for my primary aim of liberation). That’s about the gist of it.
What’s next?
In the next few weeks I will be officially open for business with coaching. I will be taking on a 3-4 clients a month so I can focus on providing as much highly-targeted value as possible. If you’re interested in signing up before the sales page goes live, contact me and let’s talk — my hourly rate will be $97 per hour.
I have another ebook that I’m working on and a few other ideas for expansion that I’m currently mentally toying around with.
I have some ideas, but honestly, I’m not sure what exactly the future will hold. That is the best part, I think, about self-employment. When I went to my boring job every day, I always knew what to expect. I knew the schedule, the routine. I knew the same tasks would be waiting for me each day. And when I finished them that week, they would renew themselves next week. My job was predictable, and that was part of what made it so painful.
That reality is gone. Uncertainty is on the wind now, and while I have my ear to the ground, I’m not sure what the next week or month will bring. While this might be daunting to some, I love it.
This is what I do for a living now. This whole blogging, ass-kicking craziness is now my gig. And I have to say, causing trouble for a living is a highly favorable condition. If you can find create a way to make it work, grab it by the tail and prepare for a ride.
Lastly, THANK YOU
Thank you for reading. Thank you for supporting me in my dream. If you have a dream, it is possible.
My time is now completely yours; there is no more renting out my mind and diluting my mission. Instigating self-actualization is what I do now. And I am unconditionally devoted to making that happen.
Freedom tastes as good as they say it does. Now I know the price is worth the promise.
[Note: If you’re interested in a thorough guide of how I built this blog and business to allow me to quit my job, please let me know. I’m considering doing a free ebook about this is if there’s enough interest.]
Congrats buddy, I always thought that you could make it. Was the business idea Project Mojave, or did you mean someone coincidentally offered you a job?
Good luck, and I’m here if you need any support, I quit my job in January and haven’t looked back :)
Ha ha – love the note “no longer requiring your employment services.” !
Awesome! In my experience there is truly nothing feels better than succeeding at working for yourself and doing what you love/what you feel you’re meant to do on this earth…
Definitely do the ebook – look at chris guillebeau’s phenom 279 days to overnight success – he even got a drop from seth g on it.
Keep rockin
Dude you own, hardcore!
Thanks for providing so much inspiration for those of us chasing the dream. With any luck (and really hard work) there will be a ton of us right behind you!
I can’t wait to see what you can do now that you are liberated. It should be a fun ride!
Hi Jonathan,
I have been following your work for a while now and I just wanted to say congratulations on reaching your goal. I’m very happy for you and I look forward to witnessing your great success in all that you wish!
I too have quit my day job and have begun the journey of serving humanity and doing my Dharma. It’s a wonderful thing to do and something I believe is out birth right. Thank you for being an example that gives people the kick in the ass they need to do what they think they can’t do.
I love this concept and live by it as well…
“The next step that needs to be taken in your life, is the step that you think you can’t take.”
Cheers!
Robert
I must say that this seems quite appropriate. It felt like the way you were directed in these past many months would leave it impossible for you to not be self-employed. I think many of us readers of your material will see this post as your envisioning made real.
Laying out the steps of how you did it leaves them there for anyone to grab. If someone wants to follow in your footsteps in a similar way, they now have the to-do list.
Your larger message brings up a solid point about what is currently rewarded by the current system in place, as opposed to what should be more rewarded(value). We appreciate you being an open individual.
Long-time rss reader, definitely interested in the ‘how I built my blog/business so I could quit my job’ ebook idea. Looking to make my living writing.
First off, Congratulations!
The idea of setting a (seemingly unachievable) goal in a year really does appeal to me I must say. Even though that goal might not be serious, you do commit to it up to a certain level and that’s more than enough to get the ball rolling.
I really would like to read that thorough guide if you’re going to write it.
You inspire me! I have a dream, now to make that dream become my reality. Thank you for showing me the power of dreaming and believing in them again.
