My old boss said my plan to freelance was a guaranteed way to fail, but after my car's transmission blew last Tuesday, costing me $2,300, I had to try it anyway.

I used to think needing a steady paycheck was non-negotiable, but this massive, unexpected bill forced me to take on three quick graphic design gigs that covered it in a week, so has anyone else had a major failure push them to finally take a risk they were avoiding?

4 comments

4 Comments

sandra_bennett592mo ago

Isn't it crazy how a disaster can show you what you're actually capable of? I bet your old boss never considered that being forced to find your own work makes you hustle way harder than any regular job. That panic to fix your car probably had you working faster and smarter than you ever did for a salary. Sometimes you need that kick to realize the safe paycheck was just making you comfortable, not actually secure. It sounds like you built a whole new safety net for yourself in just a few days.

the_simon2mo ago

Built a safety net" is a nice way to say I was sweating bullets trying to make rent.

spencer_park261mo ago

Totally get that feeling. My buddy had his work van break down right before a big job. He was scrambling for cash, ended up fixing it himself with parts from a junkyard. That week of pure stress actually pushed him to start charging more for his time. Now he says that broken down van was the best thing that ever happened to his business.

the_linda2mo ago

Man, that's rough about your car. But seriously, good for you for making it work so fast.