I Can Do Bad All By Myself
May

Hey everyone, my name is John Garrett from over at Hypertransitory.com.
I do art, comics, graphic design, plus I love web and tech stuff like Joomla, WordPress, Bittorrent and other web technologies. I know you’re only supposed to blog about one thing but I can’t help it!
I have to thank Steve for inviting me over to share my titanic tale of ending the toil. Please join me as I’m sure many of you can relate to my story.
Secret Origin
Well, maybe not so secret. I did exactly what society told me I’m supposed to do: Namely go to college, graduate, try to land a job in my field and then work that for 50 years or so until I retire and die.
When you eventually realize that it’s sucking the soul out of you, it may be too late to reverse course and change things. Or at least that’s what the fear will tell you. I gave in to the fear for way too long and wasted some good years of my life.
No more. No mas…
On The Job
I’ve been working my most recent job for over 10 years now. The kind of place where it’s so small everyone has to wear many different hats. It’s the kind of thing that can really burn you out.
I had to be a web designer, print designer, video producer, photography assistant, tech support, prepress and also answer phones to do customer support. Whew!
The pay was not very good, but when they hired me I desperately needed the job, so I took it. Also, I didn’t have all the skills I now have when I first signed on. I knew all about print work and prepress, but not much web stuff.
Luckily (for them), I was so interested in the web that I would spend my nights and weekends learning it and building my own sites – developing skills on my own time that I would then bring back to the company and use for the low rate I was being paid.
My own fault for not realizing my worth.
Not only that but I had an almost hour-long drive one-way, so depending on traffic I could be spending over two hours on the road per day.
Sometimes it would be difficult for me to muster up the energy to use my creativity for myself when I got home. I would just veg on the couch. I did this for years.
Failing To See The Logic…
So what changed?
As time went on, I acquired more and more skill, mostly from doing my own things and projects on the side. In addition, I was spending my own time and considerable money to get close to people who really knew what they were doing -places like problogger, thirdtribe, and webmasterworld all showed me the way things should be done.
They weren’t being done that way at my job, and it was extremely frustrating to me.
Jobs that could be so simple were requiring herculean efforts to complete based on the draconian and frankly incompetent restrictions that the company was placing on me.
I finally realized that they were completely ignorant of what was going on out there on the web and how things should really work.
There was a lot of friction in the last few months there, with the bosses essentially letting me know that they didn’t trust my judgement and they didn’t want to do things my way. Even though in many cases I was literally the only person who could complete the projects!
Well, I failed to see the logic in their decision.
Getting It Together
It was soul-searching time. When 2011 rolled around I realized that I had been there a solid 10 years. I was almost 40 and I hadn’t had a raise in 6(!) years.
I was living check to check and hadn’t had a vacation in years (I would either use my vacation as sick days or just stay home and chill since I didn’t really have money to go anywhere decent).
I didn’t blame the job, I blamed myself for sitting on my ass for so long and being complacent and being afraid to go out on my own.
Did someone with my skills really have to put up with this? Hell, no.
The final, inescapable truth hit me: If I was going to struggle, be miserable and fail as I was doing at that job, well, I could just go ahead and do all that by myself!
People, we need to be happy. Life is short and I had just tricked off 10 years slaving away for other people and not living life to its fullest potential. I realized that time was more important to me than the money.
But there’s a lot of things I want out of life, and yes money will help me get those things. So I decided that from now on, I was going to earn what I’m worth.
That’s the way it is, and I just won’t work for less.
As far as I’m concerned, I would rather move back in with my mother and take my time back rather than waste it on the job and be miserable for chump change (of course I would be busting ass trying to get out of my mother’s house, then!).
So I decided that was it! I gave them my two-weeks notice. Wanna know what the first thing out of their mouths was when I quit?
“Can you work part-time?”
Huh? I thought I was so dumb that my opinions didn’t matter? But hearing the desperation in their voices was satisfying. I know I should be above that but I wasn’t.
Back In Black
So here’s the thing. I still work there two days out of the week, but I told them that they would have to pay my new rate and pay me what I was worth. They didn’t like it, but it was non-negotiable. I was obviously prepared to walk (and half-hoping they wouldn’t agree to it, anyway), so they paid me.
If they would have just listened up and avoided frustrating me I’d probably still be there complacently doing all this stuff for the same rate they were paying me for the last 6 years.
Right off, I let them know they weren’t coming first. I told them they should be concentrating on finding my replacement, because if I was offered work that paid more, they were going to take a back-burner. From now on I come first.
Fortune and Glory and Blogging
So with all that said, I don’t want to make it look like I just sailed off into the sunset and everything was cool. I still have to work to make ends meet, but when you’re working for yourself you can ease a lot of the frustrations.
