In the last few weeks, I’ve made some pretty massive professional changes.
I left my VP of Social Strategy job at Radian6, a successful post I’ve held for the last few years. And over the last week, my business partner, Matt Ridings, and I shared that we’d be launching a new social business venture together in the new year.
I’ve actually been really surprised by how many times I’ve gotten some variation on this question (mostly in private):
“Why would you leave a stable job with a good company at a time like this?”
Like this? Like what?
Do you mean in this kind of economic climate? In the current state of the social business industry? Do you mean because I’m a single mom of a preschooler with a mortgage and all that kind of stuff?
I imagine many of them don’t mean to criticize, but really rather to understand something that might be overly risky to them. The way I look at it is this.
As far as I know, I get one spin on this rock. There is always something you can point to that will illustrate that it’s not the “right” time to do something risky. There are always obstacles or challenges or what ifs, and as far as my career goes, no one is going to hand me the chance to do something amazing, I have to earn it (and grab it when it shows up). There are also a few things that I’m determined to be able to say when my spin ends, whether that be tomorrow or several decades from now.
I faced fear when it mattered.
Uncertainty is absolutely everywhere. So is risk and the possibility of failure. And a “day job” and a steady paycheck for the moment is no guarantee of a damned thing. We make that assumption all the time until the next person to be “downsized” is us. And we thought we were indispensable.
I’ve had my own share of derailments, devastating experiences, and unknowns, both professionally and certainly personally. I quit an old job once without any kind of a safety net, simply because it felt like the right thing to do (I don’t recommend this approach for everyone, but it sure taught me a lot).
And while I’m only human, facing what scares me is something that reminds me I’m alive and more resilient than I give myself credit for. I never want to look back and say “I didn’t do that – even though I wanted to – because I was afraid”. Some fears I’ll avoid simply because I’ve no desire to see what’s on the other side (there’s no part of me that wants to conquer rock climbing without ropes. Really, there isn’t.).
But the stuff I want so badly I can taste it? The things I dream of chasing and want to feel myself doing? I don’t want to do anything but flinch forward when they present themselves.
I grabbed hold of opportunity. Or, I made it for myself.
Opportunity sometimes knocks you upside the head. Other times it whispers, taunts you a bit. In either case, you often have to shut up long enough to hear it. I believe in something right now, that Matt and I have an opportunity to really make an impact in the business world. To find professional success for ourselves, but also to provide something that’s truly of value to the companies we work with. I believe our industry is important. I believe we’re good at what we do. I believe that there’s a chance for us to make a difference in one way now, and with success, in innumerable ways beyond what we can imagine at the moment.
I don’t want to sit and wait for someone else to create opportunity for me. I don’t want to bitch about all the chances I don’t have because of someone else or some obstacle that’s in front of me. I don’t want to be the victim of circumstance or someone else’s plans.
I want to make my own. And if that means I go down in a crazy, flaming ball of failure, that’s okay by me. At least it was on my own terms.
I’m building a legacy, not a series of jobs.
My job doesn’t define me. My pursuit of a purposeful career might, in part, but my job doesn’t.
That means that leaving one “job” in favor of building and creating something is about pursuing a purpose and creating a legacy more than it is making a living or earning a paycheck. I’d work at Starbucks or Target or the grocery store if I needed to in order to make ends meet (and I’ve made peace with that both times I’ve left the working world to start a business). It’s like Pam Slim says: I’m creating a body of work. There may be a lot of weird pieces to that, some of which seem utterly disconnected. But it all weaves together to create a professional fabric that I can take a great deal of pride in. And I daresay taking a few chances has had more than its share of positive impact on my personal side, too.
I believe I can always find a way to make ends meet. I truly do. If that’s not the factor holding me, than something else had better be or I’m out of excuses.
I want my daughter to take chances for herself, too.
My daughter is four and a half, going on sixteen.