Seriously Jonathan, congratulations! You’ve taken a big step in your journey and to be honest – I’m aspiring to accomplish what you have. Blogging and writing is so much more than a hobby to me, and I know, over time, I’ll be where I want to be – I keep taking baby steps, but sometimes, you have to take a giant leap of faith. Cheers to you for being bold, and look luck moving forward!
Congrats on becoming a full time blogger and ass-kicker!
You’ve achieved some amazing success and more to come I’m sure.
As far as the free ebook you were thinking of writing; I think you should do it!! A lot of people would love to read it, including myself.
Best wishes for the future,
-Andrew
Jonathan,
Congratulations on your successful transition. You are a fine example of how to do this the right way.
All the very best with self-employment. I’m certain you’ll never regret this day.
Aodan
Jonathan,
Best of luck with your new career! This was my first time reading your blog, but I am already inspired by your writing; I have no doubt you will be successful.
I would definitely be interested in a guide to how you achieved this through blogging! I’m a first time reader and I noticed how you’re very articulate and you make it fun and easy to read your blogs. Keep it up!
Awesome! I think I have said about 99% of what you just did. Good luck. You are inspiring. After reading “The 4-Hour Work Week” by Timothy Farriss, I reduced my hours from 40/week to 20/week. There is a better way. It can be done. I have taken the first step and now am attempting some of the same things you have achieved. Congratulations on escaping the 9-5. All the best.
George
Makes me want to get a job just so I can write such an awesome “rejection” letter. I think my letter heading would be: Today I declare my mind’s independence!
Well done, Jonathan! Looking forward to hearing more from you on ProjMoj as well.
Jonathan,
This is amazingly awesome. I’m so happy for you! Congratulations!!!!!!!!!
Very inspiring, Jonathan. I knew this was right around the corner. ;-)
Never look back.
Awesome stuff Jonathan!
1. Adding value
2. Unique content
3. Set a date goal & a money goal.
I love these three, and they are all goals I have set for myself as well.
Thank you for this inspiration that keeps us fighting, and causes others to start fighting! I’m going to break out my nun-chuck skills now & really push hard. ;-)
It’s so inspiring to read this and to know that someone has followed his dreams and achieved it! Best of luck to you Johantan.
You have inspired me to liberate myself!
wow, congrats! i recently found your blog and think it is very interesting. i have no doubt you are a “pro blogger”, even if you hadn’t gone pro you make it SEEM like you’re pro.. that’s an important thing i think to set you above from the rest. keep up the good work and may more success follow.
Congrats.
It is great to see someone quitting to focus on what they do best, because in the end everyone if going to benefit more!
My sincerest congratulations on joining the tribe of the liberated and self-employed. Sometimes it’s hard to follow your own advice, and it’s a real privilege as a reader, to share in your journey, and watch you put your own words into action. When one door closes, another one opens, and I love your story of serendipity … Namaste !
Hey! This was a truly inspiring post. In my own manner, I’ve been pursuing my dreams of being a great writer & getting published. My first step was getting published on an online literary magazine, & I send out a query to other magazines as well. I’ve been writing regularly (as it is my passion) since I am 9, so the stories have been piling up, but I feel most alive when I write. I hope to use my blog as a marketing tool when I publish an ebook of short stories, so far, I’m working on building a following of writers who would support me, as much as I would support them. Your wife sent me your Ebook (I participated in the giveaway) and I am currently reading it. I’m glad you’ve made your dream possible.
A great achievement. Congratulations! Wishing you all the best!
I like the way you put it, “be paid just to exist.” I agree with this sentiment. Makes me think that if we just find a way to whittle down our activities to the core, to what we do best, the universe finds a way to support us. Glad to see you doing this, and I look forward to what comes next!
Congrats! You finish your employment on my 18th birthday :)
Kudos for the great news! Now go out and celebrate! :)
we are fairly new to boise and need a good heating/plumbing service. what is the name of gramp’s business?
Congrats!!! :)
Remember to relax in between working. It helps to refocus on the mind, and you actually get more done.
CONGRATS!!!!
=D
You have no idea how timely this post is. I’m about to make a similar leap of faith tomorrow, though I’m hoping to convince my company to let me work from the road so I can travel and write.
