About ten years ago today, I left my day job. I was a full-time lecturer, but in early 2009 I decided to go full-time with my online business (which I built since 2006). I still teach part-time even today, but it’s no longer how I make a living.
In the past ten years, I have built a so-called lifestyle business. Here is the definition from TechTarget:
A lifestyle business is one that is geared toward supporting the owner’s income and personal requirements rather than maximizing revenue. The goal of a lifestyle business is to create a sustainable and pleasant work/life balance… The type of business may also be selected on the basis of personal interest, so that time spent working is enjoyable.
I made the choice to build such a business deliberately. I knew that there were other options out there. But I also knew the kind of lifestyle I wanted. In the end, I decided to build something that could help me achieve that lifestyle.
What I wanted, above all else, was freedom. I’d like to be able to control my time, to choose what to do and when to do it. I’d like to explore my passions and help people through my talents. And I’d like to do all these without having to worry about money.
I’m grateful to say that it has become a reality in the past ten years. I have been able to choose what to do and when to do it. I have been able to explore my passions. But the best part of it is the inner satisfaction that comes from helping people. That makes this journey meaningful.
Sometimes I take this lifestyle for granted; I need to remind myself that it’s something to be grateful for. And I’m still far, far behind in my mission of helping people reach their full potential. I want to get better at it.
I’d like to thank you for being a part of this journey. As I wrote above, being able to help you and others is the best part of this journey.
