I did it! I quit my job! Some of you have asked, “Why, Tevi? Why??” Why would I leave CSG International and the Content Direct team? It’s a fantastic company, with huge potential. I was working with some of the finest and brightest in technology, and some of the nicest people I’ve ever met. I was working with huge brand names on consumer-facing apps and websites for every imaginable platform and device. And not just Android and iOS! Even Windows 8 and XBOX; Samsung TV; Google TV; every single bleeding edge platform where our products could add some value. The location is in the heart of Chicago’s “Loop” downtown area, just blocks from the Art Institvte on Michigan Ave.
So, why’d I leave? Short answer: Freedom.
A few things came together that let me make the decision. First, is family. My wife’s shift at the hospital changed, and she was finally given the chance to work days, instead of nights. We’ve been waiting for this for 5 years. To take that shift meant I needed more flexibility in my own job, so I can do carpool and school pickups. (I know, I’m super-old.)
So I took that as the kick in the pants. I’ve always wanted to eventually be my own boss, but was too scared to take the leap.
Recently, I’ve also been working on a startup, Curbside Foodies. I really wanted to be able to spend more time on it, and help get it off the ground. My cofounders and I have been slaving away at v1.0, but there’s just a ton of work to do, and I wanted to focus on it more.
My commute downtown was killing at least 10 hours a week. If I went out on my own, I could put that time towards better use. So, I decided to take the leap, and work from home as a UX/UI developer, consulting with other companies. The remainder of my time will be all-Curbside Foodies.
I’m a bit of a workaholic, so to me, a vacation is sitting on the beach with my laptop, bangin’ out some code with the sounds of waves and seagulls all around. Due to our previously conflicting schedules, my wife and I can finally travel a bit more.
So what am I going to do about work? Well, being a UX/UI designer/developer means that in today’s market, it’s just a matter of sending a few emails. (Message to world’s unemployed: LEARN TO CODE!! LEARN UX DESIGN!! DO BOTH AND ROLL IN MONEY LIKE SCROOGE MCDUCK!!) Still, starting my own business is pretty scary…
It’s scary to just turn in my notice and leave a great job, when I have a wife and 3 kids depending on me. But sometimes, you just have to take the leap. I wanted the freedom to do what I really wanted to do, even if that means I now have the freedom to really screw up. I now have the freedom to work my own hours. And the added freedom for family time. I’ve also completely abandoned exercise the last 5 years, so it’ll be nice to jump back into that. Of course, “Freedom” doesn’t mean “Time”; I will have to be very careful how I spend my time, but now I have the freedom to choose what I want to do, when I want to do it.
So, goodbye, CSG! Hello, flexibility, freedom, and sleepless, sweaty nights of terror! I’m just going to work hard and hope for the best!
I’m going to use this blog to document my journey, discuss the process of setting up my business, getting my startup off the ground, talk about my newfound freedom! Let’s see where this goes!
If you’ve also started a similar journey, I’d love your advice or stories! Jump in in the comments below!
Here’s to new adventures!
– See more at: http://tevster.com/blog/taking-leap#sthash.ykQxIfXr.dpuf