Thanks for the great advice. Best of luck to you!
Now we’ll have to add “Sexy Entrepreneur” to the list of everything you are. Right above the “Self Improvement Juggernaut.” ;]
Congratulations!
Liberation is a beautiful thing. As I see it, the problem with most jobs is that they involve being told what to do and when to do it, and usually for the profit of someone else.
Liberation and self directed time spent following your own passions and helping others….that is a golden life indeed! Following your journey has been inspiring to me. Maybe I’ll be writing this post in another year or so!
Lastly, I am definitely in favor of a free ebook about all of this.
Awesome! I’m glad to have connected with you on Twitter this month to see you reach this step. Very cool.
Well said, actionable stuff too. Very confident language you’ve got.
Peace.
@vinylart
Inspiring. Thanks for blazing the trail for the rest of us. Intention is the key. You have to make it a solid goal, make a plan to make it happen, and look for the conditions that make it possible, just like you did. You have compelled me to make ‘quitting’, or firing my boss, a priority, and to make a plan and set a reasonable date of emancipation. Keep blazing the tail and showing us all that it’s possible.
Jonathan – Congrats! It’s been incredible to watch parts of this journey unfold. Best wishes on where this carries you now. And please do put that eBook together you mentioned. I think your unconventional advice on this career path would be a real value to your niche and the whole blogging genre as well.
Congratulations Jonathan! It is great to see someone reach the dreams.
What an accomplishment. You have definitely shown that willpower is one heck of a tool. Your path to success and “Liberation” is an example to all. Keep up the great work!
You have had a powerful impact on my life. Thank you and congrats!
This post gave me goose bumps. I just found you when you were guest-blogging at ZenHabits. So glad I did. Congratulations on achieving this! I’ve got my own little dream percolating. I’m taking notes.
Yes do the next ebook! I love your story and can’t wait to hear more.
Yay, congratulations! Live the dream.
Congratulations on achieving your dream. The amount of time, effort, and energy you’ve obviously put into this endeavor will obviously pay off.
Congrats!
Re the ebook on how you built your business, my 2 cents: I think you should absolutely write it, but I also think you should charge for it. I’m sure people would be willing to pay for this type of information.
Congrats Jonathan. Very inspiring!
Peter
Wow, you’ve done it! And as the comments above tell, we all love it. Would like to hear on how you built this blog. Do work on an eBook and I’m sure all of us would love to read it.
Congrats on the firing of the boss. I would definitely be interested in an ebook on the details of things. I’m heading towards being self-employed but am still a bit fuzzy on some of the details. Thanks!
Congratulations and good luck with your future in ass kicking!
Awesome!
Congratulations Jonathan! You are truly an inspiration.
I am most definitely interested in a guide on how you built your blog and business so you could quit your job.
Thanks for sharing your journey!
Congratulations! My transition happened accidentally. I was already out of a job, and in the time off, stuff happened, including awakening out delusions and fear. Then, life flows, and it’s just best to get out of the way!
I would definitely be interested in reading an ebook with the details of how you built the blog and quit your day job. That is awesome and Congratulations!!!!
Congratulations. I’d love to read your eBook, I’m tired of hearing gurus with formulas (though we can learn from them too), I want to hear from normal people who’ve done it and what their experience (maybe with lots of difficulties and inconsistencies) was like. I’d love to read about how you did it.
Hi Jonathan,
Congrats on your success! It is inspiring to see people succeed in living their dreams. It will be great if you get an ebook written on what you did to achieve your success. I look forward to the ebook.
Cheers,
Vincent
Do the eBook! It’s just what I need and at the right time! :) Thank you and Congratulations!
Congrats, and would love to see the ebook.
Jonathan, you have INSPIRED me!! I have posted on my wall today’s date of next year (June 3, 2010) as my liberation day. My mantra is FREEDOM! Freedom from the office, freedom from a 9 to 5 schedule, freedom from doing something I don’t love.
THANK YOU! And congratulations.
Great for you!