I wouldn’t have been able to pull this off without my blog and without the people I met online who threw work my way.
Things aren’t set up the way I want just yet. I’m working toward the holy grail of “passive income”, but until then my blog serves as a showpiece of what I can do and a place for people to contact me and get to know me.
With 3 days of my week spent solely on my own projects I can really keep moving forward with my own plans, plus get out in the sunshine and enjoy life. And you know what? Those two days at my old job really aren’t so bad now that some ground rules have been laid and I’m earning more.
Life is really starting to look up since I overcame the fear and doubt that kept me paralyzed for 10 years and started believing in myself.
But to put this in perspective: I’m single with no kids, so if I ended up in the gutter then it’s only me that has to pay the price. I know some of you have families that depend on you so you can’t just make a move like that.
Still you can keep planning, keep laying that groundwork on your blogs and niche-sites. Your patience will pay off eventually, especially if you keep making the right connections online on sites like this one.
There’s absolutely no reason it can’t happen.
I don’t want anyone to waste any more time, it just too valuable. I don’t care how old you are, male or female, black, white, green or red. Happiness is out there but we all need to reach out and take it, we can’t expect it to just come knocking on the door and have all the pieces fall into place for us.
Take control and DO it, people.
Thanks a lot for reading my story and just let me know if you have any questions. I’m happy to tell anything you want to know!
JG is an artist, writer, Joomla/Wordpress wrangler and all around capital fellow who prefers his food in sandwich form.
Comics, Sci-fi, Fantasy and tech stuff are what holds his interest. Feel free to contact him with any questions or comments. You can also follow him on Twitter or Facebook.

John Garrett
Hey Steve! Thanks for giving me a chance to tell my story. Things are still moving onward and upward for me so I hope others can enjoy or take something from this.
Steve
My pleasure John, I love this post! You definitely have some interesting stuff going on, so I’m glad you were willing to share it with us.
Benny
I found your site awhile back on a post about “about pages” and Dino said your was the best out there. Naturally I looked and it’s definitely very cool!
(if anyone hasn’t seen it, definitely go see)
You mentioned working on your own projects and working towards passive income. What ways are you working on passive income? What are the projects you work on? I do know you have that WordPress and Twitter guide, which I Just shared to learn how you made the cover. 🙂
Also I remembered before you did customized artwork? I didn’t see the page there for awhile. Did you remove it?
Great post John. Thanks for sharing!
John Garrett
Hey Benny, good to see you again, man!
When it comes to passive income, I’ve been working on some niche sites that are really laser in on a couple of topics I’m passionate about. Hopefully affiliate and ad money will follow with the passion (and hard work, lol).
I’m also working on another ebook, but this one won’t be a technical piece, and it will have more of my comics and such. I think having a product is going to be one of the best ways to keep making that passive income.
My blog has a lot of “long-tail” value for bringing me work. Since I often blog about solving a problem, people searching on those same problems find me, and many of them offer me work to fix the same or similar problems. I’m getting to the point where I’m not really even looking on elance or guru.com for projects anymore.
I will still do customized artwork, but it had to take a backseat to the more lucrative web work for now. I’d love to just draw and do my art all day but I can’t yet command a high enough rate to make that feasible. The day is coming though!!
Thanks for commenting. I know I’ll see you around and feel free to hit me up with any other questions you have.
Benny
Yes product creation is the way to go. You work hard on it however long it takes but if it’s a great product, it’ll market it self for months and even years.
If you need someone to proofread, or get an outsider’s view on your next book, count the number of words in it, anything, let me know. Be willing to help in anyway!
Will see you around for sure.
Patricia@lavender-oil
Hi Steve and John
What a really interesting journey you’ve had. And what a truly talented guy you are. With not only your artwork but being a techie as well 🙂
Now that you don’t have the pressure of full-time paid employment, with all the skills you have to offer, I’m sure you will do well.
Thanks for sharing. Really enjoyed getting to know a bit more about you do.
Patricia Perth Australia
John Garrett
Hey Patricia thanks for commenting! I really appreciate you coming by here to read my story. You’re one of those people I talk about that I’m glad I met online.
Plus without you I’d never know about all the amazing uses of lavender. Seriously people, head over to her blog and check it out, you’ll be amazed! 🙂
Julia Hayes
Hi John, that was one interesting story and boy is it different to what I imagined. I thought you had wife, 2 kids, and a full time job.
Now there’s no reason for you not to come to Oz on that world tour – just have to direct the business your way to make it $$ possible.
Having the ex-employer ask you to come back part time is a story I’ve heard a few times – you feel like kicking yourself that you didn’t wake up to your real value earlier. Having the courage to ‘throw your hat over the wall’ brings big rewards and the less we have to lose, the sooner we should do it. I noticed you commented on Olivia’s post (@ Ben’s site), recommending making a written plan. Did you do that and is that what helped you move on?
