Risking It All For A New Grind
Jan

First off, I want to thank everyone who has come to support my relaunch of this blog. I wrote my first post in nearly 2 years recently and have received numerous comments and emails from people offering their support. I am humbled at all the wonderful thoughts you all have shared with me.
The BIG Decision
As many of you know, I spent almost 12 years in the financial services industry and for pretty much all of those years, I was miserable. I’m not unlike many of you who feel trapped in a job you do not like. As a matter of fact, millions upon millions of people detest their jobs and are solely using it as a means to an end.
Unfortunately, that end is often a time where we are too old to truly enjoy our time here. Will we have the same life experiences when we are 65 or 70 as when we are 45 or 50? Of course not.
The thought of growing old while working in a job/career I didn’t like was almost more than I could handle.
Almost.
You see, after allowing myself to stay in the wrong career for faaarrrrr too long, I made a decision. A BIG decision.
I decided that I could no longer tolerate the life I was leading. I couldn’t fool myself for another day into thinking that it was OK to spend 8+ hours of my valuable time doing something that straight up bored me to death.
As Tim Ferriss said in The 4-Hour Workweek, “the opposite of happiness is boredom.” And he is exactly right.
I looked at myself in the mirror every morning as I tied my overpriced JoS. A. Bank tie and thought, “I can’t believe I have to spend the next 8 hours doing this again”.
So on a warm September afternoon, I chose to live life differently. I quit my job to start a new career. And I felt damn good about it.
The Financial Challenge
Now if you think my decision was made easier by the fact that I had a large savings pool from which to draw upon to make the transition easier, you would be incorrect.
You see, I made this jump from finance to fitness with less that $500 in the bank. I had NO back up plan or safety net. For me it was sink or swim and I knew this going in.
You may think I’m foolish or selfish, especially given the fact that I now have a substantial child support and alimony payment in addition to all of my own living costs. And I may be both.
But it was something I had to do.
Most people will never take a risk like this. We are all taught not to take risks, especially financial risks. Leave your great job in this economy?? Unheard of.
And this is the precise reason that the vast majority of people will lead their lives to the tune of someone else. They will accept what life hands them, beg for scraps, rejoice at the 3% COLA raise, and be thankful that they are able to retire at age 67.
Fuck that.
How about we say to hell with the status quo and go after what we love? Why the fuck not?
Can we go broke? Guess what? I’m already there. And it sucks. Badly. I mean really badly.
But so what. Will it always be like this? Hell no because I won’t allow it.
Sure many of my friends and family think I’m an idiot for throwing away a lucrative career but I don’t give a shit. This is MY life and I’m going for it.
I’m already 42 years old and will not spend another year rotting in an office staring at spreadsheets.
In years past, I have received thousands of comments and emails from people asking me for ideas, support, and tips for ending their own personal grinds.
Many of the concerns revolved around money. Actually almost all of them did.
And it’s obviously a valid concern. If you quit your job, you can’t pay your bills and then you’re screwed. Right. We all know that.
But what about that little word “hustle” that Gary Vaynerchuk made so famous in his bestseller, Crush It!?
In a future post, I will be talking a lot about hustle and why it’s imperative to your success as you try to break free from your job.
I will tell you that going from a decent income to just above the poverty line flat out sucks. I was spoiled in the fact that I was able to afford the finer things in life such as cable tv, nice clothes….and food….
Yea, when your income drops by 30% and you still have the same expenses, life gets pretty stressful. And that’s where I am now. I live every day with the stress of not having enough money.
There is the very real possibility that I simply will not have enough money at some point and something will have to give. Will I lose my power? Will I lose my car insurance? Will I lose my apartment?
These are all very real things. Am I scared of these things happening? Of course. But I choose to control my fear by hustling every day to make sure that they don’t happen.
If they say that struggle builds character, then I’m Mickey fucking Mouse because I am deep in the shit.
But the good news is that I know it’s temporary. If I didn’t, then I would never make it. Living in constant fear of being broke/destitute/homeless will scare 95% of you out of attempting to leave your job for a lower paying one, regardless if it’s their passion. People will readily accept mediocraty over uncertainty.