I think you’ve shown that people can succeed on their own terms as long as they are willing to put in the effort to make it happen and they keep working towards their goal.
How does it feel to succeed, really succeed, in a way that too many people never allow themselves to dream of?
-Wil.
Congrats Johnathon! Its an awesome feeling that I am looking forward to very soon myself. Keep rocking and ass kicking.
Your success is inspiring. Keep on liberating. As for the future, it will unfold a day at a time. Enjoy and continue to add value as only you can to this world. Be blessed.
Woohoo! Three cheers for you Jonathan!
I look forward to the next installment of your adventures – oh, and a big, resounding yes to the e-book idea!!!
Emmanuelle
way. to. live.
congrats! That’s amazing. I have set a few goals within to do the same one day. I am on the right path and to see and notice others around the internet making it possible. I can’t help but become drawn to this:
“to create a life where I get paid to be me, where the value I give to the world by just being me is a way for me to feed my family.”
I want to feel myself, and I don’t want to step into a workplace and have my soul feel like it’s being sucked out of me and I am left with negative amounts of energy at the end of the day/night/shift/whatever. It’s like I am not being me, it’s like I am performing the life of someone else and that is why I am so energy drained.
Wonderful. I will say the same thing one day.
Dear Jonathan!
Congratulations on reaching your goals! I’m inspired by seeing you reach your goal within the deadline you put for yourself. Awesome!
I’d definitely be interested in seeing an ebook about your site!
Cheers,
Wouter
Congratulations and good luck in all that you do! I’m extraordinarily happy that you were able to follow your heart and pour it directly into your passion. I’m thinking of writing an ebook as well but I have many reserves and doubts. Everytime I read your posts I get a small kick of confidence in my thoughts and outlook on things. I’m still researching and soul searching but I trust that my time and opportunity will come. Thanks again for your continued inspiring words!
Huge, Huge congrats! I’ve been reading your blog for a little while now(few months), and I have drawn so much inspiration from your posts. I’m so happy to see that you’ve achieved your freedom AND done it smartly. Meaning, you had a plan, you didn’t just quit and hope the money to survive would come from somewhere. That’s a great model to follow and I can’t wait til I’m in the freedom boat with you guys!
Thank you guys, all of you. Thank you for your comments, congratulations and inspiration. I know that this is what I’m meant to do and you’ve all confirmed it deeply for me.
An ebook will be coming soon!
Yeah for your grandfather and yeah for you!
That was very inspiring! I quit my job about half a year ago and am in the process of finding my way into the self-employed world. Its tough at times.. therefore definitely great to hear how others handle the transition.
Thank you for your post! Sue
Wow Jonathan, thats one inspiring article, based on a goal that you set one year ago and you reached it now! Congratulations, i’m happy with you. To be your own boss and getting money for your “existence” is one of the greatest things to reach.
And I’m definitely interested in the free ebook you are going to create about the details on building your blog. Thats my dream too, but first things first. So writing in readable english (i’m German) is the first goal to reach.
Congratulations on your great success. I’m a new visitor but I would love to see a detailed guide of how you made this all possible :)
Jonathan – you are an inspiration to those of us who still question whether it’s really possible to survive and flourish by giving up that which you find safe but misery-inducing, and following your passion. I’m sure I speak for many of your readers when I say that we look forward to any and all advice you are willing to kindly and generously share with us. Congratulations on breaking free and continued success to you!
Congrats!!! This blog post is inspiring. I would love more info on how you started this blog. I look forward to your upcoming post not that you are liberated! Again, congrats and I wish you much happiness.
A very refreshing post, thanks! The book would definitely be a great addition to the site, I’m sure it will be useful for a lot of people. Really looking forward to it! ;)
Congrats Jonathan!!! I’m so happy for you, and send blessings your way! I would definitely be interested in a thorough guide, I think it would be quite the interesting read. *grins* It’s inspiring to see other people achieve their dreams, it pushes me more and more towards starting to make my dream come true [I’m procrastinating out of fear of failure, which is ironic since I just gave a speech on overcoming such a fear yesterday *wry*] Once again, congrats!
