Why I Quit My Job To Work on Open Source
Two days ago, I notified my business partners I would be resigning from the company we own. After tying up some loose ends for the next few weeks, I will be completely unemployed. I am scared but excited.
This is possibly one of the craziest things I've ever done. My job paid me well, and has been a stable source of income during what appears to be the worst recession of my lifetime. The business is doing well, and my partners are close friends with whom I've had a great working relationship. I think most people would be justifiably happy to be in my situation.
But over the last year I've found myself just going through the motions. As we adapted business priorities to match the changing economy, I've felt the value of my contributions to the business diminish, along with the technical challenges I face. I've been taking out more than I put in, and I stopped growing as a programmer. This was unfair to my partners, and to myself. So I decided to get out now before doing any further harm to our friendship or to the enthusiasm that I feel for my profession.
At the moment I have no job and I plan to keep it that way. I am fortunate that, between my wife's job and our savings, I can afford to take 6 months to a year off if need be. My plan for the next year is to improve myself as a programmer by working on open source projects, studying and writing. I'll consider taking jobs if the right opportunity presents itself, but my highest priority is to make the most of this sabbatical by working on the things that I love.
I've always been a firm believer that enthusiasm breeds success, and now it's time to put that belief to the test. It's going to be an interesting year!
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