As my friend Kat said so eloquently in a comment the other day, I don’t want to orchestrate an outcome, I want to raise a human being. I was blessed with parents who instilled in me not just the idea that I could “be anything”, but actually stood by me when that pursuit led me straight into a brick wall or smack into heartbreak.
I want my daughter to see me take chances. I want her to see me fail. I want her to see me succeed brilliantly. I want her to see the entire canvas and know that it wasn’t painted with a single brush. She’s an amazing little person already, and the only things I wish for her are to grow up as a decent, kind person (she’s already well on her way), and to know that life is about the choices you didn’t make, the chances you took, and how you respond to the outcomes. I want her to live without regrets, and with belief that she can create a path for herself woven from experiences she embraces and decisions she makes, for better or worse.
My Path, Not Yours
My path is mine and no one else’s. The choices I make may not make you comfortable, for a million reasons. Your circumstances, characteristics, opportunities aren’t mine, nor mine yours. So the point here isn’t to be prescriptive, and tell you that you ought to do things this way because they’re better than the way you’re doing things. Just like the point isn’t for others to judge my decisions by using a lot of “should” and “need to” statements (though they sure do).
The point is instead to share a bit about my own reasons, since a lot of people seemed to be curious. Stuff to consider, I guess. Maybe they connect with you too. If not, please by all means carve your path based on what you believe, want, and can do.
Our choices, decisions, and perspectives are a mosaic of the things we’ve observed and experienced, from the mundane to the profound. We stitch all of those pictures and possibilities together into something that we think resembles a path we’d like to walk, even if we can’t always see where it leads. And so we do. Sometimes it works. Sometimes it’s a mess. Either way, it’s life, in all its imperfect glory.
And I intend to live mine out loud.
Boom goes the dynamite. Good for you. The key to happiness (in life and in business) is figuring out what you DON’T want to do. It’s a process of elimination.
People seem to forget that you ran your own thing before R6, so it’s not like you’re walking into an unknown, dark abyss. And that Matt character knows a couple things about building a successful business.
And if the unthinkable happens and this new venture doesn’t take flight, you can get another VP social strategy gig in about 4 minutes.
This is as close to a risk-free startup as you’re ever going to see, so people need to chill out and just wait for the fireworks show.
For those that need it: Boom Goes the Dynamite – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W45DRy7M1no
Oh my.
Thanks, my friend. I know as much as I ever have about what I don’t want to do. But as much as it’s about eliminating things, I’d actually say I’m standing for something. Sticking a flag in the sand. Pursuing a passion or a purpose. It’s not to say that what that is could never change. But eliminating things alone is passive. I’m *choosing* something, too.
And yeah, most people don’t know that I was independent for a while. But I got the same questions when I quit that time, too. 🙂
That is awesome, going at it on your own is really a powerful position to live from.
It is so important that we learn to take chances and face the challenges, because that really is where growth lies. Growth personally and professionally!I am looking forward to seeing it begin and grow!
It really is. Sometimes I’ll admit that the growth has come from um, involuntary change? 🙂 But when you face change you didn’t expect, you sometimes realize just what you’re capable of, and are a little more open to the next time it presents itself.
Hooray for you Amber. Once when I was working at a large corporation someone commented to me that I had job security. I responded that “I did not need to be this secure”. And a whole bunch of them couldn’t understand why I left a perfectly good job with a big title and salary and a good dose of celebrity in my profession to go out on my own.
Today that firm is long gone. As you said, you could be the next person to be downsized. Nothing is a given.
Certainly there have been days of uncertainty, but I have thoroughly enjoyed the ride and my ability to work with my clients in the manner that we define and not some large corporation.
My wish for you is that you are most of all is that you are happy, then that will bring success. Rock on girl!
Excellent point, Pat. I actually think that in today’s environment, working at a company is more risky then being on your own. Maybe not as scary, but certainly more risky.
Thanks for the encouragement, Pat! The idea of “job security” is as dead as a doornail, whether it’s for yourself or someone else. The difference is in how much more control you have over the surrounding circumstances.