“create a life where I get paid to be me, where the value I give to the world by just being me”
I love this.
I am so tired of hearing my employers tell me “you need to be more “this” or less “that”…” if they just let me apply my natural talents and be myself, I can do anything well.
Congrats on your liberation!
Johnathan, you HAVE to write this ebook. I want to do the same thing (create an income) with my blog. I really want to give people great advice like you do. Congratulations on achieving your goal!
Big Congratulations, Jonathan!
This is the first post I have read on this blog, followed a link from zen habits. I have to say this is a awesome blog. The free ebook idea is great, I hope you get enough interest to make it worthwhile.
Congrats! You have the drive and talent needed to do well working for yourself and I think you will be extremely successful.
Congratulations! This is great to hear.
Congratulations! What an amazing feeling that must have been when you fired your boss. I would love to see a book about how you accomplished liberation, free or paid. You inspire me. Thank you.
Congratulations Jonathan. I love the way you worded your termination notice ;-D If only more people had the courage to take action towards doing the things that bring them joy. I wish you much success.
Yeah, I would love to learn how you were able to do this! I would LOVE to write the same letter… You’re Fired! :-D
Congrats and good-luck!
-Richard
Congrats Jon! I’ve realized one thing. Is that making the plunge is like a gradual process from the “employee” role to “business owner”. Would you recommend one to go straight into the latter from zero? :)
You da man!
Jonathan, I am glad you have arrived at your destination. :)
Congrats!!! This has to be very exciting, I think your mantra of “Liberation” is very appropriate.
I would certainly be interested in an e-book on how you built the blog/business. I would buy it. :)
Congratulations, Jonathan! I’m glad to know that you stuck to your dream and made it possible! It’s been great knowing you for one year already!! All the best to your future ventures!
Way to go Jonathan! You’ve finally done it! I love hearing stories about people quitting their sickening day job to pursue their dreams. It’s awfully inspiring!
I resonate with you the most when you talked about building a community and tribe unification that contributed to your success. I just so happen to have posted an article today about building my own community – a community of big dreamers – on my own blog.
I never really seriously thought about what kind of community I want to build until I read Chris Guillebeau’s article What Makes a Community about a week ago. I used to write for everyone just like you did. But things are going to change from now.
After reading that it was one of the contributing factors to your success, I’m reassured that I’ve made the right move. Thank you Jonathan!
Keep rocking!
Cheers~
Mark
Jonathan,
I got teary reading your post, no joke! It is totally inspiring, not only what it means for your life, but the gift you are giving thousands of people in living theirs. Hell ya…publish an e-book with your guide! We’ll be waiting. Thank you for coming and for listening to where it is you need to go. It can be scary as hell, but the ride is so very worth it. Congrats to you.
And for you my all time favorite quote found on some random cafe menu:
“Peaceout Beansprout, ’cause we’re all in this together!”
Katie
Congratulations Jonathan – welcome to the group of self employed! :D I resigned from my job last year as well to live my passion full time. My situation was slightly different in that I quit my job first, then started working on bringing my plans to life. Really, it would have worked out either way anyway – each is just a different means to the same end. Regarding the ebook, I’d love to read about how you came to set up your blog and build it to the success it is today, as I’m sure other readers are too. Keep up the great work!
Congrats and good luck!
Congratulations Jonathan! As a contrarian myself I salute you! Isn’t it great doing what you love? You’re having a blast, and the fun is only getting started. Nothing makes me happier than to see you grow and succeed in your endeavors. It’s great to see you excel with your passion. It only stands to reason if you love what you do, success will follow.
I would be remiss in my panegyric if I didn’t take a moment to pay tribute to a certain lovely young lady who has been a wonderful companion along your journey. I know she has been a marvelous influence and inspiration to you. (It’s great when your wife is gung-ho about your dreams) Therefore, I would like to congratulate her in raising such a fine husband, and advise the other ladies out there to reflect on her example if they want to fire up their other half ;-)
If I may, I would like to mention something that happened years ago. One day I was watching you as you were busy working on what I seem to remember as one of those monologues you wrote as a part of your online hobby. I was not particularly excited about the subject matter of your writing at the time, but you loved it and I knew that you would eventually move on to write about other things. The speed with which you typed as you worked was impressive. As I pondered about the talent you were displaying, I felt it was important to encourage you along the way.
