Recently I left my job at a world-class design agency in Portland, Oregon. Well, I didn't leave it - I got laid off for financial reasons. But I had been thinking about leaving for a few months prior, and everything kind of lined up perfectly.
I've never been one to take take the typical, expected path. I dropped out of high school, never had plans of going to college. While my friends were studying for their finals, I was teaching myself how to code. I've always wanted to start my own business but never knew what I wanted it to be.
So, when I got the news that I was being laid off, I decided this would be the moment. Now is the time to walk the talk, and take the risky leap into the depths of entrepreneurship. I started my own web-development/marketing agency with my life-long friend - He handles everything that isn't technical (sales, bookkeeping, time-management, etc) while I do all of the dirty work.
So far we haven't gotten any actual profit, but things are actually going better than expected. We decided to really lay in on the "local" aspect of our service - Going door-to-door and pitching local businesses, letting them know we're real, here, and responsive. That angle has been working out extremely well, I live in a somewhat rural, isolated town and all of the businesses here get their websites made by some developer they found on the internet who takes a week to reply to their emails. So when we walk into their store, and have a face-to-face conversation with them, it seems to really strike a chord.
I'm writing this on a Wednesday morning, tweaking out on a massive cup of coffee. It's the 24th, rent is due in a week and I don't have nearly enough money to pay it. I'm putting off time with my friends and family, not getting nearly enough sleep, treating my body like an old run-down car, deflecting waves of hate from my peers, and loving every second of it.
I've never seen the point in living a life doing what others expect of you. I don't know if I'll be able to pay my landlord, or buy groceries next week, but I know that whatever happens is up to me.
Top comments (10)
That
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I agree with Brian. The site is clean and has interesting effects that don't detract from it's intent.
I think your 'education' should say something besides 'None' because you are obviously educated. imo
Note taken :)
I am in a pretty similar situation. After realizing my "one year break" from trying to be independent turned into three I left my job and am on that 24hr hustle lol.
Nice work on the portfolio site. Good luck! I hope things work out well for you :)
Your portfolio site is brilliant kudos.
Good luck Gage! Your new life (at least in the begginnings) will probably be 80% selling and 20% coding. Are you prepared for that?
I love your portfolio site! Awesome work!
Thank you.
And yes, this has become extremely apparent over the last few weeks. Might be time for an update post!
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