I’m glad you’ve enjoyed so much success, and look forward to following in your footsteps. 🙂
Bravo, Amber!!!
I have had similar conversations with family and friends. A single parent, like you, a great part of my inspiration comes from the relationship I have with my young daughter. I say again and again, my daughter is going to grow up knowing that it is good to dream and will always be encouraged to work toward her dreams. My life has to be an example of that.
God bless, and keep it up!
Thank you, Paul! Good for you for giving your daughter such broad perspective. I really do think it makes a massive difference.
This is a great manifesto type of post, Amber. It’s funny what people ask when you tell them news about yourself, and how much it reveals about their own situation. I recently quit a pretty awesome job at a company that’s just taking off to help build another startup and the one question I kept getting was why I hadn’t told them I was even looking. That question usually came before, “Congratulations,” and revealed a lot about what they thought of themselves and their relationship to me.
I’m sure you don’t need this reminder, but you should print this post out and put it on your wall where you work — or tuck it away and look at it every 3-to-6 months when you need a gut check that you made the right move.
As for me, I can’t wait to watch you continue living your life out loud.
Thank you, Laura! That’s fascinating, isn’t it? I actually have a post brewing about thwarting the killjoy, and how most people’s reactions and judgments are reflections of their own fears and regrets. It would be amazing if we could learn to be genuinely supportive of others, even if we envy their circumstances or doubt their decisions.
Appreciate the encouragement, and as for you, I hope you keep doing what YOU believe. More people need to do that, loudly. 🙂
Oh, can’t wait to read your blog post about the killjoys. I’m aching to write my own, but need more time between my transitions (I switched startups in November). 🙂
As Jay said, “Boom goes the dynamite.” I continue to be impressed, Amber, by your “no flinch” attitude. I don’t see any risk whatsoever in what you and Matt are doing. Zero. None. Zilch. You both have proven track records or world domination. You both know your stuff and have fun doing it. And that stuff about that daughter of yours? The one who is 4.5 and going on 16? Yeah. That’s the shit that matters. But you know that.
Kick some ass, Amber. I know that you and Matt will…
Oh I flinch. That’s the thing. Don’t make the mistake of thinking I’m fearless. I have sleepless nights. I cry. I stress. I doubt. And then I go and do the shit anyway.
That’s the difference. Walking *through* the fire, instead of pretending it isn’t there.
Thanks for your support, my friend. We so appreciate it. Truly. After all, you took a pretty awesome plunge yourself this year. 🙂
Excellent clarification. You are right. “Then I go and do the shit anyway” is the key. Most people don’t take that next step.
“We make that assumption all the time until the next person to be ‘downsized’ is us. And we thought we were indispensable.”
Just experienced this. Very demoralizing. So, +1 to you for taking the so-called “leap of faith.”
Here’s wishing you a Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and phenomenal success in your new venture!
So sorry to hear that, Eric. It’s an all too common story, I’m afraid. And while the success of our business is far from guaranteed, at least we know that most of it’s destiny is contained in the decisions WE make, not ones that others make for us.
Cheers to you, and hoping that 2012 is the start of bigger and better things for you.
I for one welcome our new hype-free overlords.
Well done. 🙂
Thank you, Ian. 🙂 We’re looking forward to the adventure.
Hi Amber, I rarely comment on your posts, but I need to share that I have learned as of lately that to be happy I really have to define my purpose. Not my passion or what I’m good at, but why I’m doing it. You’ve done that here. Hold on to this post and every time there’s a rough moment, read it again for yourself and your resolve will be hardened.
Purpose can be found anywhere, by the way. Big corporations need people who align their purpose with that of the company. My grandpa always said, “To be successful you have to run your own business or be in charge of the direction of what you do.” I was 10, and that didn’t really mean anything to me. Lately, it’s becoming clear that he was my first great life coach. In an online world, I consider you a part of that circle. Keep up the great work.