Fear will keep us from doing many things. And we have to ask ourselves if this is how we want to live our lives.
You know my answer..
The Time Challenge
Of course with not having nearly enough money comes the need to hustle. I mean hustle to the point of having your body start to shut down because you’re running on fumes. Hustling to the point that you forget to eat….all day.
Now I’m not saying that this is healthy, because it’s not. I am so fucking ridiculously tired all the time that I’m amazed that I haven’t collapsed into a steaming heap of sweat and man tears.
But I know and you should as well, that if we are going to make a dramatic change in our lifestyle then we must be prepared to do whatever it takes. And if that means getting up at 5 am every day and getting home at 10 pm, then so be it.
I have a running to do list 20 things deep and can never seem to find time to get to it. Every second of my day is accounted for. I simply have no time for anything but hustle.
I don’t even have time to write for this blog. It’s taken me two weeks to write this one post because I cannot find the time to sit for 2 hours, collect my thoughts, and write.
But I make it happen and will continue to make it happen because I love it and I want to share my story and inspire others. I feel as though I need to do this.
And please understand that I’m not complaining at all. It’s brutal on my body but my mind is sharp. I know what I got myself into and I’m going to get out as well. I chose this path and the only one that can make it or break it is me. If I take my eyes off my dreams, then my life will turn into a massive grind. A grind even worse than before.
And I can’t let that happen.
Taking On A New Grind
I want everyone to understand that my ultimate goal is not necessarily doing what I am doing now. Yes, I love fitness and training people. Yes, I love working in a healthy environment and getting to talk about protein and strength training all day. And yes, I really love wearing sweatpants to work every day too!
But this is merely a step on my path to a life lived with freedom. And freedom is something I sure as shit don’t have now.
My days are long. Really fucking long. I get up at 5 am each day to teach boot camp classes or train clients. I then work from 11 or 11:30 am to 9:30 or 10 at night. and I don’t stop moving. Ever.
I am so busy all day that I virtually have no time to eat or go to the bathroom. It’s that crazy.
The good thing is that I really enjoy the work. The bad news is that it’s not sustainable. It can’t be. Our bodies require rest, recuperation, sleep, and proper nutrition to survive. And I am short on all of these things.
And weekends? My weekends are the high point of my life. Not because I get to sit on my couch and watch football (oh wait, I don’t have any tv stations)..
No, my weekends are spent with my 2 young daughters. And while it’s far from relaxing, it’s the absolute best time I have.
Right now, my life is a grind for sure. It’s hard some days to motivate myself to go to work or to get up again at 5 am when it’s 15 degrees outside. But it’s temporary.
I’ve done the hardest part of all this which was making the decision to quit my job to chase my dreams.
And then taking action.
I want every person who reads this post to understand one thing. There is no fucking reason that you cannot live the life you want. If you don’t want my life, that’s fine. If you don’t want to bust your ass until you bleed from your eyes, that’s fine. If you don’t want to do whatever it takes to wake up each day with a purpose, that’s fine too.
But what if you did?

Drew
Thanks again Steve. I just wanted to say thanks again upon reading your latest posting (I’ll probably thank you every time you write one!) I find your story so helpful to me even though our plot lines have different elements. I think it’s pretty clear that your readers are pulling for you and carrying a vision for your health, happiness, peace and success. Cheers brother!
Steve
Drew, I’m happy to hear a “thank you” from someone who has found value in my writing! I can only hope to regain the following I once had and continue to inspire others…
Ruth Zive
Ah, finally, ‘Ending the Grind’ is authentic. You’re no longer speculating, you are doing it. Hustle is key, and in my experience, desperation can be a wonderful motivator. You will achieve ‘freedom’. I’m not sure that freedom necessarily means that (in all cases) you can quit your job or work from home or vacation year round. In my opinion, ‘freedom’ is more so a state of mind. And I think you’re nearly there…
Steve
Ruth,
Yes, I am in the shit! I knew it would be a struggle but not just this much! I am not at the point of financial collapse just yet, but if I don’t stay hyper motivated, I will be!