John Garrett
Hey Julia, thanks for coming over here and commenting!
Yeah I’m single so I can absorb a certain amount of risk 🙂 I’m sure I’ll make my way to Oz eventually, especially since it seems like many of the cool people I’ve met online are from around there.
Regarding the written plan, at first I actually did not do that. After one of Marlee Ward‘s kick-ass coaching sessions she let me know all the things I should be doing.
It really helps to write this stuff down and honestly acknowledge what your top priorities are. Many times I’ve found that it was something I already knew in my head but was avoiding for some reason.
I’m putting my trip out to Oz on the top of my list!
Justin | Mazzastick
John,
I love hearing stories like this one. Whenever someone realizes their own self-worth and takes action towards either getting paid appropriately or walking out the door,it gives new life to the spirit of self-worth and dignity.
I see a future where there are more people being self-employed and taking their power back.
John Garrett
Hey Justin, yeah too many people are toiling away wasting time all because they think that’s what they’re supposed to do.
These days especially with the web there’s so much opportunity to strike out on your own, all it takes is the will and the drive to see it happen. Thanks for the comment, man!
Melinda
There must be something about 40 that makes us all look and say…what the heck am I doing?! You are so amazingly talented I’m glad you saw your real value and went for it!
John Garrett
yah that’s kind of the magic number, isn’t it? When you’re in your 20’s you say “whatever, I’ll deal with all this stuff later, just let the weekend come so I can get to the club!”
Then later comes and you think “oh crap I never dealt with all that stuff!”
Thanks for commenting Melinda, I always know I can drop by your blog to get a laugh when one is needed 🙂
Marlon @ productivity bits
John,
What I love most in this post is your showing of your character. Sometime what it takes and what most people need is just go out there in the world with audacity and the courage to run away from safety.
Yes that sounds like a Richard Bach line.
John Garrett
Hey Marlon, Richard Bach is cool with me 🙂
Thanks for your support. I agree wholeheartedly that sometimes we have to take those risks and if something is not good, then it’s up to us to step up, toss the dice and then reap the rewards.
Thanks for reading, man!
Jack @ TheJackB
John,
I have a lot of respect for people who are willing to take a risk to try to improve their lives. Keep fighting.
Martin
Had the pleasure to read your story John, and I admire your courage to end your grind and live life on your terms. All I can wish for you is more success and fulfilment with your future endeavours.
Martinsays: Thanks
John Garrett
Thanks Martin, I appreciate the well wishes! I hope others can gain the same courage to act on their dreams. Life is meant to be lived, not toiled away 🙂
Chris
Good for you John, I’m glad you took the plunge and went for it. It sure is great working for oneself – I love it, I had the “opportunity” forced on me years back when the company I slaved for closed up shop and booted us all out the door without even a shiny door prize.
Best thing that ever happened to me.
I’ve enjoyed your blog whenever I’ve had the time to stop by (in one of my many hats) Good luck with your at home adventures. 🙂
John Garrett
Hey Chris that’s how I got the current job! The company called us in one Friday and said “That’s, All Folks!”
I had to scramble to get work, and 10 years later is when I finally woke up. whew!
Thanks for commenting and visiting my blog, I’ll see you around!
Dino Dogan
So here is whats going to happen next.
You will start to work on projects that you have a real drive for, and you wont be working 3 days a week on those, you will spend all your waking hours on those. And it will be glorious 🙂
Congrats dude
John Garrett
Thanks, Dino, and yeah I’m looking forward to some “glorious” projects, lol.
Man, the future’s so bright I gotta wear shades 🙂
Stan Faryna
John,
When you bring it together like you have done, you have something to build on. Honesty, passion, skill and creative talent like yours is a powerful combo.
I’m praying for you.
Stan
Recently on my blog: K-9: AWESOME Hyper-intelligent Eyewear #fanart http://wp.me/pbg0R-dE
John Garrett
Thanks much, Stan. This year has already been a huge year for me, but I don’t pan on stopping now..my master plans are still coming to fruition….bwa-ha-ha-ha-haaaaa!!
Susana
Hi John,
I can relate to spending ten years in cubicle nation. I was a secretary in a law office for that same time. Meanwhile, I moved to another country, still work in something I really don’t like, but I am taking those first small steps in to a more meaningful, enjoyable life.
Good luck to you, be strong and keep smiling,
Susana*
John Garrett
Hi Susana, I can definitely commiserate with you! The best thing is that you’re taking action and making those moves.
Keep planning and learning from the pros out here. Pretty soon I expect to be reading your story on this site 🙂 Thanks for your comment!
Adrienne
Hey John,
Sorry I’m just now making it over here. Been out of pocket all weekend so playing catch up now.