Ryan, thanks so much. And I fully agree that purpose can be found in lots of places, unique to the person and the circumstances. Thank you for the compliment, and for being part of things around here, even quietly. 🙂
Congratulations to you! I’ve quit a couple of jobs in the past because I felt the fit was not there, it was time to move on, etc. No one else knows how that feels exactly. I love the thoughts you shared about how your actions might influence your daughter some day. I agree wholeheartedly and this will be a good lesson for her to learn/watch unfold. I had a friend start an agency back in the fall of 2001. Can you imagine a time filled with less certainty? She’s happily still in business and acquired another agency this past year. So, you’re right–it may not look like the obvious time to launch a new business but you’ll never know until you try it.
Thank you, Andrea! It’s a scary thing, isn’t it, but also liberating. I’m hopeful that my daughter learns that it’s ok to try some things even when you aren’t sure how they’ll turn out. And great news for your friend! Hope her business continues to do well.
Wow. Just wow! With that attitude even if you hit roadblocks or make mistakes, you’ll never truly fail. Jump into uncertainty! Like you said, we only get one go. Let’s make it worth it. 🙂
I sure hope I’m giving it my best shot. Thanks, Beatriz. 🙂
Awesome for you, Amber. You eloquently articulate the EXACT inner dialogue I had with myself when I left a well-paying marketing salary in high-tech to follow my passion – adding humanity and some humor to marketing. Some friends that I was crazy (yes, I am in many ways!); others knew it was what I had to do (and wouldn’t ever be happy living with the what-ifs if I hadn’t tried). Take that risk. Even if it doesn’t work out (and I suspect it will in ways you don’t anticipate now), you haven’t “failed” in the larger sense. You’ve won. People who ask “why” mostly mean well – they themselves tend to be risk-averse and don’t understand the underlying passion, dedication and courage that it takes to be an entrepreneur. I always say to them that there is no job security today – yep, even their regular paychecks. They could be let go any time. I have a 3-yr-old going on 13 and I know that the best example I can set for him of walking through fear is by doing it every day, rather than by simply “talking” about it. Show don’t tell! Best of luck to you. Go get ’em!
Thank you, Kathy! And good for you. Crazy isn’t always a bad thing. Thanks for your support and encouragement!
Thank you Amber! An inspiring piece of writing about having a job vs. building a life. I especially like the part about what it means for your daughter. The way we model life for the special people we know has resonating effects for years. Often we don’t realize what we’ve done until long after we’ve moved on to new things.
Thank you Cory! And that’s so true about realizing things later. There have been lots of times when I’ve doubted a choice or a path, and looked BACK on it to realize it was just the right thing, even if I didn’t know it.
I made a similar decision over 25+ years ago. I’ve never looked back! Yes, there are ups and downs but always keep looking up.
Congratulations. You will do fabulously.
CASUDI
Thank you, ma’am. 🙂 It’s accomplished folks like you that help me realize that it’s all worth it, and possible.
Congratulations Amber!
Inspiring words about your philosophical approach to the world of work.
Cheers!
Thank you, Joe.
Go. Live big. Flinch into it!
That’s the idea! And Julien has had no small part in constantly pushing me forward. I’m lucky to call him a friend.
You are a brave woman with much to be proud of – way to set an example for your little one Amber!
Thanks so much, Sima.
Rockout, Amber. There is no better time to chase a vision or catch a drift than when you feel it and are ready to live it. The “now” that you see is all yours and can only be proven or not by you.
As the rest of the world is holding wallets tightly and backing away from the edge, your balloon will rise higher than everyone else’s, most likely faster. Fire it up, darlin’!
As Jay already stated…the worst thing that can happen here: you’ll have to get a job.
The “right” time is such a fallacy, don’t you think? There’s never such a thing. Having friends like you that have such a lust for life and possibility really is priceless. Thanks for your support, my friend.
This is a great move for you. Congratulations and I wish you nothing but the best of luck.
