The Straddlers Diary is a blog of my personal quest to escape the corporate trap that nearly snuffed the life out of the entrepreneurial dreams I’ve had for many years. I invite you to join me on this exciting journey of discovery and success.
Who am I?
I am a 39 year-old technology sales and marketing professional in the consumer electronics industry (currently working in Silicon Valley) who lives in the Pacific Northwest with my beautiful wife and two amazing children.
Though at one time I was “on the fast track”, seduced by the allure of promotions, international travel, and large stock grants- long stretches away from home and 60 hour work weeks have finally given me impetus to alter my career reality for a more balanced and fulfilling life.
The time is now…
It is my observation that there is a growing trend of professionals asking a derivative of the following question, “I’ve achieved many things, but is this it, why don’t I feel fulfilled?” Which tells me I am quite certain that I’m not alone in this quest to experience life as it was intended, free of the restraints that working for anyone but your self brings.
As I travel an average of 60k to 80k miles a year (and have done so for the last 10 years), it is rare to hear passengers sitting in business class, rant about how they wish their companies would keep them out of the office, on the road, and away from their families more than they already do.
No, it’s usually quite the opposite, after the common 5 minute education and career overview, the conversation generally turns to what life would be like “If only…”
“If only I could be home more with my kids to watch them grow up…”
“If only I was home for my kids while they were growing up…”
“If only I could actually enjoy that new sports car I just told you about…”
“If only I could play music with the band I formed 20 years ago in college…”
“If only I could serve more in my local church…”
“If only…”
And the list could go on and on which is why it should be of no surprise that I too have “If only” thoughts.
For this reason, and because I have finally embraced the fact that the answer to bringing balance to my life will not come through another promotion, a different position or even a new employer- I have endeavored to take action!
Why The Straddlers Diary?
Like many of us, I have a mortgage in a not-so-inexpensive area of the Puget Sound, two car loans, and all the usual bills that accompany a family of four who like to do all the activities families do. Additionally, since we’ve chosen for my wife to stay home and raise the kids, any income our family needs can only come from one source, me! Because I’ve promised myself and my family that whatever I do will not have a sever impact on our current standard of living, the usual plan of starting a business through boot-strapping is out of the question.
This means that straddling a full-time job while starting a business venture with the intent of replacing my current (full-time) income is the only way I know of to achieve my lifestyle and income objectives.
However, straddling is not easy. It’s hard enough most days to balance a “regular” job and family life, much less a full-time job, family life, and the incredible demands of a new business. In fact I believe straddling may be one of the most difficult ways to launch a venture. Yet amazingly as I searched the web for useful information to help me get started, I was unable to locate a forum where I could interact with others who are also launching businesses while straddling full-time jobs.
For this reason I chose to create The Straddlers Diary.
It is my hope that the community forming around this site will be the launch pad where dreams, visions and passions explode in new entrepreneurial ventures and exciting business pursuits. I am confident regardless of where you are in your process, we will all stand to benefit from having our friends, peers and fellow business owners cheer on our success and help guide us over the rough spots.
Come join us…
Though I am the instigator of this journey, the strength of community that forms here is up to all of us. For this reason I invite you to become a regular participant reading, posting and commenting, sharing your valuable thoughts and experience.
Mark Alan
Winter 2008
Recent Comments