Inspiring? Or Stupid Decision?

It must be scary to do something out of the norm.

Trust me, I've been there. But the fear will soon be replaced with an unbelievable reward as you start getting results.

This exciting journey gives you a sense of fulfillment at the end of every day.

I remember in 2018 when I started working 9 to 5 for a prestigious art school. I felt like my dreams come true. I studied hard to achieve two degrees in Graphic Design and Photography. Then I could work in the field that I'd love to be in, stay in a beautiful office with giant windows from the bottom to the top of the wall. My workplace was always full of sunshine and creativity.

After a year, I started to realize that something was missing. I still woke up at 7 am every morning, sometimes earlier if there was a snowstorm. I came to the office early, made a hot cup of green tea, stared at the window, and felt the sunshine's warmth on my face before working at the computer. 9 to 5, every day like that, from Monday to Friday. When everybody left the office one day, I was staring at the snow outside, wondering if there was more to life.

A turning point encountered, the whole world shifted when we were facing Covid-19. Two of my coworkers were laid off during that time. I soon realized that I needed to find a way to be on my own sooner or later. I could not rely on someone for life to keep giving me a paycheck. Even though it was the company I love, they had to do what they must do during economic and health crises.

A couple of my friends were living in California at that time. They convinced me to spend a vacation there. Traveling during the pandemic? It was crazy for most people at the time. But the plane ticket was very affordable so there was nothing holding me back. Most people would stay home so I remember taking the entire row for myself on the plane, perfect social distancing!

Here I come, California! It was one of the best decisions in my life. The sunshine was so welcoming, and all the amazing food was waiting for me. The best part was the people. Cali was like a second home.

The vacation went by quickly. I was not ready to go back to snowy Cleveland. I felt like something was missing on the way back.

I continued working from home for the next couple of weeks, but the feeling of uneasiness grew bigger and bigger. I knew that I had to do something different. I called my mentor one night, and he gave me a crucial conversation. Long story short, 2 weeks later, I was in CA officially.

Starting a new life in a new place...

after a stable career, was not easy at all! I had to make a list of all my strengths, and what could I contribute to society so that I can earn a living from it.

I remember doing so many odd jobs to pay the bills, even something I thought I'd never done before, like food delivery. I read the most in my life during that time. I knew that my mind had to be strong to go through that initial test of freedom. I learn more about networking. My mentor told me that your network is your net worth. I constantly reach out to potential clients online and offline.

My beginning stage as a business owner involves a lot of marketing and reaching out to people every day. Sometimes it feels repetitive and even mundane, but you will feel extremely satisfying when your see clients filling up the pipeline. That is when the real excitement comes in, but you have to go through the grinding phase first. Most people give up too soon.

Looking back at that transition, I would not trade this lifestyle for anything else. Step by step I am getting closer to the life I wanted to live. And I am excited to share this journey with many people as I can. Some may find it inspiring, and some may find it stupid, but my soul is truly fulfilling, and that's the most important part.

Stay tuned for more details of this exciting adventure!

HENRIK NGUYEN