Thanks, Mark! I’m super excited about it. Look out 2012. 🙂
Good for you and I wish you all the best. I left my one and only corporate job when I was younger than you and had a young family to support – I never looked back. Yes, doing my own thing has been scary at times but also exhilarating. Find your bliss and follow your dreams.
Thank you, Rick! It’s so amazing to look through all of these comments and hear from people who have done some version of this themselves and who are so encouraging. Thanks for being one of them!
The best job security in the world: Make it happen. Look forward to seeing what you and Matt are cooking up, Amber!
No one can accuse us of not trying, that’s for sure. Thanks, Steve. Looking forward to sharing more with you guys very soon.
Good for you Amber. Sure, you could wait for the “perfect moment” but what if it’s too late? With your smarts and your network you’re going to thrive out here in the self-empowered ranks and you’ll look back and be glad you took a leap of faith.
Thanks, Janet. I’m not sure there is a “perfect”, and like you said, I don’t want to look back having not moved or done anything and wonder if I missed my shot. Thanks for the support!
Good for you Amber. Sure, you could wait for the “perfect moment” but what if it’s too late? With your smarts and your network you’re going to thrive out here in the self-empowered ranks and you’ll look back and be glad you took a leap of faith.
Hi Amber, and thanks for this inspiring post. Like others who commented before me here, the part about your daughter resonated particularly strong with me. How can we inspire our children to go their own way if we don’t have the courage to go down new roads or take on new challenges ourselves? While I’m working for myself since some time, I find this to be true for so many things in life.
Hi Carsten, and thank you! And so true. Our kids learn by watching and observing as much as what we tell them, so I want to not just tell my daughter what’s possible, I want to show her.
Congrats!!
I always thought this would be your path eventually.
Thanks, Jamie! It’s been awesome to have you along for the ride, and hope you’ll stick around. 🙂
I have been following you for quite a while. (social media wise not stalkeresque) It is awesome you are making the leap. I did the same thing ten years ago and it continues to be be a wild ride which I live. Hold on! Congrats! Great post btw.
Mike
HA! 🙂 Thanks so much for your support, and for showing folks like me what’s really possible.
Honestly I think it’s amazing. Never mind “a time like this;” there are always reasons not to do something if you’re really looking.
Can’t thank you enough for always pushing me, Julien. I owe you for that.
Reading this made me think of my own journey and had time very similar to yours- big decision but need to take the chance, grab the moment….You are a courageous woman as not everyone in this world CAN do this…You words are inspiring and should be required reading for all new and existing entrepreneurs/risk takers to remind them why they have chosen to be a participant in life! You will do well and your daughter will surely be proud that you are her mom!
Vicki – I think everyone does their own *version* of taking chances. Risk is subjective, but I certainly know that this is something that I can and should be doing for myself.
I am indebted to you for writing such a poignant post. I’m thrilled for you and applaud your gumption. I, too, left a well-paying job to tackle my passion three years ago. In that time, I’ve experienced much of what you described. I’m delighted you so elegantly and bluntly shared your experiences and outlook. You vision and choices are filled with moxie, deliberate action, and will most assuredly lead to one heck of a good spin. Thank you for sharing!
Thanks, Deborah. I’m bowled over by all the people here that have done a similar thing. It’s encouraging and exciting and definitely motivating. 🙂
Kudos to you Amber. Wish you all the best… but with the kind of passion you’ll bring to the new venture, you won’t need luck.
Lionel, thank you my friend. Can’t wait to share some more with you and get your input as a seasoned professional!
“A time like this?” If someone could point me to a time when it wasn’t a “time like this,” when everything was all sunshine and cotton candy and rainbows, then I’d appreciate it. The time that’s best is the time that’s right for you. And this kind of decision isn’t for everyone, which is why so many, I think, have such a hard time understanding it. Most people *want* the safe choice (whether it’s actually safe or not); they don’t want risk. But for those like you and Matt, who are unwilling to settle, who are more interested in sucking the marrow out of life, no matter how you get there, that’s not an option.
