Spanky's Place

Four and a half years ago I went to work for the government as a contractor. A little over two years ago I became a permanent government employee. Time goes by, and things change. Wednesday (the 19th) was my last day as a "Fed".

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't going to miss working there. The folks I worked with were really stellar people. The work was interesting & challenging; however they (the Government) are moving in a direction that really isn't where I want to go. Yes, the job was nice & secure. Yes, I could have stuck it out there for as long as I wanted. Yes, I was happy working there.

Life however, isn't about safety & comfort. It is about challenges. It is about taking risks; exploring, and adventure. I turned 42 just a few days ago. As my birthday was approaching (actually, as far back as last November) I began wondering about what it was I was doing with my life. Was I taking risks and enjoying the adventure that is this life; or was I, as many of my high school teachers noted on my report cards, not living up to my potential? As I considered this, I realized that I could very well end up as a sad retired old man who looks back on his life and wonders what might have happened "if I only..."

I do not want to be that man.

An opportunity presented itself to leave the womb-like security of Federal Government employment. Yes, it is risky. Yes, leaving the stability of a government job (and pension) for the roller coaster of the private sector is scary as hell. Especially at 42 years old.

Before Peter walked on water, he had to get out of the boat. Sure, he eventually looked down, floundered, and needed help; but in the end, he was the only disciple who could say "I walked on water."

I want to be like Peter.

So I have stepped out of the boat. I have taken a risk. So far it seems to be working. I may flounder a bit, I may even sink and need to be rescued. But when it comes time for me to look back on my life; I will be able to say "I walked on water."

What about you? When are you going to get out of your boat?

PostScript: If you're interested; I highly recommend this book.

PostScript 2: The fellow in the photo stepped out of his boat and changed the world. Can you name him?