For me freedom is having control of my time. Right now, I have little control of it. My shift at the gym is tough and wearing me out but I do love the work. I also have a great deal of responsibility and pressure from sales quotas.
I’m just going to keep at it and moving in the right direction..
Steve Rice
Steve…u inspire me. I know things will shift for u soon. It’s impossible to take that kind of action and not start to see momentum begin to build.
Ur story made me realize that I have become a bit lazy in my own life. Poverty isn’t beating down my door (yet) and I have become comfortable with my cable and free weekends.
I need to light a fire under my own ass. Thanks for the kick in the pants. It’s exactly what I need this morning.
Steve
My pleasure, Steve! I know it’s been a long road for you too and I would love to see you really harness all the strengths you possess and absolutely kill it! From what I know about you, I have 100% confidence that you can do it..
Now get off your ass and move!!!
Scott
Steve,
I can totally relate to your statement from Tim Ferris about the opposite of happiness is boredom. Don’t get me wrong, I love the field that I am in (Information Security) but the fire that is within me is much stronger than my J.O.B. I know that I have so much more to offer the world.
As I told you earlier, this is my second go round of making a living online and I am determined to make it work this time. Regardless of lack of sleep, extra time, etc. I will make a difference in this world and in turn be rewarded for all the hard work.
I know that you too have the drive to make a difference. Crush it man!
Scott
Steve
Scott,
You can and will make it, just keep at it and NEVER quit! We both know it’s far from easy to make good money online, but if you sincerely want to create that online business, I believe you will.
It’s interesting to see some of my old blogging friends and the people who were involved in my “Year Of The Grind” project back in 2012. For the most part, they are all dong very well with online business and I can only wonder where I might be had I not stopped for so long..
No regrets though and let’s make 2014 a phenomenal year!
Keshav
Thank you!
Steve
You are welcome!
Andrew
Awesome… I suppose doing what you love makes the hustle much easier.
What are you plans to move forward from the here? Are you thinking about a Fitness Blog or creating a Fitness product that you can sell?
I’m interested in seeing how you are going to take this experience to the next level.
It looks like you are moving forward and I’m sure whatever you decide to will work out.
Steve
Andrew,
Liking my job makes the hustle more enjoyable but definitely not easier! I am running myself into the ground but I feel good about it.
And I do have my fitness blog, RoyFitness.com, which I have used mainly for promoting my bootcamp and personal training services. I’m not sure how I would integrate a fitness product with this blog however…
How would you see that working on this site?
Tom Ewer
I’m totally behind you on this Steve, go for it!
Steve
Thanks my friend! I will gladly take all the support I can get!
Thomas
Wow, this really resonates with me! I was recently laid off after seven years of sitting in a soul draining cubicle working for an insurance corporation. When I was told the news, I felt a huge sense of relief. People thought it was strange I wasn’t upset. When I got home I ran around the house and even did a little dance (Yes, I know- corny). Anyway, I also have a family and we are unable to survive on one salary. We were pretty much breaking even every month, so not much in saving. I sat down to send out resumes but the thought of another “cubicle job” depresses me. I want to do more in life, I want feel passionate about what I am doing. Your story is an inspiration.
Steve
Wow Thomas. Sadly, your story is very common. The good news is that being laid off might very well be the turning point in your life..if you choose to make it that way! I definitely don’t think celebrating or doing a victory dance is corny. You should be elated at the fact that someone else made a decision for you that you were unable to make for yourself in 7 years.
Now just don’t do what 90% of people will do now…run back to more or less the same job and start the cycle all over.
What is it that you are passionate about??
Crystal
You’re just a wee tad younger than I was when I left my health dept. job over 10 years ago and I’ve never looked back. I have not missed it, not even for one second on a ‘bad’ day. So what do I do now to earn a living? Write, edit and quilt (not necessarily in that order). Am I rich? Absolutely! But not in money. My income is low but so are expenses and I have the freedom to hang out with the grandkids on a moment’s notice, so I’m very rich indeed. Continue to follow your passion and you can’t go wrong.
Steve
That’s quite a story, Crystal. I agree that being rich has little to do with money. Having freedom over our time and getting to do the things we most value every day are what really makes us rich. The world needs more people like you and I’m glad you shared with us..