I am prouder of you than I can say. Proud of what you’re doing professionally, proud of the example you’re setting for the young ‘un, proud of the person you are.
Thanks my friend. I’ve said it many times but will say it again. Your friendship and support mean the world to me, and I can’t thank you enough for always pushing me forward and encouraging me to pursue what’s right for *me*. Thank you, thank you. Lots of love.
Huge congrats, Amber. I agree with the other commenters. I see very little risk in your choice and tremendous upside.
In 2009, so many friends and family asked why I would leave a decade and stable job & salary at Accenture for what they saw as an “unpaid internship” with Seth Godin.
They didn’t realize that the “risky” choice in their eyes was the best possible (and least risky) thing I could have done.
Thrilled that you and Matt are doing this. Let me know how I can help in any way.
Thank you, Clay! I hope y’all are right about the risk thing. 🙂 I know you’ve done some great things and I really appreciate the encouragement and support.
Congratulations Amber! Those that question your leaving a “secure” job, should probably never leave their secure jobs…they obviously do not have the desire to work for themselves…it’s not for everyone! I chose to create my own opportunities over a year ago…and yes…it is challenging…but I love every minute of it…and ask myself over and over…”why did i wait so long”? Like you, i know if i am ever against a wall and need some fast cash…i can temporarily “work” where ever i have to. You will do great…always have faith in yourself…and enjoy!
It’s definitely not for everyone, nor do I think it should be. Like I said to someone above, everyone’s idea of risk and chance is different. This is mine for now, and I’m excited about it. 🙂
Thank you for this powerful and inspiring story of your courage. I too found myself at a crossroads and made the decision to follow a passion and dream. Not sure I can articulate what that dream is but I know the path I was on wasn’t going to get me any closer to it.
People said I was making a mistake or thought I was giving up in my corporate job because their mentality is that working for someone else in that job was the only way. I’m not saying it isn’t but it’s only one way of many.
Growth comes from being thrown into something uncomfortable and I want to GROW!!!!
Thanks again and I look forward to watching your success!
Thank you for reading, Katie. Growth definitely comes from being uncomfortable, whatever that means for you. Thanks for sharing your story, and for your support!
I did this in 2004. I just upped and quit my job as a associate professor at university. One April morning. I went out, started a business and got me some basset hounds. I haven’t looked back although some folks thought I was crazy leaving a job friends were fighting to get.
Here’s to your success!
Jon, wow! Good for you for pursuing what felt right. Thanks for the encouragement.
The very best of luck to you. I did the same sort of thing last year as I believe that things happen for a reason – and I was right! I am now happier than I have ever been, although fitting in being a grandad, husband, dad and main money earner is hard work!
Jason, thank you so much, and good for you that you did it for yourself, too! Very happy for you and your success with all that balance!
Rock on, Baby.
Love. Mom.
Thanks, Mom. 🙂 Love you.
Your drive and determination were evident early. I remember the teen who worked on locker decorations before a meet for the Swim Team she was “manager” for until 3 a.m. and then got up at 5 a.m. to put them up before the swim team arrived for practice. The practice, practice, practice for flute recitals and dedication to your band-mates. Your success is no surprise to me. What’s wonderful is your truly gifted soul that is not tainted by your ambition. Your human-ness is even greater than your braininess. Maybe a little prejudice here – but folks should know you are a great person who is successful. Not a successful person who happens to be nice.
Go Get em!!! #greatPost!
Thank you so much.
Great piece and introduction to your site. As I read I was reminded of my own Risk taking “Aha” moment when I picked up and “rebooted” my life relocating from NYC and a job at one of the top medical facilities in the country to go back to school and get a degree.
Even now, a year and a half later and 4.0 GPA notwithstanding, I still get the naysayers and comments about the wisdom of leaving a “Job” for the unknown.
