For two years out of college, I was in a entrepreneurial development program.

On one hand, I had a full-time job. On the other, I met and heard from notable founders, community members, academics – you name it.

The best feature of the program wasn’t being surrounded by 200 other young entrepreneurs or connecting with my city’s best and brightest.

The best feature was that it ended.

After the two year fellowship, I was forced with a decision:

• Accept a promotion within my same company
• Or find a new job

Before I tell you what exactly I did, let’s rewind a few months.

Six months prior, I wrote my own obituary – an incredible exercise to rethink how you’re daily actions align with how you want to live your life.

What my obituary made me realize is that …

I hated working for someone else.
I hated lining the pockets of someone else.
I hated not having freedom over when I work, where I work, and how I work.

So I burned it to the ground.

I didn’t choose either of the two “safe” options given to me (continue with same company or find a new job). Nope.

Instead, I turned down my promotion and 40% raise. And I quit.

Three days later, I started my own business with zero (not exaggerating) plans for the future.

I was lucky. Who else do you know that gets a break in their career like that – a natural adjustment period to decide their next life step?

The only natural break points I know of are:

• College graduation
• Turning 30
• Turning 40

After those periods, you’re expected to hold a job for 20-40 years and retire. That’s the “normal” path.

When else do you get a moment to rethink how you’re life is going and readjust if necessary?

That’s why my obituary exercise was so impactful.

I got the opportunity to adjust my life direction and calibrate my decisions to my actual goals and ambitions. ​

If I had continued down the path I was going, who knows where I would’ve ended up… God knows it wouldn’t be where I am today.

How to create your own break point

You may not have the same break point opportunity I had a few years ago.

If you’re in high school or college, use the period of graduation wisely. Make sure your next step aligns with what you want to do in life.

If you’re past those break points (like me), you can certainly make your own. Here’s how:

• Write your own obituary (instructions here)

If you realize your current daily routine and actions won’t lead you to where you want to be, simply adjust.

• Set a “quitting date” 6 months from now (an actual event and reminder in your favorite calendar app)
• In the 6 months until then, search for remote jobs OR start your own business if you’re entrepreneurial

Life’s too damn short to do things that don’t make us happy. So if you’re not satisfied with your direction, the most noble thing you can do is recalibrate.

I’ll leave you with this:

You have power over your life. It’s just a series of decisions.