After considering matters for a while, I told you that I would give you 100 dollars if you could exceed 100 words per minute… or was it 120? You had plans for that money within seconds, and became highly motivated to transfer it into your own pocket. As you practiced, it was amazing to see how quickly you increased your speed. You were relentless. In fact, if my memory serves me correctly, you exceeded the required number of words per minute that very evening and my wallet was relieved of a large amount of currency.
The purpose in what I did was not to employ you in doing something that would benefit me. (except to be proud of you) There were a lot of things I could have put you to work on to teach you the value of hard work etc. However that would have been drudgery, and would not show you what I really wanted you to see. I wanted to encourage you in a way that would be valuable to you regardless of where you went with your talents, and allow you to see for yourself how your abilities can improve under challenging circumstances. There are other reasons and I probably have it all mixed up. But you still turned out great in spite of my meddling.
I’ll leave you with this quote, “If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.” -Henry David Thoreau
Never stop dreaming!
Congratulations! And yes, I would like to read that e-book about how you did it!
Jonathan,
It is the 12th in Australia today. Your last day at a job! ENJOY.
I don’t know how I found your blog – and it does not really matter. That is how my life is now. Magic just happens!
The last time I read one of your thoughts on your blog, I felt that I found something that I liked. So I just put your blog link on my blog – So that I can always find you again!
It will be very interesting for me to follow your story from the ‘day of liberation’ onwards…Just for the heck of it.
I have been living a life of ‘LIBERATION’ for a short while now – and it is just a wonderful BLAST.
…Yet, I found that the key was not the power of intention or the dream – but something else completely opposite.
I hope that one day, you will be able to jump onto ‘the other side’ and that we will be travelling along similar path….
I bet you are doing a good work because just because you are a lovely person and you can talk closer to everyone.
“If you have a dream, it is possible.” Thank you very much.
I thoroughly enjoy reading your blog and I know you will experience continued success. Best of luck in your endeavors!
I would definitely be interested in a thorough guide to how you built the blog and the business…
Great information, and I like the “liberate” mantra —
Great inspiring write up. I would certainly like to know how you managed to start a money making blog so that you could leave your day job !
WOOT Plus! Congratulations. Would love to see a few more posts on how freedom shapes up for you, but I’ll add my name to the list of interested parties for that ebook you wanted. (I’d especially like to know how you researched what people wanted.)
Now my off-the-cuff seemingly unobtainable goal of leaving my day-job by November doesn’t seem so impossible. Mind if I borrow your ’employment services are no longer required’ line for my own notice? I plan on post dating it and sticking it up on my wall here as I work on my own freedom plans.
Best Wishes. Glad you exist. Even gladder you share your uniqueness.
Crystal
I know I’m late to comment on this, but I just wanted to say (again) how fantastic it was to meet you in Vegas, and how inspiring you are.
Seriously.
Congratulations! Thanks for giving us the inspiration to do the same :)
That’s awesome Jonathan, wish you the best of luck on your journey…
In the previous post yo wrote “If you have a dream, it is possible”. Then you here you are saying “Last May, I said « (..) he is going to by the light-heavyweight champion, it’s just a matter of time.” On May 23rd of this year, Lyoto Machida beat Rashad Evans to become the light-heavyweight champion in the UFC. He said “if you have a dream, it is possible.” He said this right after I found out I had achieved my income goal to make it possible for me to quit my job, and pursue my dream of being a full-time blogger.» Thank you for all the inspiration that is now on me. You passed me the ligh. With a deadline, I’ll say: “If you have a dream, it is possible” IT IS POSSIBLE!
Congratulations, Jonathan.
I found your site through ZenHabits. I really enjoyed your post on “Why Motivation Doesn’t Matter.”
https://zenhabits.net/
Best.