However If all I wanted out of life was a job, I would have stayed. As a 40-something, at this point in my life I am not looking for “jobs” as I am looking to fulfill my potential and leave some imprint on the world in some way after all is said and done.
Thanks! I’m so inspired hearing everyone’s stories of how they challenged their own conventions to pursue something. I love your story. Thanks for sharing it!
Congratulations Amber, I’ve taken scary new paths several times in my life, sometimes jumped, others pushed, lost all I built up more than once and started again from zero. Had to make major changes (most recently at age 60 after a heart attack) but what a wild and exciting journey I have had. Gave my kids a different view of life too. I wouldn’t change any of it.
So Go For It and the best of luck.
Peter – wow. What a compelling and concise version of exactly what I’m talking about. Thanks for sharing your perspective, and for lending your support and encouragement.
Fantastic Amber! I commend you in your choice. Always remember that entrepreneurs are a different breed not understood by most. When I come across people who just don’t get it, I just think to myself “They will eventually get it.” But by then I will be long gone. Kudos to you.
I love how you think just so much more right now… didn’t think it was possible. Amber… you truly do rock.
Really great post and super inspiring!
Pretty inspiring. Love it.
The biggest risk in life.. is not taking the leap. Jump, jump far, jump hard… and you’ll nail the landing. If you need any more inspiration around following your Intent, your passion, what makes you truly happy… this incredible interview with Oprah just nails it for me http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/09/09/sheryl-sandberg-interview_n_955198.html
Perfect timing to see this today Amber-I was having one of those-eek, what I have I done days 🙂 you said it well.
I always remember someone saying to me years go: “don’t listen to those who would box you in-we only get one life and there are no do overs when it is finished. So why live a life half-way?” Whenever can’t, shouldn’t and why are offered as responses to a change I just remember that and it helps. I have come to enjoy those those puzzzled looks from others that ask what are you going to do now-it reminds me that my mind works differently than theirs and that is just fine.
And that I have been thrust into challenging circumstances and made it through, often better off than before. There are no guarantees that the job you have today will be there tomorrow-none at all.
I agree that your job should not define you, but your work does. I’m grateful you choose to think out loud and just wanted to wish you success.
Awesome post, Amber. I’m excited for you and know you’ll succeed in both your new business and in continuing to inspire others (like myself) to live loudly. While I’m not at the “shouting” stage yet, thanks in large part to your example I’m no longer “silent” either.
With all the passion, heart and brains you have, you’re gonna knock it out of the park!
Hi Amber. Love your post. I am just doing the same transition at the moment. Scary but exciting. Hope we hear more about your exciting project soon!
I was about to give some usual encouraging words like ‘best of luck to you’ but I better refrain: you don’t need it. Luck does not play a part there!
Amber, I don’t know you personally but I’m glad I follow you.
You go, girl! I especially love seeing women embrace who they are, step out and claim their voice. I’m in the process of doing this myself and have been fully supported by my husband of 31 years–for which I am very grateful! It is an awesome, amazing, scary, exciting, energizing feeling. Here’s to 2012 for you and Matt. My very best wishes!
Just now reading this, but I’m excited for your news nonetheless. My favorite line out of a bunch of good stuff from this post? “I grabbed hold of opportunity. Or, I made it for myself.” Damn right you’re making your own opportunity, and good for you. The willingness to take those chances are what separates the successful from everyone else. I’ll wish you and Matt luck, though I doubt you’ll need much of it. I’m looking forward to continuing to learn from you as you dive into this new venture.
Kudos to you! I did the same thing this year — took my own leap of faith — and there were those people who wondered “Why would you leave the ‘security’ of a day job …” Security of a day job? There is no such thing any longer. People who believe they are indispensable are fooling themselves. The only regret I have is that I didn’t take the leap of faith sooner! Wishing continued success!
took me a while…finally able to read and enjoy every word. not sure if you were, but i did pick up a nod to frost’s path not taken with the title and find it perfect for the honest and delightful blog. thanks amber.