When I was very early in my career, I worked with a bitter old man named George. As I slowly got to know him, we occasionally would go to lunch. One day, George told me his story.
When he was young and married with small children he got together with his next door neighbor to investigate a business opportunity. They were hooked. George and his neighbor made plans to beg, borrow and second mortgage every dime they could get their hands on. They would open a fast food store and have the exclusive franchise rights for all of Pittsburg. Final plans were made. They would start construction and eventually quit their safe, stable jobs and manage their first store.
The night before the papers were to be signed, the wives got together and torpedoed the venture. No way they would allow their husbands to take such a risk. The dream died that night. George’s dream died.
Of course I had to ask, “What was the name of this new fast food franchise that you would have had exclusive rights for all of Pittsburgh?”
George sighed sadly and replied, “McDonald’s”
Then he leaned forward, steel in his eyes and in a strong steady voice offered, “Once in your life, your chance will come. Grab it! Never let anyone talk you out of it.”
I have never clearly seen that once in a lifetime opportunity. Sure, I almost bought Apple at $12, I thought about mining Bitcoin when it first started. But I never felt passionate about it. I talked myself out of it.
But now here we are, 180 days away from my opportunity to become a full-time writer and beach bum. With a wife fully up for the risk. Thankfully, my Michigan dream is her Michigan dream.