I’ve had this post in draft for a while – honestly, it’s a ton of emotions and feelings that I’ve had for over a decade (ever since I went offshore in 2001 and sailed from Hawaii to Tahiti). As some of you know, I’ve been working 12+ hours a day 6-7 days a week since I graduated college (with almost no stopping, or hiatus’s). It’s been a lot of fun, but also very hard on my body, and spirit. For some silly reason I allowed work to always been something that has defined “who” I am, and “what” my purpose has been (a kick-a*s online marketer). But, now that I’ve reached my mid-thirties the realization hit me: If this is success, I don’t want any part of it, not complaining, just being honest…please allow me to explain more:
I’ve been very fortunate in my career, worked for fantastic companies (Overture, Yahoo, DDB, Legalzoom and Onestop) being rewarded/paid well…but what’s the rub you may ask? All of my financial success (VERY MODEST – I have enough to buy a boat, but not to retire), has been to the detriment of my health, and relationships…even my Wife is still caught up in the corporate rat race. After traveling on the Alaska Eagle last year (Antigua to Panama) on my 10year anniversary of sailing from Hawaii >> Tahiti, I made a serious pact with myself and my Wife = We must formulate the plan to cast off and experience the world/life…we only have one shot at this (one life to live) and I am not going to waste it sitting in 20hrs of traffic a week or behind a desk staring at pixels of false reality for 50+hrs a week.
Yeah, yeah – I probably sound like a idiot with a mid life crisis, or a person who needs a vacation to most folks out there…but that’s not it…seriously, the more money you make, the more taxes you pay, the more liabilities you have, and the less enjoyable life is (IMHO) – materialism is the detritus of our society. Unless you have $5-10+million in the bank, we all are “middle class” – and the current political regime is not making it easier to be successful, only harder.
Back to the story: Life is about experiencing the world, seeing new things, interacting with different cultures and living.
What it’s NOT: Reality TV, praying to become rich, wanting 15min of fame…that’s the bullsh*t (IMHO).
S/V Starfish 