Cool post and congratulations my friend. Love you sharing with us your journey so far. I wish more people would finally wake up and realize that they are worth it. Sure, this economy can scare the heck out of anyone but you know what, your life is worth it. I agree with you, I would have moved back in with my Mom if I had too although it wouldn’t have been my first choice. But when I escaped the corporate world, there was just no way I was going back.
You have such a cool site and you are SO talented. I have NO doubt that those projects will be flooding your way soon, just like Dino said. Hoping this post will help others realize their full potential as well.
Congrats again my friend and good luck! Your future is very bright.
Adrienne
John Garrett
Adrienne it’s such a pleasure as always to hear from you, thanks much for commenting on this and for your encouragement, I got a lot of inspiration from your post on this very site!
Many times we’re made to feel unimportant and sometimes even *told* how unimportant we are. The unfortunate fact is that some of us actually believe it and think it’s just our lot to waste our lives.
No way, man! Hell naw lol.
Let’s keep moving forward, 2011 is not half-over yet, there’s still work to be done and rewards to reap. I’ll be seeing you!
Adrienne
Ah thanks for that John.. And here you are, an inspiration to me! Yep, I knew I liked you for a reason. You are an amazing young man with so much potential and I’m so thankful that you have realized that as well. Now you are going places my friend.
2011 has just started really for many of us, each new day is a new start. So, with each new day may wonderful things continue to happen for you. I’ll be rooting you on, that’s for sure.
See you around my friend. 🙂
John Garrett
LOL well I’m not on that couch yet, Brad, so things are going pretty good for now!
Keep making those plans and biding your time, that’s EXACTLY the way to do it. When you finally break out of that job it will be even more satisfying.
Good luck man and drop me line if you have any questions, etc. Peace!
Delena Silverfox
Hey John!
This is pretty dang awesome, man. You inspire me. =) I completely understand about the soul-sucking grind and the programmed fear. It’s an absolute horror to wake up one day and realize that you’ve actually dedicated your life to a soul-sucking existence without realizing it, and that there are absolutely no fail-safes established for you if you want to leave.
Due to a crazy myriad of circumstances, I’m working for myself and it’s even more horrible than a regular 9-5, but at least my life is my own now. There’s nowhere to go but up.
Good luck with your own business, and you know I totally love your blog. =)
Delena
John Garrett
Hey Delena! Thanks for making it over here 🙂
I’m very glad I could inspire you or others to not give up or give in.
You know, after all this time I’m not sure exactly what you do lol! I’m gonna hit you up, maybe I can help (somehow) to make your own gig less horrible. You’ve got the right attitude though, and that truly, truly counts a ton towards being able to succeed.
Once again thanks for commenting, and I’ll see you out there!
rebdesign
Finding Development of integrated branding programs, logo design and documentation for potential investors? rebdesign.com.au is a brand architect developing visual communication solutions that make strong and lasting impressions on well-defined markets with an eye on commercial reality.
Title Loans
Lovin the complete life story. I believe everything happens for a reason and they all play a part in our pathway. Very inspiring John 🙂
John Garrett
Thanks, that’s exactly what I wanted, was to inspire others to take control and do what they have to do to make their lives better. All the best!
Mitchell Allen
That’s what I’m TALKING about, man! You got to grab that Brass Monkey, take a healthy swig and get to gittiin’!
I’m happy to see more people taking control of their lives. And, don’t count out the family-oriented risk takers (I’m one, with my wife’s blessing). Remember what Robert Kiyosaki’s “Rich Dad” said: “It’s BECAUSE of you kids that I have to be rich!!!”
Onward and Upward my superhero friend!
Cheers,
Mitch
John Garrett
Yeah Mitch! I know you’re doing your thing as well! you told me some of your backstory and I was actually thinking of it when I was making my decisions.
I’m glad to be in such esteemed company, my friend, thanks for commenting!
Mitchell Allen
Wow, that’s what up. I’m glad to be a light for you, man!
Cheers,
Mitch
Libby
Hi John!
Thanks for sharing your story here. I can really relate to that feeling of finally “setting your foot down” and not selling yourself for less than you’re worth. When I first started taking on freelance projects, fresh out of college, I would underprice myself because I was afraid of scaring away clients. Eventually, I got tired of not being paid what I was worth and started charging competitive rates. There have been a few clients who have tried to talk me down or threatened to find a different web designer unless I lowered my rates but I have always “stuck to my guns” (even though it can be pretty nervewracking hoping that you don’t lose the potential client) and you know – I never actually have lost a client because of it! If you know what you’re worth and price yourself accordingly, don’t compromise on it. You’re only hurting/hindering yourself if you do.
Anyways, all that to say – I agree with you. And thanks again for sharing! 🙂