Marvin
Steve, I love love love this blog, I have been reading your blog for a few months now, and this particular entry really really really reached me. I live here in the UK, I am 42, I worked in an office job for 11 years and after years of bitching I finally grew big enough balls to hand in my notice on 2 December 2013. The place was killing me. I’ve had fear attacks since and have had serious periods of self-doubt. But at the same time I have had moments of absolute happiness, knowing that I finally had the courage to walk out after years of threatening.
The final straw was when a friend I was griping to about leaving, said very frankly to me; ‘Marvin I don’t believe you want to leave’… I was stunned, and realized I was all talk. I needed to act
What I love about your blog is that you don’t mince your words. You say it like you feel it, pure directness. My future is uncertain, but isn’t life full of uncertainties? I say take responsibility for your own uncertainties rather than handing them over to an employer only spend the rest of your days doing something that barely interests you. Thank you for coming back to blogging. You have a message that needs to be heard.
Marvin
Steve
Marvin, this comment really blew me away..
I really appreciate the sentiment and love nothing more than to hear that my writing has inspired and/or helped someone.
So tell me what happened after you quit? Are you doing something you like doing now??
Marvin
Well Steve, you shocked me with that question, ‘Are you doing something you ‘like’ doing now. Well After leaving, I have actually found it a little harder than anticipated to find work. There is opportunity to work for the previous health organisation as a ‘casual’ worker, but I’m not sure, I feel it is a step backward, I don’t know. The first week of the new year I spent practicing at the piano in preparation for a Jazz Piano workshop which took place at the end of that week, and yes, I absolutely loved it, being immersed in the music and being with like minded people who understand your enthusiasm is so empowering. Then I worked a further 3 weeks casual, took two more weeks off, one week to give to music, and another week to investigate possibilities for online business, back at work this week again… I am still unsure about what I really would love to do, and whether I really have the guts to actually go for it.. it’s really confusing. Lots of fear has come up, BUT, i’m also discovering some home truths about why I stuck in the job for so long. What a learning curve as I’m sure you’ll agree
Steve
Marvin,
That’s an interesting path you’ve taken so far. I struggled with what I wanted to do for many years and yes, it is very confusing. It sounds like you love music, so why not start there. Can you teach it? Can you make decent money playing? How about video tutorials? I have a friend who makes HUGE money teaching tennis via video courses.
I’d like to hear how things progress for you.
marvin
Hi Steve… thanks for your encouragement. Day by day I come face to face with my fears. Okay, I am setting up a website and have just become a beginning affiliate for a couple of self help oriented companies. about the teaching, yes, it dropped on my head a day or so before you mentioned it. Though I don’t have ‘formal’ training, I am pretty confident with my music theory after years of personal delving into music, even having a deeper understanding than my fellow Masterclass mates who went through the ‘formal classical’ training… so this gives me a little confidence, I am trying to find out how to go about spreading the word to start off teaching, A cousin of mine is in a band and teaches and loves it. My sister (she pushes me constantly) gave me the cousin’s number and I just have to ring her to get her advice about teaching… still scared as hell.. I’ve discovered that the road to creating your own destiny is full of frustrations, no, things don’t just fall into your lap or come knocking on the door… I could never have known this had I let my fear paralyze me from getting out… will keep you posted Steve.. thanks again
Steve
This is a big step in the right direction, Marvin. Good for you! If you truly do have a passion for this,then you need to make it happen. Yes, doing your own thing is scary as shit and taking that first step is critical.
You’ll have days you are sure you’ll fail and want to quit. don’t. Keep moving forward little by little. Eventually you will have enough confidence that you will see the big picture.
Let me know how things progress..
Sebastian Aiden Daniels
I hope things have become easier since you wrote this post. I didn’t realize you were working so much along with doing this blog. I can’t imagine that stress.
That is also ballsy of you to quit with that much money. I would do the same thing. I know that your friends and family questioning your choice is their way of worrying and at the same time I wonder if some of it is fear? You quit and found great success doing something you loved. You took the risk. They played it safe and didn’t and are stuck in the grind. They might not be conscious of it, but I can see that possibly coming up.