I'm Nervous

Today my secretary was asking me about my plans for next year, "are you leaving?" We discuss our shared disdain for the 9 to 5 about every other day. "First I have to decide I will be satisfied earning less than half what I'm earning now," was my reply. To which she asserted "but you'll be so much happier."

I would. But would I be nervous and afraid everyday as well? Am I nervous and afraid everyday now thinking about it while I don't even have the flexibility I am craving? Yeah and yeah.

Then I went to the gym after work. Ran a few laps, took a dip in the pool, then stepped into the huge jacuzzi and let the hot water take over. I imagined what it would be like to be here at 10 a.m., when all the other boys are down in the office sweating in the dry air for that extra money I wouldn't be earning.

So on Monday I am going to call human resources and stop putting money into my 401k, and start plowing every extra dime into my savings account, so I can sleep at night without a cushy job, so I can hit the jacuzzi mid morning.

Another Sign

Yesterday after I arrived at home I was talking 'grow my tax and accounting practice' strategy with my wife. While we were talking, I checked my voicemail on speaker phone and a message I thought was from an out of town friend asking for a favor was actually a person I had never met who had been referred to me for tax work. A message from the Universe, loud and clear.

After going to the gym and working out, I called the prospect back and now have an appointment with them next Wednesday at 4:30. This is more good news.

We also posted my first ad on my wife's blog, which gets about 200 views a day by local artists and aficionados.

Some Pieces Coming Together

Today when I arrived at work at 5:30 am to handle a crisis at a time when most of my friends, family, and other loved ones where still warmly asleep in their beds, I found out that someone in my building has tuberculosis. Not quite the dramatic emergency I had envisioned, but dangerous enough. I was also told that I do not need to get tested, yet.

In other news, I found out I am one step closer to getting a large tax client for my accounting practice. This would go some distance in firming up my commitment to myself to finally take the plunge. I also discussed subcontracting some work from a client, that could likely keep me in regular paychecks while I build my businesses, while allowing me the freedom and flexibility I need for sanity and for business building. (we do only live once) I would, however, not be earning as much (probably earning about half of what I earn now), and therefore would not be able to plow all of that extra cash into investments. But I am confident I can make at least enough to cover my living expenses, and to maintain the same standard of living I enjoy now.

So do I have all the pieces together? Shit, I certainly didn't think trading a lifetime of financial security for the chance to be my own boss would be nearly as scary as this!

Pros and Cons

Today (Sunday) over breakfast and the New York Times I was making a pro and con list of leaving regular employment for the great self-employment unknown when my phone rang with an unknown number. It turned out to be my supervisor at work. Apparently there is some crisis at the office (she would not tell me what it is) which I will be briefed on tomorrow morning when I arrive even earlier than usual at 6:30. I added this to my con list, and take it as a major glaring sign from above that I should leave for the unknown.

Going Out On My Own

Man I haven't posted anything for a while, but I have been very busy. I am a cpa and during this time of year of course I am busy. I have also started a home improvement business with a partner, and have been spending a lot of time getting that together, even before we have fixed a damaged wall or remodeled a single kitchen.

I am truly hoping this is the year that I can leave my government job and be completely self employed. I am getting the pieces in place, but they are not all there yet. My accounting work takes care of about 25% of my expenses, and I am hoping i can make the rest doing home improvements/remodeling. My plan is to expand the accounting services and to get the home improvement business off the ground.

I also have friend who has a successful pet sitting service, and ends up subcontracting much of his work to others because he has too much for him to do alone. I am considering talking to him about picking up some of this work, but I am hesitant because of our friendship.

I am going to keep posting as i make this transition. I'm hoping that by doing this, it will help me process my thoughts, make good decisions, and maybe even get some unbiased feedback.