Ep. 1: The Day I Chose My Dreams Over My Job
A Journey from Employee to Entrepreneur, Developer, and Substack Writer
Have you ever felt that gnawing sensation in your gut telling you to leap towards what truly excites you? That’s precisely where I found myself a few years ago. I’m Seb, once a web developer in a cozy, secure job, and now a fledgling entrepreneur and Substack writer, navigating the delightful chaos of working from home while being a dad to energetic twins.
A Little Backstory
I spent years as a web developer and was good at what I did. Coding was more than just a job; it was a puzzle I enjoyed solving. But as the years ticked by, the projects started to feel monotonous, and the coding challenges that once sparked excitement in me no longer did.
At home, life was bustling with the laughter and endless energy of my twins, a boy and a girl, who were growing up fast—too fast. Every evening, drained from work, I realized I was missing out on so much.
It wasn’t just about the missed first steps or words; it was about not being there for the everyday moments that make up the richness of life. The idea of becoming an entrepreneur, of building something from the ground up, started as a whisper in my mind and grew louder each day.
The flexibility to work from home and the chance to engage in more meaningful work writing about my experiences and lessons—this dream slowly took shape.
Deciding to Take the Leap
The decision to quit wasn’t made on a whim. It involved countless sleepless nights, endless discussions with my spouse, and several pro-con lists that seemed to stretch forever. Financial stability was the biggest concern. Giving up a regular paycheck when you have two little mouths to feed can feel like stepping off a cliff blindfolded.
But sometimes, you have to listen to that inner voice—yes, even if it’s suggesting something as insane as quitting a stable job amidst the responsibilities of parenthood. I turned to my best friend, who had made a similar move years ago. "Seb," he said, "you’ll never feel fully ready. Take the step if it’s worth the risk to you." And so, I made the choice. I decided to bet on myself.
The Day I Said Goodbye to My Job
I remember my last day vividly. As I told my boss, my hands were trembling, but my heart was steadfast. My colleagues were supportive yet visibly surprised. "You’re taking a huge risk. You’re brave", they said, and perhaps I needed to believe that about myself, too.
Logging off that day, I felt a complex mix of liberation and apprehension. There was no turning back now. The safety net was gone, and the open sky of possibilities lay in its place.
The Transition: Not as Seamless as Hoped
The early days of working from home were a rough adjustment. I set up my office, naively thinking it would suffice. I quickly learned that the hustle of household life doesn’t pause for Zoom calls. I remember once, while on a crucial call with a potential client, my kids decided it was the perfect time to stage a loud reenactment of their favorite superhero showdown right behind me. (Spiderman, if you are wondering… :)
Balancing work and family life was more complicated than I had anticipated. I had to find a rhythm that worked not just for me but for my entire family. It involved a lot of trial and error, from testing different work hours to setting clear boundaries that my twins could understand ("Daddy's at work when the office door is closed").
Facing Setbacks and Celebrating Small Wins
Not every day was filled with triumphs; there were numerous setbacks, too. There were days when I questioned my decision, especially when clients were few and bills were plenty. But slowly, through persistence and sheer grit, small victories began to emerge.
Each small win validated my choice, and with every setback, I learned something valuable. This journey taught me that resilience isn’t about not failing; it’s about learning and continuing to move forward.
Today: A Balancing Act
Today, I’m still learning to balance being an entrepreneur with being a dad. It’s about making the most of nap times, kindergarten hours, and those precious quiet moments early in the morning or late at night. It’s also about being okay with occasionally dropping the ball because perfection is an impossible standard, especially with twins who have mastered the art of unpredictability.
Reflections on the Journey
If there’s anything I’d like others to take away from my story, is that it's okay to chase your dreams, even if the timing isn’t perfect—because honestly, when is it ever? Whether you're a parent, a person in a comfortable job, or someone just afraid of the unknown, know this: it’s possible to redefine your life on your terms.
I quit my job not just to follow my passion but to reclaim my time and reshape my identity. It's been a journey of transformation, not just for me, but for my entire family.
We’re all in this together, growing and adapting to the rhythms of this new life. And I wouldn't have it any other way.
I love this Seb. I had a similar moment when I took the plunge and went full time as a therapist in private practice. I’ve never regretted it and love having the freedom to do what I want to do when I want to do it. Such an interesting post. Thank you. 🙏