Suze
Hi Jonathan,
I found your site through ZenHabits also. I’m inspired! Really looking forward to reading the ebook. Congrats on all your success so far, and may the wind keep blowing at your back!
Hey Jonathan,
That sounded like a cool thing to do. Following your dreams, following your heart is what every man is supposed to do. I am glad you were able to quit your job. All the best for everything bud.
I, for one, would sure be interested in reading your ebook about how you made this blog big. The kind of things that made this blog work (on the financial side) would be great too!
Best to you Jonathan!
I too have set the intention of quitting my day job at the end of this year and now that I am less than 6 months away I have been feeling somewhat down as I am not where I had hoped to be (saving money, starting practice). I’ve been struggling creatively (still searching for a name for my practice that defines who I am and what I have to offer) and so have not made much progress. Regardless, I still intend to quit my day job and now that I have recently returned from vacation I have been able to think outside of my daily routine and figure out how to make things work for me. Your story is inspiring and exactly what I needed to read right now. Thanks for sharing and love your site!
This is indeed inspiring and will have many more follow in your footsteps. All the best with your new coaching initiative.
It was indeed very inspiring to read this post, Jonathan. Many congratulations to you and good luck in your new journey. The immediate effect of reading this is that I discovered a fantastic site https://hundredpushups.com/ and also made a small goal for myself.
And yes Jonathan, I am definitely interested in that free ebook about starting a full time blog. I;d be honored if you’d keep me posted about that.
Thank you.
-Anand
Awesome post. What sets you apart from going full time online from those who don’t is you set goals, and you took action. But you created small goals, and gradually increased it. I once read, if you give value, the rest will take care of itself. This can be with articles, posts, reports, your own ebooks and more. All which can easily generate income PLUS give value. It’s a win-win situation for you and the readers. I’m loving your blog and ZenHabits and learning from both of you. Might as well learn from the best! Thanks for the inspiration.
Hi Jonathan –
Good on you, mate. That has to feel so good. My husband did the same thing five years ago and has never looked back. It hasn’t been easy, but it has been a thrill. I quit my teaching job two years ago and just told them no again yesterday to a return position. It is tempting to go back into security, but I know that something bigger is out there for us.
Best of luck!
Jonathan —
This is my first visit to your blog (surfed in via an RT from @Shonali), but I’ll be adding it to my list of reads and to the blogroll on my own blog!
CONGRATULATIONS on doing this on your own terms. You are living the dream of so many by doing this (but you know that), and it sounds like you’re going about it in all the right ways. I hope your first month has been fantastic!
Personally, I had self-employment in the five-year plan … and then my job and two others in my office (effectively, 1/8 of the workforce) were cut this spring, and I worked my last day April 30. But it’s not been what most people would expect of unemployment at all! It’s been the best thing that ever happened to me. I actually blogged about it yesterday: https://bit.ly/xxDwA
Congrats! Found your blog through the interview on Happy Lotus. Definitely interested in an e-book on how to develop blog as business, I hope you go ahead and make it happen!
Hi!
Very inspiring article.
And I vote Yes! on the ”how you built this blog and business” e-book :)
Congratulations on changing your life!
Congratulations! I also loved the firing your boss note so much that I immediately wrote it down for myself, for good times to come sooner than expected ;-) “I will no longer be requiring your employment services.” Rocks :)
Please do create an e-book of your experience of self-Liberation!
Hey…
I was perusing around for a blog like this. Awesome! Keep it up. I did something similar…I quit my boring hospital job. I didnt know how unhappy I was until I became happy. I saved up and I quit. Your friend was right…it is liberating.
I’m very much interested in an ebook with a thorough explanation of your journey to success. Is this going to be different than ‘Reclaim Your Dream’?
After reading your about me, I see we have a lot of similarities. I applaud your journey and salute our efforts. I won’t be far behind you.
Also, out of curiosity, what was the job that you quit? I feel like I’ve had every job under the sun, so I’d love to hear your career history.
Brilliant article. I read it when you published and now I came back to it. Just to check your letter to your boss. I saved it in my Drafts. Soon it’s going to get sent out.